Section 3 – Maintenance
Recreational Vehicle Generator
3.5CHECKING THE ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
Clean the spark plug and reset the spark plug gap every 100 hours of operation.
1.Clean the area around the base of the spark plug to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. Clean by scraping or washing using a wire brush and commercial solvent. Do not blast the spark plug to clean.
2.Remove the spark plug and check the condition. Replace the spark plug if worn or if reuse is questionable.
3.Check the spark plug gap using a wire feeler gauge. Adjust the gap to 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) by carefully bending the ground electrode (Figure 3.4).
Sparking can occur if the wire terminal does not fit firmly on the spark plug terminal end. If nec- essary,
Figure 3.4 – Setting the Spark Plug Gap
3.6FUEL FILTER (GASOLINE ONLY)
Remove and replace the fuel filter (Figure 3.5) once each year or every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
Figure 3.5 – Fuel Filter
Fuel Filter
3.7SPARK ARRESTOR MUFFLER
If the generator is not equipped with a spark arrestor exhaust muffler and is to be used on any forest covered, brush covered or grass covered unimproved land, a spark arrestor may need to be installed. The spark arrestor must be maintained in effective working order by the vehicle owner/operator.
For assistance in ordering, installing and maintaining spark arrestor exhaust mufflers, contact the nearest Authorized Service Dealer.
Exhaust mufflers supplied by the manufacturer are spark arrestor types. The manufacturer's exhaust mufflers for recreational vehicle generators do not have a spark arrestor screen, but are of the more efficient “toroid” or “swirl” type. To remove carbon and combustion deposits from such mufflers, remove the plug from the muffler and run the engine for approximately 15 minutes. Shut down the engine, let the muffler cool and install the plug.
Be sure to reinstall the muffler plug tightly. Engine vibration could cause a loose plug to fall out. Without the plug in place, hot engine exhaust is directed out the opening. This hot exhaust, depending on the installation, could be directed to areas not able to withstand the extreme heat such as wooden floor boards or other flammable material. This could result in a fire.
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 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.
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.
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