Section 2 – Operation

Recreational Vehicle Generator

2.4BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

NOTE:

Instructions and information in this manual assume the generator has been properly installed, connected, serviced, tested and adjusted by a qualified installation technician or installation contractor.

‹2.4.1 INSTALLATION

Generator installation must have been properly completed so it complies with all applicable codes, standards and regulations and with the manufacturer's recommendations.

NOTE

Be sure the installation complies with all standards and codes listed in the "Standards Booklets" section of this manual.

‹2.4.2 ENGINE LUBRICATION

Have the engine crankcase properly serviced with the recommended oil before starting. Refer to the "Engine Oil Requirements" section and "Checking the Engine Oil Level" and "Changine the Engine Oil and/or Oil Filter" sections for oil servicing procedures and recommendations.

Any attempt to crank or start the engine before it hase been properly serviced with the recom- mended oil may result in an engine failure.

‹2.4.3 FUEL SUPPLY

The engine must have an adequate supply of proper fuel to oper- ate. Before starting it, check that sufficient fuel is available.

NOTE:

Depending on the installation, the generator may have either a separate fuel tank, or it may “share” the vehicle engine’s fuel tank.

DANGER

Generator engine exhaust contains DEADLY carbon Monoxide, an odorless, colorless poi- sonous gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause: dizziness, throbbing temples, nausea, muscular twitching, headache, vomiting, weak- ness and sleepiness, inability to think clearly, fainting, unconsciousness or even death. If you experience any carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, move into fresh air and immediately seek medical attention.

Never operate the generator set with the vehicle inside any garage or other enclosed area.

Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is critical for expelling toxic car- bon monoxide gas and fuel vapors from the generator compartment and for proper genera- tor operation. Without sufficient cooling airflow, deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate and the engine/generator may quickly overheat, causing serious damage to the generator. Do not operate the genset in any confined space.

The exhaust system must be installed in accor- dance with the genset installation manual. Do not alter the installation or permit even partial blockage of ventilation systems, as this can seriously affect the safe and proper operation of the generator.

Do not operate the generator if the exhaust sys- tem is leaking or has been damaged or if you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms during use. Shut down the generator and do not operate it until it has been inspected and/or repaired.

Never sleep in the vehicle while the genset is running unless the vehicle has a working carbon monoxide detector.

‹2.4.4 COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR

Air inlet and outlet openings in the generator compartment must be open and unobstructed for continued proper operation. Without sufficient cooling and ventilating airflow, the engine/generator quickly overheats, which causes it to shut down and may damage the generator.

‹2.4.5 ENGINE EXHAUST GAS

Before starting the generator engine, be sure there is no way for Before starting the generator engine, inspect for exhaust leaks and ensure there is no way for exhaust gases to enter the vehicle interior and endanger people or animals. Close windows, doors and other openings in the vehicle that, if open, might permit exhaust gases to enter the vehicle.

2.5STARTING THE GENERATOR

NOTE:

Read the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. The owner/ operator should become familiar with the vehicle in which this generator is installed. Differences exist between vehicles. For example, some vehicles may use a transfer switch to isolate dockside power from the generator, while other vehicles may use an isolating receptacle. Some vehicles may be equipped with a DC converter, which allows the generator to power certain DC lighting and other DC loads.

To start the generator from either the generator control panel or from the optional remote panel, proceed as follows:

1.Turn OFF electrical loads using the means provided in the vehicle (such as a main line circuit breaker or transfer switch).

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