Section 3 — Maintenance

NOTE:

DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator. Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause problems. In addition, if water enters the generator through cooling air slots, some water will be retained in voids and crevices of the rotor and stator winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the generator internal windings will eventually decrease the insulation resistance of these windings.

3.3.2 TO CLEAN THE GENERATOR

•Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.

•A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc.

•A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and debris.

•Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on the generator. These openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.

3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE

DANGER

When working on the generator, always disconnect negative cable from battery. Also disconnect spark plug wires 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 AND OIL FILTER

Change the oil and filter after the first eight hours of operation. Change the oil every 200 hours thereafter. If running this unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.

NOTE:

Whenever possible, run engine for approximately 5 minutes to get the engine oil hot. This will aid in draining the oil.

Use the following instructions to change the oil while the engine is still warm:

•Clean area around oil drain hose and plug.

•Remove oil drain plug from end of hose and oil fill plug to drain oil completely into a suitable container.

•When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and tighten securely.

•Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Discard according to local regulations.

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•Coat gasket of new filter with clean engine oil. Turn filter clockwise until gasket contacts lightly with filter adapter. Then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.

•Fill oil sump with recommended oil. (See “Before Starting the Generator” for oil recommendations).

•Wipe up any spilled oil.

3.3.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use Champion RC14YC spark plug or equivalent. The correct air gap is 1.01 mm (0.040 in.). 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 1.01 mm (0.040 in.). Install the correctly gapped spark plug into the cylinder head.

Figure 18 - Spark Plug Gap

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. Clean or replace more often if operating under dusty conditions. Clean foam pre-cleaner every month or more often under dusty conditions.

Figure 19 - Air Cleaner

Cover

Pre-Cleaner

Base

Filter