Replacing The Spark Plug; Service Air Cleaner; Clean Spark Arrestor Screen; Adjusting Valve Clearance - Generac Power Systems GP Series Owner's Manual

Maintenance

3.3.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG

Use Champion RC14YC spark plug or equivalent. 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
(Figure 16).
Figure 16 - Spark Plug Gap

3.4 SERVICE AIR CLEANER

The engine will not run properly and may be damaged if using a
dirty air cleaner. Clean or replace the air cleaner paper filter once
a year (Figure 17). Clean or replace more often if operating under
dusty conditions.
Figure 17 - Air Cleaner
To clean or replace paper air filter:
• Remove air cleaner cover, then remove paper filter.
• Clean paper filter by tapping it gently on a solid surface. If the
filter is too dirty, replace it with a new one. Dispose of the old
filter properly.
• Clean air cleaner cover, then insert new paper filter into the base
of the air cleaner. Re-install air cleaner cover.
To order a new air filter, please contact the nearest authorized
service center at 1-800-333-1322.
12
NOTE:

3.5 CLEAN SPARK ARRESTOR SCREEN

The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrestor screen. Inspect
and clean the screen at least once each year (Figure 18). If unit is
used regularly, inspect and clean more often.
If using the generator on any forest-covered, brush-covered
or grass-covered unimproved land, it must equipped with a
spark arrestor. The spark arrestor must be maintained in good
condition by the owner/operator.
Clean and inspect the spark arrestor as follows:
• Remove muffler heat shield from muffler, removing four screws.
• Remove spark arrestor from muffler, removing four screws.
• Inspect screen and replace if torn, perforated or otherwise
damaged. DO NOT USE a defective screen. If screen is not
damaged, clean it with commercial solvent.
• Replace the spark arrestor and muffler heat shield.
Figure 18 - Spark Arrestor
Heat Shield

3.6 ADJUSTING VALVE CLEARANCE

After the first 50 hours of operation, check the valve clearance
in the engine and adjust if necessary.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this procedure or
the proper tools are not available, please take the generator to the
nearest service center to have the valve clearance adjusted. This is
a very important step to insure longest life for the engine.
To check valve clearance:
• Make sure the engine is at room temperature (60° - 80° F).
• Make sure that the spark plug wire is removed from the spark
plug and out of the way. Remove spark plug.
• Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover.
NOTE:
Spark Arrestor