Generator Maintenance

Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean. Operate the unit in an environment where it will not be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors. Cooling air louvers on the enclosure must not become clogged with snow, leaves, or any other foreign material. To prevent generator damage caused by overheating, keep the enclosure cooling inlets and outlets clean and unobstructed at all times.

Check the cleanliness of the unit frequently and clean when dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign substances are visible on its exterior/interior surface. Inspect the air inlet and outlet openings inside and outside the enclosure to ensure air flow is not blocked.

DO NOT use direct spray from a garden hose to clean generator. Water can enter the engine and generator and cause problems.

Engine Maintenance

The maintenance of an engine and related components are critical to its operating performance and lifespan. Industrial engines operate in an environment that often include hot and cold temperatures and extreme dust. The recommended maintenance schedule is listed in this section, however, environmental operating conditions and additional installed equipment may require more frequent inspection and servicing. The owner and/or authorized service technician should review the operating conditions of the equipment to determine the inspection and maintenance intervals. Proper engine cooling and lubrication are very important, so pay particular attention to these matters.

Engine Oil

The engine is shipped from the factory pre-run and filled with non-synthetic oil (API SL 10W-30). This allows for system operation in a wide range of temperature and climate conditions.

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS

 

 

 

 

FOR THE BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST

 

 

 

 

SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE

Cleaning the Generator

 

HOT WEATHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

IF NEITHER SAE 10W-30

NOTICE  Improper treatment of generator can damage it

 

 

 

 

NOR SAE 15W-40 GRADE

 

 

 

 

OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT

and shorten its life.

 

 

 

 

 

TEMPERATURES ABOVE 4

 

 

 

 

 

DEGREES C (40F), SAE 40

•

DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust,

 

 

 

 

GRADE AY BE USED AT

 

 

 

 

TEMPERATURES ABOVE 27

 

dirt, or corrosive vapors.

 

 

 

 

 

DEGREES C (80F).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.

 

 

 

 

DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADE OIL OR ANY OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADE NOT RECOMMENDED

 

1. Turn the generator off.

 

 

 

 

SAE 15W-40

40°F (4°C)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAE 10W-30

 

 

2. Remove 15 Amp fuse from control board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFERRED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Clean generator as desired.

 

COLD WEATHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

Use a damp cloth to wipe exteri su faces clean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT

 

Oil Recommendation

 

 

•

Use a soft, bristle brush to lo sen caked on dirt, etc.

 

 

• Use a vacuum cleaner to pickforup loose dirt and debris.

Select and engine oil viscosity that will best match the

 

• Use low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) to blow

prevailing daytime temperature.

 

 

The oil must meet GM specification 9986231. Motor oils

 

 

away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPRODUCTIONmeeting this spec receive the API (American Petroleum

 

 

the generator. These openings must be kept clean and

Institure) starburst symbol:

 

 

 

unobstructed.

 

 

 

 

 

It is noted that the GF-4 oils are also “backward compatible”

 

4. Reinstall 15 Amp fuse in control board.

 

and are equal or better than previous grades of oil in all

 

5. Turn the generator on and place in AUTO mode.

aspects.

 

Synthetic Oils

Synthetic Oils have been available for use in industrial engines for a relatively long period of time and may offer advantages in cold and hot temperatures. However, it is not known if synthetic oils provided operational or economic benefits over conventional petroleum-based oils in industrial engines. Use of synthetic oils does not permit the extension of oil change intervals.

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