Cleaning The Generator; Battery Maintenance - Generac Power Systems 004709-0 Owner's Manual

Figure 3.6 - Spark Arrestor
TAILPIPE
P/N 0E0683
RETAINING
SCREW P/N 056892
3.8

CLEANING THE GENERATOR

Keep the generator set as clean and dry as possible. Protect the
unit against excessive dust, dirt, corrosive vapors, road splash,
etc. Permitting dirt and moisture to accumulate on generator
windings will have an adverse effect on the insulation resistance
of those windings.
When moisture is allowed to remain in contact with windings,
some of the moisture will be retained in voids and cracks in the
insulation. This causes a reduced insulation resistance and will
eventually cause problems. Dirt will make the problem worse,
since dirt tends to hold moisture in contact with windings. Salt (as
from sea air) also will worsen the problem since it tends to absorb
moisture from the air. Salt and moisture, when combined, form a
good electrical conductor which can be damaging to the generator
windings.
Do NOT use a forceful spray of water to
clean the generator. Water will enter the gen-
erator interior and cause problems, and may
also contaminate the generator fuel system.
3.9

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

All lead-acid batteries will discharge when not in use. The genera-
tor battery should be inspected as follows:
3.9.1 WEEKLY
• Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness and corro-
sion. Tighten and clean as necessary.
• Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries and, if nec-
essary, fill with Distilled Water Only. Do not use tap water in
batteries.
SPARK ARRRESTOR
SCREEN P/N 089680
3.9.2 EVERY SIX MONTHS
• Have the state of charge and condition checked. This should be
done with an automotive-type battery hydrometer.
Servicing of the battery is to be performed or supervised by
personnel knowledgeable of batteries and the required precau-
tions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
Damage will result if the battery connections are made in
reverse.

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding. Storage bat-
teries give off explosive hydrogen gas. This
gas can form an explosive mixture around
the battery for several hours after charging.
The slightest spark can ignite the gas and
cause an explosion. Such an explosion can
shatter the battery and cause blindness or
other injury. Any area that houses a storage
battery must be properly ventilated. Do not
allow smoking, open flame, sparks, or any
spark producing tools or equipment near the
battery. Discharge static electricity from body
before touching the battery by first touching
a grounded metal surface.

A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following
precautions are to be observed when work-
ing on batteries:
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery;
• Disconnect any charging source prior to connect-
ing or disconnecting battery terminals; and
• Do not use any jumper cables or booster battery
to crank and start the generator engine. If any
battery has discharged, remove it for recharging.
Do not open or mutilate the battery.
Released electrolyte has been known to
be harmful to the skin and eyes, and to be
toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that
is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electri-
cally conductive and corrosive. The follow-
ing procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
Maintenance
Note:
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