Section 3 — Maintenance
3.3 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty of the generator does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the generator as instructed in this manual.
3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE
DANGER! When working on the generator, always disconnect negative cable from battery. Also disconnect spark plug wires from spark plug and keep wire away from spark plug.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain the generator.
All adjustments in the Maintenance section (3) of this manual should be made at least once each season. Follow the requirements in the "Maintenance Schedule" chart on page 14.
NOTE: Once a year you should replace the spark plug and replace the air filter. A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper
3.3.1 GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean and dry. Operate and store the unit in a clean dry environment where it will not be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors. Cooling air slots in the generator must not become clogged with snow, leaves, or any other foreign material.
Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and clean when dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign substances are visible on its exterior surface.
CAUTION! Never insert any object or tool through the air cooling slots, even if the engine is not running.
Note: DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator. Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause problems. In addition, if water enters the generator through cooling air slots, some water will be retained in voids and crevices of the rotor and stator winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the generator internal windings will eventually decrease the insulation resistance of these windings.
3.3.4 CHECKING OIL LEVEL
See the “BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR” section on page 10 for information on checking the oil level. The oil level should be checked before each use, or at least every eight hours of operation. Keep the oil level maintained.
3.3.5 CHANGING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Change the oil and filter after the first eight hours of operation. Change the oil every 100 hours thereafter. If you are running this unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.
Use the following instructions to change the oil while the engine is still warm:
•Clean area around oil drain hose and plug.
•Remove oil drain plug from end of hose and oil fill plug to drain oil completely into a suitable container.
•When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
•Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Discard according to local regulations.
•Coat gasket of new filter with clean engine oil. Turn filter clockwise until gasket contacts lightly with filter adapter. Then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
•Fill oil sump with recommended oil. (See “Before Starting the Generator” on page 10 for oil recommendations).
•Wipe up any spilled oil.
3.3.2 TO CLEAN THE GENERATOR
•Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
•A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc.
•A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and debris.
•Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on the generator. These openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.
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