Maintenance; General Maintenance; Spark Plug Maintenance - RIDGID RD6800 Series Operator's Manual

OPERATION
NOTE: This tool is heavy and requires several people to lift.
To avoid back injury, keep your knees bent and lift with your
legs, not your back, and get help when needed.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See Figure 18.
NOTE: If location of generator is not level, the unit may not
start or may shut down during operation.
 Unplug all loads from the generator.
 Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
 Move the choke lever right to the START position.
NOTE: If engine is warm or the temperature is above
50˚F, move the choke lever left to the RUN position.
 Pull the recoil starting grip until the engine runs (a maxi-
mum of 6 times).
NOTE: Do not allow the grip to snap back after starting;
return it gently to its original place.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical RIDGID
replacement parts. Use of any other parts may
create a hazard or cause product damage.
Only the parts shown on the parts list are intended to be
repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts should
be replaced at an authorized service center.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Keep the generator in a clean and dry environment where it
is not exposed to dust, dirt, moisture, or corrosive vapors.
Do not allow the cooling air slots in the generator to become
clogged with foreign material such as leaves, etc.
Do not use a garden hose to clean the generator. Water
entering the fuel system or other internal parts of the unit can
cause problems that will decrease the life of the generator.
To clean the unit:
 Use a soft bristle brush and/or vacuum cleaner to loosen
and remove dirt and debris.
 Clean air vents with low pressure air that does not exceed
25 psi.
 Wipe the exterior surfaces of the generator with a damp
cloth.
CHECKING/CLEANING AIR FILTER
See Figure 20.
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter clean.
 Release latches on left side of air filter cover. Remove
cover and set aside.
 Remove the filter element.
 Allow the engine to run for 30 seconds, then move the
choke lever left to the RUN position.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
See Figure 19.
To stop the engine under normal operating conditions:
 Remove any load from the generator.
 To turn the engine off, press and hold the OFF switch until
the engine stops.
NOTE: The generator has two off switches: one on the
removable control panel, and one on the stationary control
panel.
 Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
NOTE: If it is necessary to shut the engine off immediately,
either off switch may be used if the removable control panel is
connected to the unit. The off switch on the stationary control
panel can be used as the primary engine OFF switch.
 If the filter element is dirty, clean with warm, soapy water.
Rinse and let dry.
 Apply a light coat of engine lubricant to the element, then
squeeze it out.
 Replace the element in the air filter unit.
 Replace the air filter cover and latch to secure.
NOTE: Do not run the generator without the air filter. Rapid
engine wear will result.
CHANGING ENGINE LUBRICANT
See Figure 21.
 Remove the oil cap/dipstick.
 Place a container underneath the oil drainage bolt to
collect used lubricant as it drains.
 Unscrew the oil drainage bolt and remove.
 Allow lubricant to drain completely.
 Reinstall the oil drainage bolt and tighten securely.
 Refill with lubricant following the instructions in the
Checking/Adding Lubricant section.
 Reinstall the oil cap/dipstick.
NOTE: Used lubricant should be disposed of at an ap-
proved disposal site. See your local oil retailer for more
information.

SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE

See Figure 22.
The spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits
in order to ensure proper engine operation. To check:
 Remove the spark plug cap.
 Clean any dirt from around base of spark plug.
 Remove spark plug using wrench (not included).
15 — English