Section 3 — Maintenance

When valve clearance is correct, hold the pivot ball stud in place with the allen wrench and tighten the rocker arm jam nut. Tighten the jam nut to 174 in/lbs. torque. After tightening the jam nut, recheck valve clearance to make sure it did not change.

•Install new valve cover gasket.

•Re-attach the valve cover.

NOTE:

Start all four screws before tightening or it will not be possible to get all the screws in place. Make sure the valve cover gasket is in place.

•Re-attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

•Repeat the process for the other cylinder.

3.7 GENERAL

The generator should be started at least once every seven days and be allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done and the unit must be stored for more than 30 days, use the following information as a guide to prepare it for storage.

DANGER

NEVER store engine with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer or other gas appliance.

3.8 LONG TERM STORAGE

It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels (called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:

• Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.

DANGER

Drain fuel into approved container outdoors, away from open flame. Be sure engine is cool. Do not smoke.

•Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.

•While engine is still warm, drain oil from crankcase. Refill with recommended grade.

•Remove spark plugs and pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of engine oil into the cylinders. Cover spark plug hole with rag. Press the “Start” button and allow engine to crank for 2 seconds. Then press the “Stop” button.

Avoid spray from spark plug holes when cranking engine.

•Install and tighten spark plugs. Do not connect spark plug wires.

•Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.

•Store the unit in a clean, dry place.

3.9 OTHER STORAGE TIPS

•Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

•Replace the gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in the gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel system.

•If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.

•If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to be stored for some time, use a commercially available fuel stabilizer added to the gasoline to increase the life of the gasoline.

•Cover the unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture.

DANGER

NEVER cover the generator while engine and exhaust area are warm.

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