How To Use Your Generator; Before Starting The Generator; Add Engine Oil And Gasoline; To Start The Engine - Craftsman 580.327130 Operator's Manual

HOW TO USE YOUR GENERATOR
If you have any problems operating your generator,
please call the generator helpline at 1-800-222-3136.
Grounding the Generator
The National Electrical Code requires that the frame
and external electrically conductive parts of this
generator be properly connected to an approved earth
ground. Local electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of the unit. For that purpose, a grounding
wing nut is provided on the base of the cradle (note:
typical unit shown may not look like your unit).
Grounding Wing Nut
Generally, connecting a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing
nut and to an earth-driven copper or brass grounding
rod (electrode) provides adequate protection against
electrical shock. However, local codes may vary
widely. Consult with a local electrician for grounding
requirements in your area.
Proper grounding of generator will help prevent
electrical shock in the event of a ground fault condition
in the generator or in connected electrical devices.
Proper grounding also helps dissipate static electricity,
which often builds up in ungrounded devices.
BEFORE STARTING THE
GENERATOR
To operate the engine you must do the following:
Add Engine Oil
NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase in the
future, use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SF or SG or higher. Use no
special additives. Select the oil's viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature:
colder 32°F warmer
SAE 5W20 or 5W30 SAE 10W30 or SAE 30
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, this type oil will result
in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible damage from running low on oil.
• Place unit on a level surface.
• Clean area around oil fill and remove oil dipstick.
• Wipe dipstick clean.
• Pour oil into oil fill opening until oil reaches FULL
mark on the dipstick. Do Not overfill!
Add Gasoline
,_ WARNING NEVER fill fuel tank indoors.
NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running or
hot. Do Not light a cigarette or smoke when
filling the fuel tank.
,_ CAUTION: Do Not overfill the fuel tank.
Always leave room for expansion.
• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline with the
generator engine. Do Not use premium gasoline.
Do Not mix oil with gasoline.
• Clean area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
• Slowly add unleaded regular gasoline to fuel tank.
Be careful not to overfill. Allow about 1/2" of tank
space between bottom of fill opening and top of
fuel for fuel expansion, as shown here.
1/2" Air Space Tank
Fuel
• Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits
from forming in essential fuel system parts such as the
carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.
Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture, which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer. See "Storage" on
page 12. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
TO START THE ENGINE
,_ CAUTION! NEVER run engine indoors or in
enclosed poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.