Guardian Technologies 004701-0 3.5Checking the Engine Spark Plug, 3.6clean spark arrestor

Section 3 – Maintenance

Recreational Vehicle Generator

Figure 3.3 – Cleaning Air Intake

USTC

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. Remove the spark plug and check the condition. Replace the spark plug if worn or if reuse is question- able.

2.Clean spark plug by scraping or washing using a wire brush and commercial solvent. Do not blast the spark plug to clean.

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).

Figure 3.4 – Setting the Spark Plug Gap

Sparking can occur if the wire terminal does not fit firmly on the spark plug terminal end. If necessary, re-form the wire terminal to obtain a tight fit.

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3.6clean spark arrestor

The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrestor screen. Inspect and clean the screen every 50 hours of operation or once each year, whichever comes first (Figure 3.5).

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 the screen retaining bracket by removing the screw.

•Slide the spark arrestor screen out from the tail pipe.

•Inspect screen and replace if torn, perforated or otherwise damaged. DO NOT USE a defective screen. If screen is not damaged, clean it with com- mercial solvent.

•Replace the screen and the retaining bracket.

Figure 3.5 - Spark Arrestor

TAILPIPE

P/N 0E0683

SPARK ARRRESTOR

SCREEN P/N 089680

RETAINING

SCREW P/N 056892

3.7CLEANING 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 mois- ture 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 which can be damaging to the generator windings.