Section 3 – Maintenance
PRIMEPACT 50 and 70 (50Hz) Recreational Vehicle Generators
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 bat- tery for several hours after charging. The slightest spark can ignite the gas and cause an explosion. 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 equipment near the battery. Discharge static electricity from your body before touch- ing the battery by first touching a grounded metal surface.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. The following precautions 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.
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.
To obtain a service manual for your generator, con- tact Generac or your nearest Generac Authorized Service Dealer. Make sure to identify your MODEL NUMBER and SERIES.
The engine drives the generator rotor by means of a pulley and drive belt arrangement. The drive belt and pulleys are warranted for the life of the generator. Drive belt tension was properly adjusted before the unit was shipped from the factory. If you suspect that drive belt tension is incorrect, contact a Generac Authorized Service Dealer.
Generac recommends that you start and operate the generator at least once every seven days. Let the unit run for at least 30 minutes to “exercise” the engine.
If you cannot exercise the generator every seven days, and it is to be out of service longer than 30 days, pre- pare the generator for storage as follows:
1.Start the engine and let it warm up.
2.Close the fuel shutoff valve in the fuel supply line and allow the unit to shut down.
3.While the engine is still warm from running, drain the oil completely. Refill the crankcase with SAE
4.Attach a tag to the engine indicating the viscosity and classification of the oil in the crankcase.
5.Remove the spark plug and pour two or three tablespoons of clean, fresh engine oil into the spark plug threaded openings. Reinstall and tighten the spark plug.
6.Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry room on a wooden board. Never store the battery on any concrete or earthen floor.
7.Clean and wipe the entire generator.
14 Generac® Power Systems, Inc.