Craftsman 580.327181 Operator's Manual page 8

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.
Generally, connecting a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding lug 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.
CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LOADS
Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes
after starting.
Do not connect 240 Volts to 120 Volt duplex
receptacles
Do not connect 3-phase loads to receptacles.
Plug in and turn on the desired 120 and/or 240
Volt, single phase, 60 Hertz, AC electrical loads.
DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. Add up
the rated watts (or Amps) of all loads to be
connected at one time. This total should not be
greater than the rated wattage/amperage capacity
of the generator. See Don't Overload the Generator
on Page 10.
BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR
To operate the engine you will need to 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 rated SAE 30
weight. Use no special additives. Select the oil's
viscosity grade according to your expected operating
temperature.
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity
oils 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.
I
colder _ 32°F _ warmer
!
5W30 SAE 30
Place generator on a level surface and remove the
yellow oil fill cap and add engine oil until level is at
point of overflowing. Check engine oil level before
starting each time thereafter.
Add Gasoline
WARNING NEVERfill fuel tank indoors.NEVER fill
fuel tank when engine is runningor hot. DO NOT
light a cigaretteor smokewhen filling the fuel tank.
_ AUTION: Donotoverfill t he fueltank.Always
leaveroomfor expansion.
• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline with the
generator engine.
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 14. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
Occur.
TO START THE ENGINE
• Unplug all electrical loads from generator
receptacles before starting the engine. NEVER
start or stop engine with electrical devices plugged
into the panel receptacles and turned on.
• Make sure the idle control switch is "Off".
_ AUTION! Never run engine indoors or in enclosed
poorly ventilatedareas. Engine Exhaustcontains
carbon monoxide,an odorlessand deadly gas.
,_ WARNING!Temperatureof mufflerand nearby
areas may exceed 150°F(65°C). Avoid these areas.
• Open the fuel valve.
* Place the Run/Stop Switch in the "RUN" position.
• Move engine CHOKE LEVER to "FULL CHOKE
POSITION."
• For manual starting: Grasp starter grip and pull
slowly until you feel some resistance. Then pull
cord out with rapid full arm stroke. Let rope return
slowly. Do not let rope "snap back" against starter.
• For electric starting: Press start switch on
generator cradle until engine cranks. Keep
pressing until it starts.