Fuel; General Fuel Information; Oxygenated Fuels; Oxygenated Fuel Types - Westpro Westinghouse WH3250 Series Service Manual

MAINTENANCE

FUEL

!
DANGER
Fuel and fuel vapors are extremely
fl ammable and explosive under certain
conditions.
• Only refuel the generator outdoors,
in a well-ventilated area.
• Never fi ll the fuel tank while the
engine is running. Turn the generator
off and allow it to cool before fi lling
the fuel tank.
• Never smoke or allow fl ames or
sparks near generator or where
gasoline is stored.
• Never overfi ll fuel tank. After
refueling, tighten the fuel cap
securely.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when
refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor
may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, the
area must be dry before starting the
engine.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged contact
with skin or breathing of vapor.

General Fuel Information

Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Do not fi ll above
the top of the fuel strainer. Use unleaded gasoline with
a pump octane rating of 87 or higher.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt or water in the fuel tank. Always keep the fuel
strainer in place while refueling.

Oxygenated Fuels

At certain times of the year, some U.S. locations may
have only oxygenated fuel available. Oxygenated fuel
is blended with alcohol or ether additives to increase
octane quality, enhance combustion and reduce
exhaust emissions. Some areas of the U.S. use
oxygenated fuels to help meet clean air standards.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, ensure pump octane
rating is 87 or higher.
Some states (and provinces in Canada) require this
information to be posted on the fuel pump. If you
notice undesirable operating symptoms, switch to a
conventional unleaded gasoline.
NOTICE
Oxygenated fuels can damage paint and plastic.
Be careful not to spill fuel when fi lling the fuel tank.
Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered under
warranty.
7-2

Oxygenated Fuel Types

Ethanol (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol)

Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol
by volume, as this may cause starting or performance
problems. Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name "Gasohol." Not all pumps are
required to display ethanol content.

Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol)

Gasoline containing methanol must contain cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system.
Gasoline containing more than 5% methanol by volume
may cause starting and/or performance problems and
may damage metal, rubber and plastic parts of the fuel
system.

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)

Gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume can be
used.
NOTICE
Running the engine with persistent engine knock or
pinging can cause engine damage. Warranty does
not cover parts damaged by misuse.

Adding Gasoline to the Fuel Tank

!
WARNING
Never refuel the generator while the
engine is running.
Always turn off the engine and allow
the generator to cool before refueling.
Filling the Fuel Tank – Follow the steps below to fi ll the
fuel tank:
1. Shut off the generator.
2. Allow the generator to cool down so all surface
areas of the muffl er and engine are cool to the
touch.
3. Move the generator to a fl at surface.
4. Clean area around the fuel cap.
5. Remove the fuel cap by rotating counterclockwise.
6. Slowly add gasoline into the fuel tank. Be very
careful not to overfi ll the tank. The gasoline level
should NOT be higher than the bottom of the fi ller
neck (see Figure 7-1). Overfi lling the fuel tank may
damage the carbon canister, if equipped.
7. Install the fuel cap by rotating clockwise until
you hear a click, indicating the cap is completely
installed.