Valve Clearance; General; Long Term Storage; Other Storage Tips - Generac Power Systems GP Series Owner's Manual

Clean and inspect the spark arrestor when the engine is at ambient
temperature as follows:
• Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler by loosening
the clamp and removing the screw.
• 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 secure with the clamp and
screw.
Figure 19 – Spark Arrestor Screen
To order a new air filter or spark arrestor screen, please contact
the nearest authorized service center at 1-800-333-1322.

3.6 VALVE CLEARANCE

• Intake — 0.15 ± 0.02mm (cold), (0.006" ± 0.0008" inches)
• Exhaust — 0.20 ± 0.02mm (cold) (0.008" ± 0.0008" inches)
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 ensure longest life for the engine.

3.7 GENERAL

The generator should be started at least once every thirty days and
be allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done and
the unit must be stored for more than 30 days, use the following
information as a guide to prepare it for storage.

NEVER store engine with fuel in tank indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer
or other gas appliance.
Allow unit to cool entirely before storage.

NOTE:

3.8 LONG TERM STORAGE

It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during
storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which
leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:
• Add a quality gasoline stabilizer to the fuel per the manufacturers
specifications, and run the unit for 10-15 minutes.
• After engine cools down, remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.

Drain fuel into approved container outdoors,

away from open flame. Be sure engine is cool.
Do not smoke.
• Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
• After engine cools down, drain oil from engine. Refill with
recommended grade.
• Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of engine
oil into the cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with rag. Pull the
recoil starter a couple times to lubricate the piston rings and
cylinder bore. A fogging agent can also be used in the place
of oil.
Avoid spray from spark plug hole when

cranking engine.
• Install and tighten spark plug. Do not connect spark plug wire.
• Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots
and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
• Store the unit in a clean, dry place.

3.9 OTHER STORAGE TIPS

• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace the gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in
the gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel
system.
• If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to give protection
from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
• If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to
be stored for some time, use a commercially available fuel
stabilizer added to the gasoline to increase the life of the
gasoline. Run the unit for 10-15 minutes, turn off the fuel valve
and allow to run until engine stops from lack of fuel.
• Cover the unit with a suitable protective cover that does not
retain moisture.
NEVER cover the generator while engine and

exhaust areas are warm.
Maintenance
15