Engine Maintenance - Craftsman 580.329120 Owner's Manual

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.
_ AUTION! 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.
,_ CAUTION! 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 2 hours of operation.
Change oil every 50 hours thereafter. 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:
• Clean area around oil drain plug. The oil drain plug
is located at the base of the engine, opposite the
carburetor.
• Remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely into
a suitable container.
• Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
• Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See page 6 for
oil recommendations.
• Install the oil cap/dipstick. Check oil level. Tighten
cap securely.
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Change the spark plug every 100 hours of operation
or once each year, whichever comes first. This will
help your engine to start easier and run better.
• 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. For
replacement use Champion RN4C or equivalent.
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set
spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if
necessary.
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged if you run it using a dirty air filter element.
Clean or replace the paper air filter element once
every 100 hours of operation or once each season,
whichever comes first. Clean or replace more often if
operating under dusty or dirty conditions.
To clean or replace paper air filter:
• Remove the wing nut and air cleaner cover and
remove the paper filter.
Base
Paper Filter
_ Cover
Wing Nut
• Clean the inside of the base and cover thoroughly.
• Clean the 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.
NOTE: If you need to order a new air filter element,
please call 1-800-366-PART.
Clean Spark Arrester Screen
The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrester
screen. Inspect and clean the screen every 20 hours
of operation or once each year, whichever comes first.
NOTE: If you use your generator on any forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered unimproved
land, it must have a spark arrester installed. The spark
arrester must be maintained in good condition by the
owner/operator.
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