12
3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE
DANGER
When working on the generator, always
disconnect negative cable from battery. Also
disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
keep wire away from spark plug.
3.3.4 CHECKING OIL LEVEL
See the “Before Starting the Generator” section for information on
checking the oil level. The oil level should be checked before each
use, or at least every eight hours of operation. Keep the oil level
maintained.
3.3.5 CHANGING THE OIL
Change the oil after the first 30 hours of operation. Change the
oil every 100 hours or every season thereafter. If running this
unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather,
change the oil more often.
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.
Use the following instructions to change the oil while the engine
is still warm:
Clean area around oil drain plug.•
Remove oil drain plug from engine and oil fill plug to drain oil • completely into a suitable container.
When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and • tighten securely.
Fill oil sump with recommended oil. (See “Before Starting the • Generator” for oil recommendations).
Wipe up any spilled oil.•
Dispose of used oil at a proper collection center.•
3.3.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Use Champion RC14YC spark plug or equivalent. Replace the
plug once each year. This will help the engine start easier and
run better.
1. Stop the engine and pull the spark plug wire off of the spark
plug.
2. Clean the area around the spark plug and remove it from the
cylinder head.
3. Set the spark plug's gap to 0.70-0.80 mm (0.028-0.031 in.).
Install the correctly gapped spark plug into the cylinder head
(Figure 17).
Figure 17 - Spark Plug Gap
3.3.7 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
NOTE:
The battery shipped with the generator has been fully charged.
A battery may lose some of its charge when not in use for
prolonged periods of time. If the battery is unable to crank the
engine, plug in the 12V charger included in the accessory box
(see the Charging a Battery section). RUNNING THE GENERATOR
DOES NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY.
The NEGATIVE battery terminal should:
1. Always be DISCONNECTED FIRST.
2. Always be CONNECTED LAST.
Figure 18 - Battery Connections
NEGATIVE BATTERY
CABLE (BLACK)
NUT
LOCK WASHER
CABLE BOOT
FLAT WASHER
POSITIVE BATTERY
CABLE (RED)
SCREW
(BLACK)
Section 3 — Maintenance
Portable Generator System