13
3.4 SERVICE AIR CLEANER
The engine will not run properly and may be damaged if using a
dirty air cleaner. Clean or replace the air cleaner paper filter once
a year (Figure 19). Clean or replace more often if operating under
dusty conditions.

Figure 19 - Air Cleaner

AIR FILTER
COVER
To clean or replace paper air filter:
Remove air cleaner cover and remove paper filter.•
Clean paper filter by tapping it gently on a solid surface. If the •
filter is too dirty, replace it with a new one. Dispose of the old
filter properly.
Clean air cleaner cover, then insert new paper filter into the base •
of the air cleaner. Re-install air cleaner cover.
NOTE:
To order a new air filter, please contact the nearest authorized
service center at 1-800-333-1322.
3.5 CLEAN SPARK ARRESTOR SCREEN
The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrestor screen. Inspect
and clean the screen at least once each year (Figure 20). If unit is
used regularly, inspect and clean more often.
NOTE:
If using the generator on any forest-covered, brush-covered
or grass-covered unimproved land, it must equipped with a
spark arrestor. The spark arrestor must be maintained in good
condition by the owner/operator.
Clean and inspect the spark arrestor as follows:
Remove muffler heat shield from muffler, removing four •
screws.
Remove spark arrestor from muffler, removing four screws.•
Inspect screen and replace if torn, perforated or otherwise •
damaged. DO NOT USE a defective screen. If screen is not
damaged, clean it with commercial solvent.
Replace the spark arrestor and muffler heat shield.•

Figure 20 - Spark Arrestor

Heat Shield

Spark Arrestor

3.6 ADJUSTING VALVE CLEARANCE
After the first 50 hours of operation, check the valve clearance
in the engine and adjust if necessary.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this procedure or
the proper tools are not available, please take the generator to the
nearest service center to have the valve clearance adjusted. This is
a very important step to insure longest life for the engine.
To check valve clearance:
Make sure the engine is at room temperature (60° - 80° F).•
Make sure that the spark plug wire is removed from the spark •
plug and out of the way. Remove spark plug.
Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover.•
Make sure the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of its •
compression stroke (both valves closed). To get the piston
at TDC, remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to
gain access to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socket
wrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwise
direction while watching the piston through the spark plug hole.
The piston should move up and down. The piston is at TDC
when it is up as high as it can go.
Insert a 0.002 - 0.004 inch (0.05 - 0.1mm) feeler gauge •
between the rocker arm and valve stem. Correct clearance is
when a slight drag is felt when sliding the gauge back and forth.
If the clearance is either excessively loose or tight the rocker
arms will need adjusting.
To adjust valve clearance:
Loosen the rocker jam nut (Figure 21). Use an 10mm allen •
wrench to turn the pivot ball stud while checking clearance
between the rocker arm and the valve stem with a feeler gauge.
Correct clearance is 0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm).
Section 3 — Maintenance
Portable Generator System