Section 3 - Operation; Prestart Checklist; Manually Starting The Unit - Generac Power Systems MAGNUM MDG20IF4 Operating Manual

Diesel generator with power zone controller

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Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

PRESTART CHECKLIST

Before starting the unit, all items in the prestart checklist must be completed. This checklist applies to both manual

and remote starting of the unit.

 Read and understand ALL safety sections at the beginning of this manual.

 Verify all maintenance procedures are up to date. For more information, refer to

Maintenance"

 The unit must be level.

 The unit must be dry. Check for any water inside, on, or near the unit; dry if needed.

 For grounding requirements, follow any local, state, or National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines.

 Verify the Control Power switch is in the OFF (O) position.

 Verify all circuit breakers are in the OFF (O) position.

 Inspect all electrical cords; repair or replace any that are cut, worn, or bare.

 Check oil, coolant, and fuel levels. For more information, refer to

 Verify battery connections are secure.

 Turn the battery disconnect switch on, if equipped.

 Verify the engine fan belt tension and condition.

 Verify the engine fan belt guard.

 Verify the engine exhaust system for loose or rusted components.

 Verify all covers are in place and secure.

 Verify the emergency stop switch is pulled out.

MANUALLY STARTING THE UNIT

All units equipped with the Power Zone™ controller will initially start up in Stop mode. Use the following procedure

to start the generator in Manual mode:

1. Check that the main circuit breaker is in the OFF (O) position.

2. Move the Control Power switch to the ON (I) position.

3. When the controller powers up, the Home screen will be displayed and the controller will be in Stop mode as

indicated by the Stop LED being lit. Press the Start (I) button to initiate the startup procedure and start the

engine, provided that are no engine faults preventing the unit from starting. The Start LED will now become

lit.

Note: The unit can be started from any screen. It may take a few seconds for the engine to run smoothly and reach

its governed operating speed.

4. If the engine does not start after the first cranking attempt, the engine will pause for 15 seconds to allow the

starter to cool. The controller backlight will go out. The engine will make two more attempts to start for a

total of three crank cycles.

5. Should the engine not start and run within three starting cycles, the LCD window will show the "Fail to Start"

alarm. The starting sequence may be repeated after the starter has had a minimum of two minutes to cool.

Pressing the Stop (O) button will clear the alarm and reset the controller.

6. Once the engine starts, it will immediately begin speeding up to a constant 1800 rpm. The engine may hunt

or change speeds until operating speed is reached. After a few minutes of operation, the engine will be

warmed up and the Home screen will display the mode of the unit, the engine status, the engine RPM, and

any program (Scheduler or Dawn to Dusk) in Auto mode.

7. Check the generator for excessive noise or vibration and any coolant, oil, or fuel leaks before applying any

loads.

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