Engine Maintenance - Craftsman 580.323601 Owner's Manual

NOTE: D ONOTusea garden hosetoclean
generator. Watercanentertheengine fuelsystem and
causeproblems. Inaddition, i f waterentersthe
generator through cooling air slots,someof thewater
willberetained in voidsandcracks oftherotorand
statorwinding insulation. Wateranddirt buildup onthe
generator internal windings wilteventually d ecrease
theinsulation r esistance o fthesewindings.
To Clean the Generator
Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
Use a soft bristle brush to loosen caked on dirt, oil,
etc.
,_ CAUTIONI NEVER insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine
is not running.
Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up loose dirt and
debris.
Use low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) to blow
away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on
the generator. These openings must be kept clean
and unobstructed.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
,_ CAUTIONI 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 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 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. Clean area around oil drain plug. The oil drain
plug is located at base of engine, opposite
carburetor.
2. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely into
a suitable container.
3. Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
4. Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See page 7
for oil recommendations.
5. Install oil cap/dipstick. Check oil level. Tighten cap
securely.
6. 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 wilt
help your engine to start easier and run better.
1. Clean area around spark plug.
2. Remove and inspect spark plug.
3. Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted or
burned or porcelain is cracked. For replacement
use Champion RC-12YC or equivalent.
4. Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and
set spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if
necessary.
5. Install spark plug and tighten firmly.
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 with a dirty air cleaner.
Replace the air cleaner every 100 hours of operation
or once each year, whichever comes first. Replace
more often if operating under dirty or dusty conditions.
To service the air cleaner, follow these steps:
1. Loosen screw and tilt cover down.
CARTRIDGE BASE -_
COVER
SLOTS AND
SCREW----_ TABS
2. Carefully remove cartridge assembly.
3. To clean cartridge, gently tap pleated paper side
on a flat surface.
4. Reinstall clean or new cartridge inside cover.
5. Insert cover's tabs into slots in bottom of base.
6. Tilt cover up and tighten screw securely to base.
NOTE: You can purchase new air filter elements by
calling 1-800-366-PART.
12