Craftsman 580.329100 Owner's Manual page 11

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.
CAUTION!
Never insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine
is not running.
• 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.
DANGER!
When working on the generator
always disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and keep it away from spark plug.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at
least every 5 hours of operation. Keep oil level
maintained.
Changing Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first month of operation, then
every 25 hours. If you are using your generator under
extremely dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot
weather, change the oil more often.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from
running, as follows:
• Remove the oil fill cover and clean area around oil
drain plug.
• Remove oil drain plug, sealing washer, and oil filler
cap. Drain oil completely into a suitable container.
• Install oil drain plug and sealing washer. Tighten
securely.
• Refill with recommended oil and check the level.
See page 6 for oil recommendations.
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
• Replace oil fill cover.
Oil Drain Plug
11
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Check and clean the spark plug every 50 hours of
operation or every three months, whichever comes
first. This will help your engine to start easier and run
better.
• Remove spark plug access cover. Remove spark
plug cap.
• Clean the area around the spark plug.
• Remove and inspect the spark plug.
• Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted or
burned or the porcelain is cracked. Use
recommended plug for replacement.
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set
spark plug gap between 0.028 and 0.031 inch
(0.7 to 0.8 mm) if necessary.
• Reinstall spark plug.
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged if you run it using a dirty air filter element.
Check the air filter every use and clean or replace the
paper air filter element every 50 hours of operation or
every three months, whichever comes first. Clean or
replace more often if operating under dusty or dirty
conditions.
To clean or replace air filter element:
• Loosen the air cleaner cover screws, remove the
air cleaner cover, and remove the element (see
item number 4, exploded view on page 20.
• Wipe clean the inside of the filter housing and
cover thoroughly.
• Wash the element in a solution of household
detergent and warm water, then rinse thoroughly.
Or wash in nonflammable or high flash point
solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly.
• Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze
out the excess oil. Do Not twist. The engine will
smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in
the element.
NOTE: If you need to order a new air filter element,
please call 1-800-366-PART.
• Reinstall the air cleaner element and the cover.
Hand tighten the air cleaner cover screws.