Section 4 — Maintenance
Guardian
4.2COOLING SYSTEM
Air intake and outlet openings in the generator com- partment must be open and unobstructed for contin- ued proper operation. This includes such obstruc- tions as high grass, weeds, brush, leaves and snow.
Without sufficient cooling and ventilating air flow, the engine/generator quickly overheats, which causes it to shut down. (See Section 7 for installation drawings and vent locations.)
The exhaust system parts from this product get extremely hot and remains hot after shutdown. High grass, weeds, brush, leaves, etc. must remain clear of the exhaust. Such materials may ignite and burn from the heat of the exhaust system.
4.3OVERLOAD PROTECTION FOR
ENGINE DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine cranking, start up and running are controlled by a solid state Engine Controller circuit board. Battery voltage is delivered to that circuit board via a 15 amp fuse. These overcurrent protection devices will open if the circuit is overloaded.
If a circuit breaker opens or a fuse element
!melts, find the cause of the overload before resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse.
4.4CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
4.4.1 CHECK ENGINE OIL
Check engine crankcase oil level (Figure 4.1) at least every 20 hours of operation, or prior to use.
•Remove oil dipstick and wipe dry with a clean,
•Install oil dipstick, then remove again.
•Oil should be between FULL and ADD marks.
•If oil level is below the dipstick ADD mark, remove oil fill cap. Add the recommended oil to bring oil level up to the FULL mark. DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE “FULL” MARK. See Section 1.14 for recom- mended oils.
Figure 4.1 - Oil Dipstick and Oil Fill Cap
OIL DIPSTICK
4.4.2 BATTERY FLUID
Check battery electrolyte fluid at least once weekly. Fluid should cover separators in all battery cells. If fluid level is low, add distilled water to cover tops of separators. DO NOT USE TAP WATER IN BATTERY.
4.4.3 ENGINE COOLANT
Check coolant level in coolant recovery bottle. See Specifications, Section 1.10.
•Add recommended coolant mixture as necessary.
•Periodically remove radiator pressure cap to make sure the coolant recovery system is functioning properly. Coolant should be at bottom of radiator filler neck. If coolant level is low, inspect gasket in radiator pressure cap. Replace cap, if necessary. To have pressure cap tested, contact an authorized Generac Service Dealer. Inspect cooling system and coolant recovery system for leaks.
4.5MAINTENANCE OWNER/ OPERATOR CAN PERFORM
4.5.1 CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Refer to “Checking Fluid Levels” in Section 4.4.
4.5.2 CHECK BATTERY
•Check battery fluid level each week as outlined under “Check Fluid Levels”.
•Check battery cables for condition, tightness, cor- rosion or damage. Clean, tighten or replace as necessary.
4.5.3 EXERCISE SYSTEM
Start the generator engine at least once every seven days and let it run at least 20 minutes. See Section 3.5, “Weekly Exercise Cycle”.
Generac® Power Systems, Inc. 15