North Star 5500 BDG owner manual Installation, To determine belt tension, = 0.016 X L

ALWAYS remove all oil or gasoline deposits and accumulated dirt from generator and immediate area. Keep generator head and engine clean.

NEVER operate the generator under the following conditions:

A. Excessive change in engine speed, slow or fast.

B.Overheating in load connecting devices.

C.Sparking or arcs from generator.

D.Loss of electrical output.

E.Damaged receptacles.

F.Engine misfire.

G.Excessive vibration.

H.Enclosed compartments, or confined areas.

I.Flame or smoke.

J.Rain, snow or wet conditions.

K.Operator non-attendance.

WARNING Keep fire extinguisher close by your generator and be familiar with how to use it. Consult your local fire department for correct extinguisher type.

INSTALLATION

OUTDOORS: Choose a location where the generator will not be exposed to rain, snow or direct sunlight. Position the generator on secure, level ground so it will not tip or slide down a hill. Place the generator so that the exhaust fumes will not be directed towards people.

The installation site must be free from water, moisture, or dust. All electrical components should be protected from excessive moisture or the insulation system will deteriorate and result in grounding or shorting out the generating system.

Foreign matters, such as dust, dirt, sand, lint, or abrasive materials can cause damage to the generator head and engine if allowed into its cooling system.

POWER TRANSMISSION: The recommended method to transfer the power from the engine to the generator is by using sheaves (pulleys) and a V-belt. The generator shaft is 7/8” diameter X 1.50” long with a 3/16” keyway. Use the table below to select the correct diameter sheave. Note that a notched V-belt requires only one sheave while the standard V-belt requires 2 side by side sheaves and 2 V-belts. All V- belts have a B size cross section.

Engine hp	Single Sheave Dia.	Double Sheave Dia.
	Belt Type - Qty.	Belt Type - Qty.
9 hp	5.00”	4.60”
	Notched V-Belt - 1	V-Belt - 2
11 hp	5.80”	5.00”
	Notched V-Belt - 1	V-Belt - 2
	Figure 3	00038

Note: Guards are removed to show details.

The shaft speed of the generator must be between 3540-3720 RPM. At no load the correct speed is 3720 RPM. If the engine is a 3600 RPM engine, then a sheave diameter ratio of 1:1 should be used. This means that the diameter of the sheave on the engine is the same as the diameter of the sheave on the generator. If smaller than recommended sheaves are used, the life of the belt will be shortened. The possibility of belt slippage also increases with a smaller sheave.

The engine and generator should be mounted to a plate or surface that can withstand the constant vibration and stresses that will be produced. See figure 3 for a possible mounting configuration.

The user shall determine the proper belt tensioning method for their specific use.

To determine belt tension:

Measure L - the center to center distance of the two sheaves Measure d - the deflection of the belt.

Tighten or loosen belt until:

d = 0.016 X L

00039

If you desire to direct couple the generator to the engine, great care must be taken to align the shaft of the generator and engine to within the specified tolerances of the chosen coupler.

NEVER install your generator inside confined areas. Inside installation can cause health hazards or death.

DANGER Always have proper guarding on the V-belt and sheaves to prevent access to any pinch points. Failure to guard the power transmission mechanisms may result in serious injury or death.

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