Engine Maintenance
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR GENERATOR
•Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK
•Use approved spark plug tester.
•DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.
Oil Recommendations
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Warranty Certified oils for best performance. Other
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected.
* Below 40°F (4°C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
**Above 80°F (27°C) the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC
certification mark and API service symbol with
“SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING” or higher, is an
acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic 
oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least every 8 hours of operation. Keep oil level maintained.
1.Make sure generator is on a level surface.
2.Clean area around oil fill and remove oil fill cap.
3.Verify oil is at the point of overflowing at oil fill opening.
4.Replace and tighten oil fill cap.
Adding Engine Oil
1.Make sure generator is on a level surface.
2.Check oil level as described in Checking Oil Level.
3.If needed, slowly pour oil into oil fill opening to the point of overflowing at oil fill.
4.Replace and tighten oil fill cap.
Changing Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first 5 hours of operation. Change oil every 50 hours thereafter. If you are using your generator under extremely dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.
CAUTION
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with used motor oil.
•Used motor oil has been shown to cause skin cancer in certain laboratory animals.
•Thoroughly wash exposed areas with soap and water.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DON’T
POLLUTE. CONSERVE RESOURCES. RETURN
USED OIL TO COLLECTION CENTERS.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from running, as follows:
1.Make sure unit is on a level surface.
2.Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
3.Clean area around oil drain plug (A). The oil drain plug is located at base of engine, opposite carburetor.
A | C | B |
4.Remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely into a suitable container.
5.Reinstall oil drain plug and tighten securely. Remove oil fill cap.
6.Slowly pour oil (about 28 oz.) into oil fill opening (B) to the point of overflowing (C) at oil fill cap. DO NOT overfill.
7.Reinstall oil fill cap. Finger tighten cap securely.
8.Wipe up any spilled oil.
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