Guardian Technologies 04164-3, 02010-2 Additional Information, Checking the Engine OIL Level

Section 3 – Maintenance

Recreational Vehicle Generator

‹ 2.9.4 OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION ‹ 2.10.3 EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND DIRT

A solid-state voltage regulator (Figure 2.6) controls the generator’s AC output voltage. This regulator sup- plies an excitation current to the rotor. By regulating the rotor’s excitation current, the strength of its mag- netic field is regulated and, in turn, the voltage deliv- ered to connected electrical loads is controlled. When the AC frequency is 60 Hertz, voltage is regulated at 120 volts (voltage-to-frequency ratio is 2-to-1).

Figure 2.6 – Solid State Voltage Regulator

The voltage regulator also incorporates a “voltage surge protection circuit.” This circuit prevents trou- blesome surges in the generator AC output voltage. Voltage surge is a common cause of damage to elec- tronic equipment.

2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

‹2.10.1 ATTENTION REQUIRED AFTER SUBMERSION

If the recreational vehicle generator has been sub- merged in water, it MUST NOT be started and oper- ated. Following any submersion in water, have an Authorized Service Dealer thoroughly clean and dry the generator.

‹2.10.2 OPERATION IN HIGH GRASS OR BRUSH

Never operate the generator while the vehicle is parked over high grass, weeds, brush, leaves or any other combustible substance. Such materials can ignite and burn from the heat of the exhaust system. The generator exhaust system becomes extremely hot during operation and remains hot for a long time after it has shut down.

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.

3.1CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL

For oil capacities and requirements, see section “Engine Oil Requirements”. Check the engine crank- case oil level at least every eight hours of operation, or before use. To check the engine oil level, proceed as follows (see Figure 3.1):

1.Be sure the generator is as level as possible.

2.Remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

3.Install and tighten the dipstick cap; then, remove it again. The oil level should be at the dipstick “Full” mark.

4.If necessary, remove the oil fill cap on the rocker cover and slowly add oil until it reaches the dip- stick “Full” mark. DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE “FULL” MARK.

Never operate the engine with the oil level below the “Add” mark on the dipstick. Doing this could damage the engine.

5.Install and tighten the oil fill cap and the dipstick before operating the engine.

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