Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton 030641-00 Operator's Manual

Engine Maintenance

WARNING Exhaust heat/gases could ignite combustibles, structures
or damage fuel tank causing a fire, resulting in death or
serious injury.
Contact with muffler area could cause burns resulting in
serious injury.
• DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
• Allow equipment to cool before touching.
• Keep at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) of clearance on all sides of generator including
overhead.
• Remove shelter when temperatures are above 4°C [40°F].
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 4°C (40°F) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 27°C (80°F) the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil consumption.
Check oil level more frequently.
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Figure
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 fill (5, H), remove oil cap/dipstick and wipe
dipstick with clean cloth. Replace dipstick. Remove and check oil level.
NOTICE DO NOT screw in dipstick when checking oil level.
3. Verify oil is at full mark (8, A) on dipstick. Replace and tighten oil cap/
dipstick.
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, slowly pour oil into oil fill opening to the full mark on dipstick.
DO NOT overfill.
NOTICE Overfilling with oil could 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 oil cap/dipstick.
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Figure
Changing Engine Oil
If you are using your generator under extremely dirty or dusty conditions, or in
extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.
CAUTION Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with used motor
oil.
• Used motor oil has been shown to cause skin cancer in certain laboratory
animals.
• Thoroughly wash exposed areas with soap and water.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DON'T POLLUTE.
CONSERVE RESOURCES. RETURN USED OIL TO COLLECTION
CENTERS.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from running, as follows:
1. Make sure unit is on a level surface.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
3. Clean area around oil drain plug (5, J). The oil drain plug is located at
base of engine, opposite carburetor.
4. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely into a suitable container.
5. Reinstall oil drain plug and tighten securely. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to add engine oil as described in Adding Engine
Oil.
7. Wipe up any spilled oil.
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Figure
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged if you run it with a dirty
air cleaner. Service more often if operating under dirty or dusty conditions.
To service the air cleaner, follow these steps:
1. Loosen screws (A) and remove air cleaner cover (B).
2. Carefully remove cartridge (C) from base (D).
3. Install clean (or new) air cleaner assembly inside cover. Dispose of old
filter properly.
4. Assemble air cleaner cover onto base and tighten screws.
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Figure
Service Spark Plug
Changing the spark plug will help your engine to start easier and run better.
1. Clean area around spark plug.
2. Remove and inspect spark plug.
3. Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and reset spark plug gap to
recommended gap if necessary (see Specifications).
4. Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned or porcelain
is cracked. Use the recommended replacement spark plug. See
Specifications.
5. Install spark plug and tighten firmly.
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