To Clean The Generator; Engine Maintenance; Checking Oil Level; Changing The Oil - Generac Power Systems GP Series Owner's Manual

Maintenance
Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and clean when
dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign substances are visible on its
exterior surface.

Never insert any object or tool through the air
cooling slots, even if the engine is not running.
DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator. Water can enter
the engine fuel system and cause problems. In addition, if water
enters the generator through cooling air slots, some water will
be retained in voids and crevices of the rotor and stator winding
insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the generator internal
windings will eventually decrease the insulation resistance of
these windings.

3.3.2 TO CLEAN THE GENERATOR

• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to blow away
dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on the generator. These
openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.

3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE


When working on the generator, always
disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
keep wire away from spark plug.

3.3.4 CHECKING OIL LEVEL

See the "Before Starting the Generator" section for information on
checking the oil level. The oil level should be checked before each
use, or at least every eight hours of operation. Keep the oil level
maintained (Figure 11).
Figure 11 - Oil Drain, Check & Fill
Oil Drain
12
NOTE:
Oil Check & Fill

3.3.5 CHANGING THE OIL

Change the oil after the first 20 hours of operation, then every season.
If running this unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot
weather, change the oil more often.

Hot oil may cause burns. Allow engine to
cool before draining oil. Avoid prolonged
or repeated skin exposure with used oil.
Thoroughly wash exposed areas with soap.
Use the following instructions to change the oil after the engine
cools down:
1. Clean area around oil drain plug.
2. Remove oil drain plug from engine and oil fill plug to drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
3. When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and tighten
securely.
4. Fill engine with recommended oil. (See "Before Starting the
Generator" for oil recommendations).
5. Wipe up any spilled oil.
6. Dispose of used oil at a proper collection center.

3.3.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use spark plug F6TC, NGK BPR4ES or Champion RN14YC.
Replace the plug once each year. This will help the engine
start easier and run better.
1. Stop the engine and pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug.
2. Clean the area around the spark plug and remove it from the
cylinder head.
3. Set the spark plug's gap to 0.70-0.80 mm (0.028-0.031 in). Install
the correctly gapped spark plug into the cylinder head and torque
to 15 ft/lbs. (Figure 12).
Figure 12 - Spark Plug Gap

3.3.7 SPARK ARRESTOR

1. Shut off generator and allow the engine and muffler to cool down
completely before servicing spark arrestor (located on the back
of the muffler).
2. Remove the clamp and spark arrestor screen.
3. Clean the spark arrestor screen with a small wire brush.
4. Replace the spark arrestor if it is damaged.
5. Installation of the spark arrestor screen is the reverse of the
removal.