Shutdown: 1. Turn off all connected appliances and disconnect from the generator. 2. Push the engine switch on the control panel to the ―OFF‖ position. 3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF‖ position. 500Wi OM...
Page 3
PREFACE Thank you for purchasing a POWERHOUSE generator. This manual covers operation and maintenance of POWERHOUSE generator model 500Wi. All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of approval for printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
CONTENTS 1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................5 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ....................7 2.1 Control panel 500Wi ........................8 2.2 Serial number and bar code identification and location ............9 3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ......................10 3.1 Check the engine oil level......................10 3.2 Check the fuel level........................ 11 3.3 Check the air cleaner ......................12...
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep away from cigarettes and sparks when refueling the generator. Wipe up spilled gasoline at once. 500Wi OM...
Page 6
■ Do not operate the generator in rain or snow and do not let it get wet. ■ Do not operate this generator inside a compartment. Doing so may lead to overheating and, consequently, fire. It may also lead to death by asphyxiation. ■ Do not modify the enclosure of this generator. 500Wi OM...
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION Fuel Cap Spark Plug Access Door Control Panel Choke Lever Starter Grip Exhaust Grill Fuel Lever Maintenance Door 500Wi OM...
Date of Purchase ________________________________ Name of Selling Dealership ________________________________ Please go to www.powerhouse-products.com/register and register your unit today. Online registration will be accepted as proof of purchase. Online registration will make sure you are protected in the event you have lost your receipt, and will significantly speed the process in the event warranty service is necessary.
However, to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected shutdown, it is still advisable to visually inspect the oil level regularly. Engine oil capacity: 7.4 fl oz (0.46 pt) / 220 ml Dip Stick Upper Level Lowest oil level allowed Oil Fill Hole 500Wi OM...
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a gasoline that contains ethanol, or one that you think contains ethanol, replace it with a gasoline that you know has the proper blend. 500Wi OM...
■ Never run the engine without the air cleaner element in place. Rapid engine wear will result from contaminants, such as dust and dirt, being drawn through the carburetor, into the engine. Air Cleaner Case Air Cleaner Element Maintenance Cover Cover Air Cleaner Screw Cover Air Cleaner Screw 500Wi OM...
■ Do not allow the starter grip to snap back. Return it slowly by hand. ■ Do not let the starter rope rub against the generator body or the rope will wear out prematurely. Engine Switch Starter Grip Running Start Choke Lever Fuel Valve 500Wi OM...
SAE 0W-40. Even with 0W-40 oil, the engine will be more difficult to start. ■ Do not operate the generator when the ambient temperature is below 0°F (-18°C). ■ Do not operate the generator when the ambient temperature exceeds 113°F (45°C). (-18° C) (0° C) (45° C) 500Wi OM...
When utility power is restored the generator may explode, burn, or cause fires in the building's electrical system. ■ Do not connect the generator to an automatic transfer device. Severe damage to the inverter module may result. 500Wi OM...
Page 16
■ The DC receptacle can be used while the AC power is in use. If you use both at the same time, be sure not to exceed the total power for AC and DC. ■ Most appliance motors require more than their rated wattage for start-up. 500Wi OM...
■ Be sure that all appliances are in good working order before connecting them to the generator. If an appliance begins to operate abnormally, becomes sluggish, or stops suddenly, turn off the generator engine switch immediately. Disconnect the appliance and examine it for signs of malfunction. 500Wi OM...
(green) may go on simultaneously. This is normal if the overload indicator light (red) goes off after about four (4) seconds. If the overload indicator light (Red) stays on, consult your generator dealer. 120V ~ 20A Receptacle Overload Light 500Wi OM...
1. For DC operation, with the engine running, turn the Economy switch to the OFF position. 2. Connect the charging cables to the battery terminals first. 3. Connect the charging cables to the DC receptacle of the generator last. Economy Switch 500Wi OM...
If the low oil alarm system shuts down the engine, the low oil alarm indicator light (red) will come on or flicker when you pull the starter rope and the engine will not start. If this occurs add enough of the approved engine oil to raise the level to the top line on the dipstick. Low Oil Light (Red) 500Wi OM...
■ Continually stopping the generator with a load applied can lead to damage of the control module. Normal Shutdown 1. Turn off all connected appliances and disconnect from the generator. 2. Push the engine switch to the OFF position. 3. Turn the fuel valve to the ―OFF‖ position. Engine Switch 500Wi OM...
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. The emission of fuel vapors is a source of pollution as well. The POWERHOUSE® generator engine utilizes a precise air-fuel ratio and emission control system to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide, NO , hydrocarbons, and evaporative fuel emissions.
Page 23
POWERHOUSE® have been manufactured to the same production standard as the original parts. The use of replacement parts or accessories which are not designed by POWERHOUSE® may affect the engine emission performance. The manufacturers of replacement parts and accessories have the responsibility to guarantee that their replacement products will not adversely affect emission performance.
(3) These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. See the shop Manual. Service Period for Oil Changes Temperature Normal –100 hr 77°F (25°C) 95 hr 86°F (30°C) 85 hr 95°F (35°C) 70 hr 104°F (40°C) 500Wi OM...
Oil Fill Hole ■ Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment and local disposal regulations. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground. 500Wi OM...
5. Reinstall the air cleaner element and the air cleaner cover. Tighten the cover screw securely. 6. Reinstall the maintenance door and tighten the screws securely. Air Cleaner Case Air Cleaner Element Maintenance Door Cover Air Cleaner Screw Cover Air Cleaner Screw 500Wi OM...
1. Loosen the access door screw and remove the spark plug access door. Spark Plug Access Door Screw 2. Remove the spark plug cap. 3. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base. 4. Use the supplied wrench to remove the spark plug. Spark Plug Wrench Spark Plug 500Wi OM...
Page 28
■ The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened plug can become very hot and possibly damage the generator. ■ Never use a spark plug with an improper heat range. ■ Always use an A7RTC resistor-type spark plug. Using a non-resistor spark plug will interfere with AC output. 500Wi OM...
2. Remove the two M4 screws holding the spark arrester to the muffler. 3. Use a stiff wire brush to remove carbon deposits from the spark arrester screen. 4. Inspect the screen for holes, and replace it if necessary. Spark Arrestor M4 Screws Muffler Grill M6 Screws 500Wi OM...
―OFF‖. Avoid placing the generator in direct sunlight when storing If the generator is left in an enclosed area or vehicle, high temperatures inside could cause residual fuel to vaporize resulting in possible explosion. 500Wi OM...
Exercise the generator by running it with at least a 1/2 load (225W) for 15 minutes per month. Gasoline fuel treatments to prevent contamination of your fuel supply are available from your dealer. Fuel varnishing necessitating replacement of the carburetor is not a warrantable failure. 500Wi OM...
3) Attach the plug side electrode to your ground wire. Pull the recoil starter, sparks should jump across the gap. If the engine still does not start, take it to an authorized generator dealer Ground Wire Spark Plug Cap Spark Plug 500Wi OM...
■ Take the electrical appliance or equipment to an electrical shop for repair. 7.3 No output at the DC receptacle: Is the DC circuit breaker tripped? Reset the circuit breaker. Take the generator to an authorized Powerhouse service center. 500Wi OM...
0.024-0.028 in (0.6-0.7 mm) Valve Clearance (Intake) 0.0039±0.0008 in (0.10±0.02mm) Valve Clearance (Exhaust) 0.0059±0.0008 in (0.15±0.02mm) Dimensions Overall dimension (L×W×H) in (mm) 14.1 x 8.2 x 12.6 in. (358 x 208 x 320 mm) Dry weight 21.4 lbs.(9.7 Kgs) 500Wi OM...
Proof of purchase and the serial number is required. Coverage Pre-approved parts and labor costs will be covered by POWERHOUSE® for any failure that is proven to be a failure in material or workmanship under normal use during the applicable warranty time period. This coverage is limited to parts, labor and ground shipping of repair parts.
SOREs must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the State's stringent anti-smog standards. Coast Distribution System Inc. (POWERHOUSE®) must warrant the emissions control system on your SOREs for the periods of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your SOREs.
3. A catalyst is built into the muffler to further treat the engine exhaust. 4. A secondary air injection valve adds combustion air to ignite unburned fuel in the exhaust. Contact your authorized POWERHOUSE® service center to obtain the correct replacement parts and service on this system.
USUALLY HAS A LARGER DIAMETER THAN A NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) POST; iv. DETERMINE WHICH POST OF BATTERY IS GROUNDED (CONNECTED) TO THE CHASSIS. IF NEGATIVE POST IS GROUNDED TO CHASSIS (AS IN MOST VEHICLES), SEE ITEM (v). IF POSITIVE POST IS GROUNDED TO THE CHASSIS, SEE ITEM (vi); 500Wi OM...
Page 39
(p) THE GENERATOR (STATOR WINDING) IS ISOLATED FROM THE FRAME AND FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE GROUND PIN. (q) ELECTRICAL DEVICES THAT REQUIRE A GROUNDED RECEPTACLE PIN CONNECTION WILL NOT FUNCTION IF THE RECEPTACLE GROUND PIN IS NOT FUNCTIONAL. 500Wi OM...
Page 40
Powerhouse Products DTS Manufacturing 7930 S.W. Burns Way, Unit C Wilsonville, OR 97070 www.powerhouse–products.com 500Wi OM (Revision – 2011-08-04)
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 500Wi and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers