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20 www.honeywellgenerators.com HW4000/HW4000L Portable Electrical Generator Owner’s Manual
Engine Fuel
Before each use, check fuel gauge on fuel tank.
If fuel level is low, refill tank with recommended fuel.
NEVER OVERFILL.
Fuel Recommendations
Check fuel gauge located on the top of generator near fuel
tank and refill tank if fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to
avoid spilling fuel. Do not fill above the shoulder of fuel
strainer. Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating
of 87 or higher.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt or water in the fuel tank. Always keep fuel strainer in
place while refueling.
Oxygenated Fuels
At certain times of the year, some U.S. locations may have
only oxygenated fuel available. Oxygenated fuel is
blended with alcohol or other additives to increase octane
quality, enhance combustion, and reduce exhaust emis-
sions.
Some areas of the United States use oxygenated fuels to
help meet clean air standards.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, ensure pump octane rat-
ing is 87 or higher.
Some states (and provinces in Canada) require this infor-
mation to be posted on the fuel pump. If you notice unde-
sirable operating symptoms, switch to a conventional
unleaded gasoline.
Adding Fuel
1. Stop generator if engine is running. Allow to com-
pletely cool.
2. Place the generator on a flat, level surface.
3. Remove fuel tank cap.
4. Slowly pour gasoline into fuel tank. Be careful not to
overfill.
5. Reinstall fuel tank cap and fully tighten.
6. Confirm fuel valve is in the ON position.
NOTE:
Occasional, light spark knock, "pinging", or rattling noise
is normal while operating under heavy loads. If spark
knock, pinging, or rattling occurs at a steady engine
speed, under normal load, drain fuel (page 26) and refill
with fresh gasoline. If noise persists, see an authorized
generator dealer.
Fuel and fuel vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive under certain conditions.
• Refuel generator only outdoors, in a well-ventilated
area.
• NEVER fill fuel tank while engine is running. Turn gen-
erator OFF and allow to cool before filling with fuel.
• NEVER smoke or allow flames or sparks near genera-
tor or where gasoline is stored.
• NEVER overfill fuel tank (no fuel should be in filler
neck). After refueling, be sure fuel tank cap is closed
properly and securely.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel
or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, be sure
area is dry before starting engine.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or
breathing of vapor.
NOTICE
Oxygenated fuels can damage paint and plastic. Be careful
not to spill fuel when filling fuel tank. Damage caused by
spilled fuel is not covered under warranty.
DANGER
TABLE 3. Oxygenated Fuel Types
Ethanol
(ethyl or grain
alcohol)
Gasoline containing more than 10%
ethanol by volume may cause starting
or performance problems. Gasoline
containing ethanol may be marketed
under the name "Gasohol".
Methanol
(methyl or wood
alcohol)
Gasoline containing methanol must
contain co-solvents and corrosion
inhibitors to protect fuel system. Gas-
oline containing more than 5% meth-
anol by volume may cause starting
and/or performance problems and
may damage metal, rubber and plas-
tic parts of fuel system.
MTBE
(methyl tertiary
butyl ether)
You can use gasoline containing up to
15% MTBE by volume.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to engine, never use stale or contaminated
gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in
fuel tank.
Use fresh gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 or
higher.
FIGURE 33: Fuel Level
NOTICE
Running engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can
cause engine damage. Warranty does not cover parts dam-
aged by misuse.