Charging A Battery; Cold Weather Operation - Briggs & Stratton Elite Series Operator's Manual

Charging a Battery

Your generator has the capability of recharging a discharged
12 Volt automotive or utility style storage battery.
• DO NOT use the unit to charge any 6 Volt batteries.
• DO NOT use the unit to crank an engine having a
discharged battery.
WARNING Storage batteries give off explosive
hydrogen gas during recharging.
Hydrogen gas stays near battery for a
long time after battery has been
charged. Slightest spark could ignite hydrogen causing
explosion resulting in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.
Battery electrolyte fluid contains acid and is extremely
caustic. Contact with battery fluid could cause chemical
burns resulting in serious injury and/or property damage.
• DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat, or lit cigarette
during and for several minutes after charging a battery.
• Wear protective goggles, rubber apron, and rubber gloves.
• DO NOT continue to charge a battery that becomes hot or is
fully charged.
• DO NOT leave battery unattended.
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
1. Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary, add
ONLY distilled water to cover separators in battery
cells. DO NOT use tap water.
WARNING Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds - chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
2. If battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure they
are installed and are tight.
3. If necessary, clean battery terminals.
4. Connect battery charge cable connector plug to panel
receptacle identified by the words "12V 10A D.C."
5. Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle to
the positive (+) battery terminal.
6. Connect battery charge cable clamp with black handle
to the negative (–) battery terminal.
7. Start engine. Let engine run while battery recharges.
8. When battery has charged, shut down engine
NOTICE Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery state
of charge and condition. Follow the hydrometer
manufacturer's instructions carefully. Generally, a battery is
considered to be at 100% state of charge when specific
gravity of its fluid (as measured by hydrometer) is 1.260 or
higher.

Cold Weather Operation

Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below 40°F
[4°C] combined with high humidity), your generator may
experience icing of the carburetor and/or the crankcase
breather system. To reduce this problem, you need to
perform the following:
1. Make sure generator has clean, fresh fuel.
2. Open fuel valve (turn valve to open position).
3. Use SAE 5W-30 oil.
4. Check oil level daily or after every eight (8) hours of
operation.
5. Maintain generator following Maintenance Schedule in
Maintenance section.
6. Shelter unit from elements.
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