Craftsman 580.326300 Owner's Manual page 14

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.
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least
every 5 hours of operation. Keep oil level maintained.
Changing Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first 5 hours of operation.
Change oil every 50 hours or once each year,
whichever comes first, thereafter. If you are using your
generator under extremely dirty or dusty conditions, or
in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from
running, as follows:
1. Place generator on a level surface.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from
spark plug. Disconnect battery at negative terminal.
3. Clean area around oil drain plug. The oil drain
plug is located at base of engine, opposite
carburetor.
4. Remove oil drain plug and oil fill cap and drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
5. Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
6. Fill oil sump with recommended oil to the point of
overflowing. See page 7 for oil recommendations.
7. Install oil cap. Tighten cap securely.
8. Wipe up any spilled oil.
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Change the spark plug every 100 hours of operation
or once each year, whichever comes first. This 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 set
spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if necessary.
4. Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned
or porcelain is cracked. Use a recommended
replacement plug.
NOTE: You can purchase a new spark plug by calling
1-800-366-PART.
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged if you run it using a dirty air cleaner. Clean
or replace the air cleaner paper filter once every
25 hours of operation or once a year, whichever
comes first. Clean or replace more often if operating
under dusty or dirty conditions.
Service Air Filter
1. Loosen screws and remove air cleaner cover.
Remove paper filter.
Cartridge
Cover
Screw
2. Install clean (or new) air cleaner assembly inside
cover. Dispose of old filter properly.
3. Assemble air cleaner cover onto base and tighten
screws.
NOTE: You can purchase new air cleaner elements by
calling 1-800-366-PART.
Carburetor
If you think your carburetor needs adjusting, see your
nearest Sears service center. Engine performance
may be affected at altitudes above 3000-5000 feet.
For operation at higher elevations, contact your
nearest Sears service center.
Clean Spark Arrester Screen
The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrester
screen. Inspect and clean the screen every 100 hours
of operation or once each year, whichever comes first.
NOTE: You can purchase a new spark arrester screen
by calling 1-800-366-PART.
If you use your generator on any forest-covered, brush-
covered, or grass-covered unimproved land, it must
have a spark arrester. The spark arrester must be
maintained in good condition by the owner/operator.
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Base