16 — English
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Keep the generator in a clean and dry environment where it
is not exposed to dust, dirt, moisture, or corrosive vapors.
Do not allow the cooling air slots in the generator to become
clogged with foreign material such as leaves, etc.
Do not use a garden hose to clean the generator. Water en-
tering the fuel system or other internal parts of the unit can
cause problems that will decrease the life of the generator.
To clean the unit:
Use a soft bristle brush and/or vacuum cleaner to loosen
and remove dirt and debris.
Clean air vents with low pressure air that does not exceed
25 psi.
Wipe the exterior surfaces of the generator with a damp
cloth.
CHECKING/CLEANING AIR FILTER
See Figure 15.
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter clean.
Turn the knob on the bottom of air the filter cover to re-
lease. Remove cover and set aside.
Remove the filter element.
If the filter element is dirty, clean with warm, soapy water.
Rinse and let dry.
Apply a light coat of engine lubricant to the element, then
squeeze it out.
Replace the element in the air filter unit.
Replace the air filter cover and latch to secure.
NOTE
: Do not run the generator without the air filter. Rapid
engine wear will result.
CHANGING ENGINE LUBRICANT
See Figure 16.
Remove the oil cap/dipstick.
Place a container underneath the oil drain plug to collect
used lubricant as it drains.
Unscrew the oil drain plug and remove.
Allow lubricant to drain completely.
NOTE:
Drain the lubricant while the engine is still warm
but not hot. Warm lubricant will drain quickly and more
completely.
WARNING
:
Do not change engine lubricant while it is hot. Accidental
contact with hot engine lubricant could result in serious burns.
Reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten securely.
Refill with lubricant following the instructions in the
Checking/
Adding Lubricant
section. For amount of lubricant needed
to refill, see
Product Specifications
earlier in this manual
or the accompanying engine manual, if applicable.
Reinstall the oil cap/dipstick.
NOTE
: Used lubricant should be disposed of at an approved
disposal site. See your local oil retailer for more information.
SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE
See Figure 17.
The spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits
in order to ensure proper engine operation. To check:
Locate and remove four screws on the side of the engine
cover. Remove cover and set aside.
Remove the spark plug cap.
Clean any dirt from around base of spark plug.
Remove spark plug using wrench (not included).
Inspect spark plug for damage, and clean with a wire
brush before reinstalling. If insulator is cracked or
chipped, spark plug should be replaced. For replacement
spark plug, see
Product Specifications
earlier in this
manual or the accompanying engine manual, if applicable.
Measure plug gap. The correct gap is 0.028−0.031 in.
(0.7-0.8 mm). To widen gap, if necessary, carefully bend
the ground (top) electrode. To lessen gap, gently tap
ground electrode on a hard surface.
Seat spark plug in position; thread in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
Tighten with wrench to compress washer. If spark plug
is new, use 1/2 turn to compress washer appropriate
amount. If reusing old spark plug, use 1/8 to 1/4 turn for
proper washer compression.
NOTE
: An improperly tightened spark plug will become
very hot and could damage the engine.
Reinstall the spark plug cap.
Reinstall the engine cover. Tighten screws to secure.
CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND
MUFFLER
Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of
lubricant used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust
port and muffler may become blocked with carbon deposits.
If you notice a power loss with your gas-powered products,
you may need to remove these deposits to restore perfor-
mance. We highly recommend that only qualified service
technicians perform this service.
SPARK ARRESTOR
See Figure 18.
NOTICE:
This product is equipped with a spark arrestor that has
been evaluated by the USDA Forest Service; however,
product users must comply with Federal, State, and local
fire prevention regulations. Check with appropriate au-
thorities. Contact customer service or a qualified service
center to purchase a replacement spark arrestor.
MAINTENANCE
