Engine Maintenance - Craftsman 580.329140 Owner's Manual

Check the cleanliness ofthe generator frequently a nd
cleanwhendust,dirt,oil,moisture or otherforeign
substances a revisibleon itsexterior s urface.
_ CAUTION! Never insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine
is not running.
NOTE: Do Not use a garden hose to clean generator.
Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause
problems. In addition, if water enters the generator
through cooling air slots, some of the water will be
retained in voids and cracks of the rotor and stator
winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the
generator internal windings will eventually decrease
the insulation resistance of these windings.
To clean the generator:
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked
on dirt, oil, etc.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose
dirt and debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be
used to blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots
and openings on the generator. These openings
must be kept clean and unobstructed.
Battery Maintenance
Other than trickle charging, described elsewhere, no
maintenance is required for the battery. Keep the
battery and terminals clean and dry.
IMPORTANT: Battery charging should be performed
in a dry location, such as inside a garage.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder
The maintenance minder displays and records how
many hours your generator has run (up to 9,999.9). It
also alerts you when to change your oil and to service
your air filter.
The message "CHG OIL" will flash after the first eight
hours of unit operation. This is to remind you to
replace the 'break-in' oil with regular duty oil. The
same message will again flash after intervals of
50 hours. The maintenance reminder does not sense
that the oil change has occurred - it merely flashes the
message for a two hour period to permit you to
observe the reminder.
Similarly, the message "SVC AIR FILTER" will flash
after intervals of 25 hours to remind you to service or
change the air filter element.
,_ CAUTION! When working on the generator,
always disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and keep it away from spark plug.
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at
least every 8 hours of operation. Keep oil level
maintained.
Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Change oil after first 8 hours of operation. Change oil
and oil filter every 50 hours thereafter. If you are using
your generator under extremely dirty or dusty
conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change oil
more often.
Change oil while engine is still warm from running, as
follows:
• Clean area around oil drain plug.
• Remove oil drain plug and oil fill plug. Drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
• When oil has completely drained, install oil drain
plug and tighten securely.
• Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and
turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Discard oil
and filter according to local regulations.
• Coat gasket of new filter with engine oil. Turn filter
clockwise until snug against filter adapter, then
tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
• Fill unit with recommended oil. See "Before Starting
the Generator" on page 8 for oil recommendations.
• Install the oil fill plug and tighten securely.
• 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.
Replace with recommended plug.
• Clean area around spark plug.
• Remove and inspect spark plug.
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set
spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if
necessary.
• Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned
or porcelain is cracked.
NOTE: If you need to order a new spark plug, Please
call 1-800-366-PART.
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