Cleaning the Generator, Battery Maintenance

Section 3 – Maintenance

QUIETPACT™ 65D Recreational Vehicle Generator

Figure 3.3 – Spark Arrestor

Muffler Maintenance

3/8" NPT HEX PIPE CAP

•Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries and, if necessary, fill with Distilled Water Only. Do not use tap water in batteries.

•Have the state of charge and condition checked by a Generac Authorized Service Dealer.

NOTE:

Servicing of the battery is to be performed or supervised by knowledgeable personnel, accord- ing to the required precautions. Keep unautho- rized personnel away from batteries.

Damage will result if the battery connections are made in reverse.

GASKET

ACCESS PLATE

3.5CLEANING THE GENERATOR

Keep your generator as clean and as dry as possible. Dirt and moisture that accumulate on internal gener- ator windings have adversely affect insulation resis- tance.

Periodically, clean the generator’s exterior surfaces. A soft brush may be used to loosen caked-on dirt. You can use a vacuum system or dry, low-pressure air to remove any accumulations of dirt. The generator is housed inside an all-weather enclosure; clean the enclosure with a soft, damp cloth or with sponge and water.

Once each year, have the generator cleaned and inspected by a Generac Authorized Service Dealer. Service technicians will use dry, low-pressure air to clean internal windings. Parts inside the control con- sole should be cleaned and inspected at this time, as well.

Finally, have the insulation resistance of stator and rotor windings checked. If insulation resistances are excessively low, the generator may require drying.

Do NOT use a forceful spray of water to clean the generator. Water will enter the generator interior and cause problems, and may also contaminate the generator fuel system.

3.6BATTERY MAINTENANCE

All lead-acid batteries will discharge when not in use. The generator battery should be inspected per the “Service Schedule,” Section 3.13 (Page 16). The fol- lowing procedure should be used for inspection:

•Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness and corrosion. Tighten and clean as necessary.

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The battery is capable of exploding. Storage batter- ies release explosive hydrogen gas. This gas can form an explosive mixture around the battery for several hours after charging. The slightest spark can ignite the gas and cause an explo- sion. Such an explosion can shatter the battery and cause blindness or other injury. Any area that houses a storage battery must be properly ventilated. Do not allow smoking, open flame, sparks, or any spark-producing tool or equip- ment near the battery. Discharge static electrici- ty from your body before touching the battery by first touching a grounded metal surface.

A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and high short-circuit current. The following precau- tions are to be observed when working on bat- teries:

•Remove watches, rings, and other metal objects;

•Use tools with insulated handles;

•Wear rubber gloves and boots;

•Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the battery;

•Disconnect any charging source prior to connect- ing, or disconnecting, battery terminals; and

•Do not use any jumper cables or booster battery to crank and start the generator engine. If any bat- tery has discharged, remove it for recharging.

Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte has been known to be harmful to the skin and eyes, and to be toxic.

The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically conductive and corrosive. The following procedures are to be observed:

• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;

Generac® Power Systems, Inc. 13