TP-6200 10/12 33Section2 Operation
Section 2 Operation

2.1 Prestart Checklist

Toensure continued satisfactory operation, perform the
following checks or inspections before or at each
startup, as designated, and at the intervals specified in
the service schedule. In addition, some checks require
verification after the unit starts.
Air Cleaner. Check for a clean and installed air cleaner
element to prevent unfiltered air from entering engine.
Air Inlets. Check for clean and unobstructed air inlets.
Battery. Check for tight battery connections. Consult
the battery manufacturer’s instructions regarding
battery care and maintenance.
Controller. After reconnecting the battery, set the
controller time and date. See Section 2, Menu 14—
Programming Mode On and Menu 6—Time and Date.
CoolantLevel. Check the coolant level according to the
cooling system maintenance information.
Note: Block Heater Damage. The block heater will fail
ifthe energized heater element is not immersed in
coolant. Fill the cooling system before turning on
the block heater. Run the engine until it is warm,
and refill the radiator to purge the air from the
system before energizing the block heater.
DriveBelts. Check the belt condition and tension of the
radiator fan, water pump, and battery charging
alternator belt(s).
Exhaust System. Check for exhaust leaks and
blockages. Check the silencer and piping condition and
check for tight exhaust system connections.
Inspect the exhaust system components (exhaust
manifold, exhaust line, flexible exhaust, clamps,
silencer, and outlet pipe) for cracks, leaks, and
corrosion.
DCheckfor corroded or broken metal parts and replace
them as needed.
DCheck for loose, corroded, or missing clamps and
hangers. Tighten or replace the exhaust clamps
and/or hangers as needed.
DCheck that the exhaust outlet is unobstructed.
DVisuallyinspect for exhaust leaks (blowby). Checkfor
carbon or soot residue on exhaust components.
Carbon and soot residue indicates an exhaust leak.
Seal leaks as needed.
FuelLevel. Checkthe fuel level and keep the tank(s) full
to ensure adequate fuel supply.
Oil Level. Maintain the oil level at or near,not over, the
full mark on the dipstick.
Operating Area. Check for obstructions that could
block the flow of cooling air. Keep the air intake area
clean. Do not leave rags, tools, or debris on or near the
generator set.

2.2 Exercising Generator Set

Operate the generator set under load once each week
forone hour. Perform the exercise in the presence of an
operator when the generator set does not have a
programmed exercise mode or an automatic transfer
switch with an exercise option.
Duringthe exercise period apply a minimum of 35% load
based on the nameplate standby rating, unless
otherwise instructed in the engine operation manual.
The operator should perform all of the prestart checks
beforestarting the manual exercise procedure. Startthe
generator set according to the starting procedure in
Section 2.3, Controller Operation. While the generator
set is operating, listen for a smooth-running engine and
visually inspect generator set for fluid or exhaust leaks.
The generator set exercise time can be programmed for
a one-time exercise period. See Menu 4—Operational
Records. The generator set controller does not provide
weekly scheduled exercise periods. For scheduled
exercise periods, refer to the automatic transfer switch
(if equipped) literature.

2.3 Controller Operation

2.3.1 Starting

Local Starting
Move the generator set master switch to the RUN
position to start the generator set at the controller.
Note: The alarm horn sounds and the Not-In-Auto lamp
lights whenever the generator set master switch
is not in the AUTO position.
Note: The transient start/stop function of the controller
prevents accidental cranking of the rotating engine.
The generator set stops and recranks when the
generator set master switch is momentarily placed
in OFF/RESET position and then returned to RUN.