Engine Care; Recommended Fuels; Recommended Engine Oil; Change Oil Filter - Generac Power Systems GN190H Service And Repair Manual

SECTION 1: GENERAL

ENGINE CARE

RECOMMENDED FUELS:

Use clean, fresh, UNLEADED regular grade gasoline.
Unleaded gasoline burns cleaner, extends engine life and
promotes easier starting by reducing combustion chamber
deposits.The use of gasohol is NOT recommended. If gaso-
hol must be used, it should contain not more than 10 percent
ethanol. If gasohol containing ethanol is used, special care
is required when preparing the engine for storage (see "Stor-
age Instructions").
• DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING METHANOL.
• DO NOT MIX OIL WITH THE GASOLINE.
DANGER! GASOLINE IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE,
AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. DO NOT PERMIT
SMOKING, OPEN FLAME OR HEAT IN THE VICINITY
WHILE HANDLING GASOLINE. AVOID SPILLAGE OF
GASOLINE ON A HOT ENGINE. COMPLY WITH ALL
LAWS PERTAINING TO THE STORAGE AND HAN-
DLING OF GASOLINE.

RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:

Use a clean, high quality, detergent oil classified "For Ser-
vice SC, SD, SE, SF or SG." No special additives should be used
with the recommended oil. Detergent oils keep the engine
cleaner and retard the formation of gum and varnish deposit.
Synthetic oil can be used in place of petroleum based oils.
During summer months (above 32 F or 0 C), use SAE 30
oil. SAE 10W-30 oil is an acceptable substitute.
During winter (below 32 F or 0 C) use SAE 5W-20 or 5W-
30 oil.
• DO NOT USE SAE 10W-4O OIL.
CRANKCASE OIL CAPACITY
GN190, GN191, GN220 ENGINES
WITHOUT OIL FILTER CHANGE —
21 ounces (620 ml)
WITH OIL FILTER CHANGE —
29.5 ounces (870 ml)

CHANGE OIL FILTER:

Replace oil filter with every oil change. Before installing a
new oil filter, put a light coat of clean oil on rubber o-ring on
filter base. Screw the filter on by hand until o-ring touches
filter adapter base,then tighten 3/4 turn. Check for leaks after
starting.
Check engine oil level each time the equipment is used.
When checking oil level, make sure the equipment is level.
Change oil after the first eight hours of operation on a new
engine. Thereafter, change oil and filter every 50 hours of oper-
ation. Change oil every 25 hours if operating under extremely
dusty or dirty conditions, or in very hot weather.
NOTE: Engine may be equipped with automatic low oil
shutdown capability. If so equipped, it will not start
when oil level is low. See Section 12, "Lubrication."

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

The engine should be started at least once every seven days
and allowed to run for at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be
done and the engine is to remain unused longer than 30
days, it must be prepared for storage.
DANGER ! NEVER STORE THE ENGINE WITH FUEL
IN TANK INDOORS OR IN ANY ENCLOSED, POORLY
VENTILATED AREA WHERE FUEL VAPORS MIGHT
REACH AN OPEN FLAME (AS ON A FURNACE,
WATER HEATER, DRYER, ETC.). FIRE OR AN EXPLO-
SION COULD RESULT.
To prepare an engine for storage, proceed as follows:
1. Run the engine for about five minutes to warm it up.
a. If gasohol was used, drain the fuel tank, then run the
engine until it shuts down due to lack of fuel.
b. Use of a good fuel stabilizer will prevent gum deposits
from forming in the engine fuel system.
2. While engine is still warm from running, drain oil from
crankcase and refill with new oil.
3. Remove the spark plug and pour about 1/2 ounce (15ml)
of clean, fresh engine oil into cylinder. Crank the engine
over slowly to distribute the oil. Then, install spark plug but
do not connect the spark plug wire.
4. Clean dirt, oil, grease, etc., from the engine.
5. Store the engine in a clean, dry area.

TUNE-UP PROCEDURE

Following is a minor tune-up procedure. When the proce-
dure has been completed, either the engine will run properly
or further repairs may be required.
1. Service or replace engine air cleaner as needed.
2.Check level and condition of oil. Add or change oil
as necessary.
3. Remove the blower housing. Clean dirt from intake screen,
head and cylinder cooling fins. Also, remove dirt from car-
buretor and governor lever(s) and linkage.
4. Clean fuel tank, fuel filter(s) and fuel lines.
5. Replace any damaged governor springs.
6. If required, adjust the carburetor and governor.
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