Section 1.8 - General Maintenance; Introduction; Maintenance Message; Air Filter - Generac Power Systems 7 kW NG Repair Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Performing proper maintenance on a Generator will ensure
proper function during a Utility failure. Once a Generator has
failed, it is already too late. Ensuring the proper oil changes
and inspections have been completed at the specified times will
help keep the Generator reliable.

MAINTENANCE MESSAGE

When a maintenance period expires, a warning message will
be displayed. Pressing the Enter key will cause the alert to
reset and will prompt the user to confirm the action. Resetting
will clear the alert and reset the maintenance counters for all
warnings annunciated. The history log will record the alert.
The maintenance counter will not accumulate without battery
voltage. Once restored, a prompt will appear for the user to
set the time and date. The new date and time will adjust the
maintenance counters accordingly.
Only one alert will appear on the display at any one time. With
the acknowledgement of the first alert, the next active alert will
be displayed
Message Interval
Table 4. Message Intervals
"Inspect Battery" 1 Year
"Change Oil & Filter" 200 hours or 2 years, 100 hours or
2 years on 20kW models
"Inspect Air Filter" 200 Hours or 2 years
"Change Air Filter" 200 Hours Or 2 years
"Inspect Spark Plugs" 200 Hours or 2 years
"Change spark Plugs" 400 hours or 10 years
Resetting Maintenance Intervals
When a complete maintenance inspection has been completed
before a specific alert was generated, it is possible to reset the
intervals to prevent future alerts from occurring for maintenance
that was just performed. To reset the intervals proceed to
Section 4.1 "Menu Navigation" for further information
With the resetting of the intervals, all maintenance counters will
start from the current time and date of the Generator.
Engine Oil
Modern oils play vital functions in protecting the engine.
Lubricating oil acts to reduce friction and wear, cool engine
parts, seal combustion chambers, clean engine components,
and inhibit corrosion. See Table 7 "Service Schedule" for
specific inspection items and interval
Engine Oil Recommendations
All oil should meet minimum American Petroleum Institute (API)
Service Class SJ, SL or better. Do not use special additives.
Select the oil's viscosity grade according to the expected
operating temperature. Refer to Table 6.
PART 1
• SAE 30  Above 32º F
• 10W-30  Between 40ºF and -10ºF
• Synthetic 5W-30  10ºF and below
Table 6.
10W-30
Synthetic 5W-30

Any attempt to crank or start the engine without the
recommended oil may result in an engine failure.

AIR FILTER

Air is necessary for successful combustion in the engine.
Clean air (almost 100% pure) is critical to engine survival and
vital to its performance. There are operational signs when an
air filter has become completely plugged. The engine begins to
lose power, and fuel consumption increases. Black smoke may
blow from the exhaust. Continued operation with a plugged air
filter may cause severe damage to the engine.

SPARK PLUGS

Good spark is essential to properly maintaining the engine.
Although replacement may not be required, inspection of the
plugs during routing maintenance is critical. Always verify
that spark plugs are gapped according to the specifications.
Improperly gaped spark plugs will effect the operation of the
engine.
See Test 57 for diagnosing spark plug related problems.
See "Specifications" for specific spark plug gaps.

VISUAL INSPECTION

During all service intervals, a proper visual inspection must be
conducted to ensure proper function, airflow, and to prevent
fire hazards.
Air inlet and outlet openings in the Generator compartment
must be open and unobstructed for continued proper operation.
This includes such obstructions as high grass, weeds, brush,
leaves, and snow.
Section 1.8
General Maintenance
SAE 30
Page 29