Cold Weather Operation - Briggs & Stratton PRO8000 Operator's Manual

NOTE:Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery state of
charge and condition. Follow the hydrometer manufacturer's
instructions carefully. Generally, a battery is considered to be
at 100% state of charge when specific gravity of its fluid (as
measured by hydrometer) is 1.260 or higher.
Cold Weather Operation
Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below 40°F
[4°C] combined with high humidity), your generator may
experience icing of the carburetor and/or the crankcase
breather system. To reduce this problem, you need to
perform the following:
1. Make sure generator has clean, fresh fuel.
2. Open fuel valve (turn valve to open position).
3. Use SAE 5W-30 oil.
4. Check oil level daily or after every eight (8) hours of
operation.
5. Maintain generator following MaintenanceSchedule in
Maintenancesection.
6. Shelter unit from elements.
Creatinga TemporaryColdWeather Shelter
1. For temporary shelter, the original shipping carton can
be used.
2. Cut off top carton flaps and one long side of carton to
expose muffler side of unit. If required, tape up other
sides of carton to fit over generator as shown.
Wind
Typical Generator
Shown
NOTE:If required, remove wheel kit to fit carton over
generator as shown.
3. Cut appropriate slots to access receptaclesof unit.
4. Face exposed end away from wind and elements.
5. Locate generator as described in the section Generator
Location. Keepexhaust gas from entering a confined
area through windows, doors, ventilation intakes or
other openings.
_i, WARNING Running engine gives off carbon
monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause headache,
fatigue, dizziness,vomiting, confusion, seizures,
nausea, fainting or death.
• Operate generator O NLY outdoors.
• Install a batteryoperatedcarbonmonoxide alarmnearthe
bedrooms.
• Keepexhaust g asfrom enteringa confined areathrough
windows,doors,ventilation intakes, o r otheropenings.
• DONOT startor run engine indoorsor in an enclosed area,
(evenif windowsanddoorsareopen),including the generator
compartment o fa recreational vehicle(RV).
6. Start generator as described in the section Starting the
Engine, then place carton over generator. Keep at least
5 ft. (1.5 m) clearance on all sides of generator
including overhead with shelter in place.
_i, WARNING Contact with muffler area can result in
serious burns.
Exhaust heat/gases can ignite
combustibles, structures or damage
fuel tank causing a fire.
• DONOT touch hotpartsandAVOID hot exhaustgases.
• Allowequipment t o coolbeforetouching.
• Keepat least5 feet (152cm) of clearance on all sidesof
generator i ncludingoverhead.
• Remove shelterwhentemperatures a reabove40°F[4°C].
7. Remove shelter when temperatures are above 40°F
[4°C].
8. Turn engine OFFand let cool two (2) minutes before
refueling. Let any spilled fuel evaporate before starting
engine.
Building a Cold Weather Shelter
1. Using non combustible material with a fire rating of at
least one hour, build a shelter that will enclose three
sides and the top of the generator. Make sure muffler
side of generator is exposed.
NOTE:Contact your local building material supplier for non
combustible materials with a fire rating of at least one hour.
IMPORTANT:Be sure shelter can easily be repositioned for
change in wind direction.
2. DO NOT enclose generator any more than shown.
Shelter should hold enough heat created by the
generator to prevent icing problem.
NOTE:If a wheel kit is installed on the generator, enlarge
shelter accordingly.
3. Follow steps 3 through 8 as described previously in
Creating a Temporary Cold WeatherShelter.
16 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM