Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton ELITE Series Operator's Manual

Engine Maintenance

WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR GENERATOR
• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place
the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK
• Use approved spark plug tester.
• DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.
Oil
Oil Recommendations
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Warranty
Certified oils for best performance. Other high-quality
detergent oils are acceptable if classified for service SF, SG,
SH, SJ or higher. DO NOT use special additives.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for
the engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the
outdoor temperature range expected.
* Below 40°F (4°C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80°F (27°C) the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil
consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification mark and API service symbol with
"SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING" or higher, is an
acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic
oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
22
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least
every 8 hours of operation. Keep oil level maintained.
1. Make sure generator is on a level surface.
2. Clean area around oil dipstick, remove oil dipstick and
wipe dipstick with clean cloth. Insert dipstick firmly,
then remove and check oil level.
3. Verify oil is at "Full" mark on dipstick. Insert dipstick
firmly before starting engine.
Adding Engine Oil
1. Make sure generator is on a level surface.
2. Check oil level as described in Checking Oil Level.
3. If needed, remove oil fill cap and slowly pour oil into oil
fill opening to the "Full" mark on dipstick. DO NOT
overfill.
NOTICE
Overfilling with oil may cause the engine to not start, or
hard starting.
• DO NOT overfill.
• If over the FULL mark on dipstick, drain oil to reduce oil level to
FULL mark on dipstick.
4. Replace and tighten both the oil fill cap and dipstick.
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