Operating Automatic Idle Control; Charging A Battery - Generac Power Systems 4000XL Owner's Manual

Operating Automatic Idle Control

This switch is designed to greatly improve fuel economy.
When this switch is turned ON, the engine will only
run at its normal high governed engine speed when an
electrical load is connected. When the load is removed,
the engine will run at a reduced speed. With the switch
OFF, the engine will run at the normal high engine speed.
Always have the switch off when starting and
stopping the engine.

Charging a Battery

DANGER!
Storage batteries give off explosive
hydrogen gas while recharging. This explosive
mixture will remain around the battery for a long
time after it has been charged. The slightest spark
can ignite the hydrogen and cause an explosion. Such
an explosion can shatter the battery and cause
blindness or other serious injury.
DANGER!
Do Not permit smoking, open flame,
sparks or any other source of heat around a battery.
Wear protective goggles, rubber apron and rubber
gloves when working around a battery. Battery
electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic sulfuric acid
solution that can cause severe burns. If spill occurs,
flush area with clear water immediately.
Your generator has the capability of recharging a discharged
12 Volt automotive or utility style storage battery. Do Not
use the unit to charge any 6 Volt batteries. Do Not use
the unit to crank an engine having a discharged battery.
Generac Portable Products 4,000XL Generator
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
• Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary, add
ONLY distilled water to cover separators in battery
cells. Do Not use tap water.
• If the battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure they
are installed and are tight.
• If necessary, clean battery terminals.
• Connect battery charge cable connector plug to panel
receptacle identified by the words "12-VOLT D.C."
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle to
the positive (+) battery terminal (Figure 6).
Figure 6 — Battery Connections
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with black handle
to the negative (–) battery terminal (Figure 6).
• Start engine. Let the engine run while battery recharges.
• When battery has charged, shut down engine
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.
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