Section 3 – Maintenance
Recreational Vehicle Generator
2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2.10.1 ATTENTION REQUIRED AFTER SUBMERSION
If the recreational vehicle generator has been submerged in water, it MUST NOT be started and operated. Following any submersion in water, have an Authorized Service Dealer thoroughly clean and dry the generator.
2.10.2 OPERATION IN HIGH GRASS OR BRUSH
Never operate the generator while the vehicle is parked over high grass, weeds, brush, leaves or any other combustible substance. Such materials can ignite and burn from the heat of the exhaust system. The generator exhaust system becomes extremely hot during operation and remains hot for a long time after it has shut down.
2.10.3 EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND DIRT
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 moisture 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.
3.1CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
For oil capacities and requirements, see section “Engine Oil Requirements”. Check the engine crankcase oil level at least every eight hours of operation, or before use. To check the engine oil level, proceed as follows (see Figure 3.1):
1.Be sure the generator is as level as possible.
2.Remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a clean,
3.Install and tighten the dipstick cap; then, remove it again. The oil level should be at the dipstick “Full” mark.
4.If necessary, remove the oil fill cap on the rocker cover and slowly add oil until it reaches the dipstick “Full” mark. DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE “FULL” MARK.
Never operate the engine with the oil level below the “Add” mark on the dipstick. Doing this could damage the engine.
5.Install and tighten the oil fill cap and the dipstick before oper- ating the engine.
3.2CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL AND/OR OIL FILTER
Hot oil may cause burns. Allow engine to cool before draining oil. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin exposure with used oil. Thoroughly wash exposed areas with soap.
•Change the engine oil after the first 25 hours of operation. Thereafter, change the oil every 100 operating hours. Change the oil more frequently if operating consistently under heavy load or at high ambient temperatures.
Figure 3.1 – Oil Maintenance Features
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