Generac Power Systems 005396-0, Owner'S Manual

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2.9  AUTOMATIC IDLE CONTROL

This feature is designed to greatly improve fuel economy. When 
this switch is turned “

On

,” the engine will only run at its normal fast 

governed engine speed when electrical load is connected. When 
the load is removed, the engine will run at a reduced speed of 2100 
RPM. With the switch “

Off

,” the engine runs at the normal fast engine 

speed all the time. 

Always have the switch OFF when starting and 

stopping the engine.

2.10  COLD WEATHER OPERATION/ DE-ICER

Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below 40° F (4° 
C) and a high dew point), the engine may experience icing of the 
carburetor and/or the crankcase breather system. To eliminate this 
problem, this generator engine is fitted with a winter/summer valve. 
This directs hot air into the carburetor during cold weather operation. 
Always make sure the winter/summer valve is in the correct location 
relative to the weather conditions.

2.11   LOW OIL PRESSURE SHUTDOWN 

SYSTEM

The engine is equipped with a low oil pressure sensor that shuts down 
the engine automatically when the oil pressure drops below 10 psi. If 
the engine shuts down by itself and the fuel tank has enough gasoline, 
check engine oil level.

2.11.1 INITIAL START-UP

A delay built into the low oil shutdown system allows oil pressure to 
build during starting. The delay allows the engine to run for about 10 
seconds before sensing oil pressure.

2.11.2  SENSING LOW OIL PRESSURE

If the system senses low oil pressure during operation, the engine 
shuts down.

2.11.3 RESTARTING

If trying to restart the engine within 10 seconds after it shuts down, 
the engine may NOT start. The system needs five (5) to 10 seconds 
to reset.

If the engine is restarted after such a shutdown and the low oil 
pressure has not been corrected, the engine will run for about 10 
seconds as described above and then stop.

2.12 CHARGING A BATTERY

DANGER



Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen 
gas while recharging. An explosive mixture will 
remain around the battery for a long time after 
it has been charged. The slightest spark can 
ignite the hydrogen and cause an explosion. 
Such an explosion can shatter the battery and 
cause blindness or other serious injury.

DANGER



  Do not permit smoking, open flame, sparks 

or any other source of heat around a battery. 
Wear protective goggles, rubber apron and 
rubber gloves when working around a battery. 
Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic 
sulfuric acid solution that can cause severe 
burns. If spill occurs flush area with clear water 
immediately. 

This generator has the capability of recharging a discharged 12 Volt 
automotive or utility style storage battery. 

Do not use the unit to 

charge any 6 Volt batteries. Do not use the unit to crank an engine 
having a discharged battery.

This battery charger is a pulse type designed to provide a quality 
charge current into the battery. The voltage measured at the outlet 
should be 8-12 VDC. This is normal and does not indicate a faulty 
charging system.

To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:

Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary, add ONLY distilled 

water to cover separators in battery cells. 

Do not use tap water.

If the battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure they are 

installed and are tight. 

If necessary, clean battery terminals. 

Connect battery charge cable connector plug to panel receptacle 

identified by the words "12-VOLT D.C."

Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle to the positive 

(+) battery terminal.

Connect battery charge cable clamp with black handle to the 

negative (-) battery terminal.

Start engine. Let the engine run while battery recharges. Engine 

idle control switch must be in off position for battery charging.

When battery has charged, shut down engine.

NOTE:

Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery state of charge and 
condition. Follow the hydrometer manufacturer's instructions 
carefully. Generally, a battery is considered to be at 100% state 
of charge when specific gravity of its fluid (as measured by 
hydrometer) is 1.260 or higher.

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Section 2 – Operation