Frequently Asked Questions - Generac Power Systems XT8000E Series Owner's Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What oil can I use if I am out of the recommended
oil and need to operate my generator?
A: In an emergency, oil with an API rating of SH, SJ, SK,
CF-4, CG-4, ILSAC, GF-1, GF-2 or GF-4 can be
used. It can be mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic.
Any of the following viscosities are permissible: SAE
5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50, 30 or 40 weight.
Change the oil as soon as possible using genuine
Generac oil as per the Owner's Manual
recommendations.
Q: How often do I have to charge the generator's
battery?
A: If the starter will not turn the engine over, charge the
battery using the charger provided with your
generator. The charger should be connected for no
longer than 48 hours. Charging procedures are
Battery Charging
covered in the
Owner's Manual.
Q: What is the proper fuel to use?
A: Regular UNLEADED gasoline is the recommended
fuel. Do not use gasoline with an ethanol
concentration greater than 10%. Do not use E85
gasoline or mix oil with gasoline. PREMIUM grade
fuel can be used, but is not required.
Q: What do the "red" and "blue" colored dots on the
extension cord receptacles mean?
A: The extension cord outlets have red and blue colored
dots at the receptacle outlet ends. These indicate the
need to balance the loads on the generator when
adding electrical devices.
electrical devices, plug one into a red outlet and the
other into a blue outlet rather than two red or two blue
outlets. This will help balance the loads applied to the
generator.
section of this
For example, if adding two
Q: What needs to be done to the fuel before
extended storage?
A: First treat the remaining gasoline in the fuel tank with
a commercially available fuel stabilizer. Now the fuel
can either be drained, or left in the tank after
following proper treatment procedures. When
working with flammable gasoline, exercise all
appropriate cautions and warnings contained in this
Owner's Manual. The sections on
Storage and Long Term Storage
proper storage procedures, including fuel storage
treatment.
Q: Can I operate the generator in the rain?
A: Portable generators should never be run inside an
enclosed space. However, portable generators are
intended to be used during extreme weather and for
the sensitive electronics on them, it is best if some
sort of open covering can be used to protect it from
direct rain or snow. Great options would be a car port
or boat canopy with 4 open sides or a tarp overhang
from a tree. It is very important to provide adequate
ventilation for the generator, so any sort of protection
should be at least 5 feet from any side including the
top of the unit, while in use. If protection is not
available, the unit can be used in rain or snow,
preferably with the muffler facing away from the
direction the wind/rain/snow is coming from.
Additionally, a portable generator should always be
stored inside when not in use to prevent unnecessary
wear and tear. BE ADVISED, the generator should
NEVER be used in any enclosed space including,
without limitation, a shed, home, garage, trailer or
vehicle, even if the doors are left open, as this can
damage the engine and can be a serious fire hazard
and carbon monoxide risk.
Q: How do I adjust the valve clearance?
A: Valve clearance adjustment is critical to proper
engine operation and requires special tools and
training. Instructions are covered in the
Clearance Adjustment
publication. However, if you are uncomfortable
performing this service procedure, have your dealer
maintain the generator's valve clearance at the
intervals specified.
iv
Generator
detail
Valve
section of this