Generac Power Systems 004700-00 Cleaning the Generator, Battery Maintenance, ‹ 3.9.1 Weekly

Section 3 – Maintenance

Recreational Vehicle Generator

3.8CLEANING THE GENERATOR

Keep the generator set as clean and dry as possible. Protect the unit against excessive dust, dirt, corrosive vapors, road splash, etc. Permitting dirt and mois- ture to accumulate on generator windings will have an adverse effect on the insulation resistance of those windings.

When moisture is allowed to remain in contact with windings, some of the moisture will be retained in voids and cracks in the insulation. This causes a reduced insulation resistance and will eventually cause problems. Dirt will make the problem worse, since dirt tends to hold moisture in contact with windings. Salt (as from sea air) also will worsen the problem since it tends to absorb moisture from the air. Salt and moisture, when combined, form a good electrical conductor which can be damaging to the generator windings.

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

3.9BATTERY MAINTENANCE

All lead-acid batteries will discharge when not in use. The generator battery should be inspected as follows:

DANGER

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The battery is capable of exploding. Storage batter- ies give off 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 tools or equip- ment near the battery. Discharge static electric- ity from 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 pre- cautions are to be observed when working on batteries:

•Remove watches, rings or 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 connecting or disconnecting battery terminals; and

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

‹3.9.1 WEEKLY

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

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

‹3.9.2 EVERY SIX MONTHS

•Have the state of charge and condition checked. This should be done with an automotive-type bat- tery hydrometer.

NOTE:

Servicing of the battery is to be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable of batter- ies and the required precautions. Keep unauthor- ized personnel away from batteries.

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

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;

•Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off immediately with water;

•Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thoroughly and immediately with water and seek medical attention; and

•Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) or water. The bicar- bonate of soda solution is to be added until the evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the area dried.

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