DANGER CARBON MONOXIDE Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison you cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are breathing CO. But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.
GV 3800A Table of Contents Foreword Safety Information Laws Pertaining to Spark Arresters ............6 Operating Safety .................. 7 Operator Safety while using Internal Combustion Engines ....9 Service Safety ..................10 Label Locations .................. 11 Safety and Operating Labels .............. 12 Operation Determining Power Requirements .............
Page 4
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ............26 Engine Oil ....................27 Servicing Air Cleaner ................28 Spark Plug ...................29 Cleaning the Sediment Cup ..............30 Storage ....................31 Transport .....................32 Troubleshooting ...................33 GV 3800A Technical Data Generator ....................34 Engine ....................35 Electrical Schematic ................36 Schematic Components ..............37 wc_bo0170812en_003TOC.fm...
Page 5
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of WARNING California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Foreword This manual provides information and procedures to safely operate and maintain this Wacker model.
Safety Information GV 3800A Safety Information This manual contains DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, NOTICE and NOTE callouts which must be followed to reduce the possibility of personal injury, damage to the equipment, or improper service. This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
GV 3800A Safety Information Operating Safety Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell. NEVER use this generator inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors and windows are open.
Page 8
Safety Information GV 3800A 2.2.7 NEVER operate the machine in snow, rain, or standing water. 2.2.8 NEVER allow untrained personnel to operate or service the generator. The generator set should be set up by a trained electrician. 2.2.9 NEVER stand on the machine.
GV 3800A Safety Information Operator Safety while using Internal Combustion Engines Internal combustion engines present special hazards during operation and fueling. Read and follow the warning instructions in the engine owner’s manual and the safety guidelines below. Failure to follow the DANGER warnings and safety guidelines could result in severe injury or death.
Safety Information GV 3800A Service Safety Poorly maintained equipment can become a safety hazard! In order for the equipment to operate safely and properly over a long period of time, periodic maintenance and occasional repairs are necessary. If WARNING the generator is experiencing problems or is being serviced, attach a “DO NOT START”...
Safety Information GV 3800A Safety and Operating Labels Wacker machines use international pictorial labels where needed. These labels are described below: Label Meaning DANGER! No sparks, flames or burning objects near machine. Shut off the engine before refueling. WARNING! Hot surface! Improper connection of generator to a building’s electrical system can allow electrical...
Page 13
GV 3800A Safety Information Label Meaning Open the fuel flow valve. Close the choke. Turn the engine switch to the ON position. Pull the rewind starter. Open the choke. Open main circuit breaker. Turn the engine switch to “OFF”. Close the fuel flow valve.
Page 14
Safety Information GV 3800A Label Meaning Electrical ground Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell. NEVER use inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors and windows are open.
GV 3800A Operation Operation Determining Power Requirements This generator is designed to operate single-phase, 60 Hz appliances running at 120 VAC. Check the nameplate or label provided on tools and appliances to make sure their power requirements match the power output of the generator.
Operation GV 3800A Installation Place the generator in an area where it will not be exposed to rain, snow, or direct sunlight. Make sure it is positioned on firm, level ground, so it will not slide or shift. Position the engine exhaust away from areas where people may be present.
GV 3800A Operation Generator Derating All generators are subject to derating for altitude and temperature. Internal combustion engines, unless modified, run less efficiently at higher altitudes due to the reduction of air pressure. This translates into a lack of power and thus reduction in generator output.
Operation GV 3800A Grounding the Generator A ground connection (a) is located on the generator frame. For proper operating safety, this ground terminal must be connected to a good ground source. This ground connection must comply with National Electrical Code standards, and state and local regulations.
GV 3800A Operation Use of Extension Cords When a long extension cord is used to connect an appliance or tool to the generator, a voltage loss occurs—the longer the cord, the greater the voltage loss. This results in less voltage being supplied to the appliance or tool and increases the amount of current draw or reduces performance.
GV 3800A Operation Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) See Graphic: wc_gr003958 Each of the 125V, 20 Amp receptacles (f) is equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupt (GFI). The GFI shuts off power to the receptacle when a ground fault occurs to a piece of equipment attached to the generator.
Operation GV 3800A 3.11 Voltage Selection See Graphic: wc_gr003958 The voltage selector switch (e) switches the generator output between the single-voltage mode (120V) and the dual-voltage (120/240V) mode. In single-voltage mode, the full rated power of the generator is shared between the two 125V GFI duplex receptacles.
GV 3800A Operation 3.13 Before Starting 3.13.1 Read and understand the safety and operating labels and instructions at the beginning of this manual 3.13.2 Inspect the generator for any signs of damage which may affect operation or pose a safety hazard.
Operation GV 3800A 3.14 To Start Before starting, be sure you read and understand all the safety and operating instructions in this manual. 3.14.1 Disconnect all loads from the generator and place the main breaker in the "OFF" position (a2).
GV 3800A Operation 3.15 To Stop 3.15.1 Turn off and disconnect all tools and appliances attached to the generator. 3.15.2 Place main circuit breaker in the "OFF" position (a2). 3.15.3 Turn the engine switch to "OFF" (b2). 3.15.4 Close fuel valve (d2).
Maintenance GV 3800A Maintenance Engine Maintenance The chart below lists basic machine and engine maintenance. Refer to engine manufacturer’s Operator’s Manual additional information on engine maintenance. Periodic Maintenance Schedule Daily After Every Every Every before first starting 20 hrs. hrs.
GV 3800A Maintenance Engine Oil 4.3.1 Drain the oil while the engine is still warm. 4.3.2 Remove the oil filler plug (a) and the drain plug (b) to drain the oil. Note: In the interests of environmental protection, place a plastic sheet and a container under the machine to collect any liquid that drains off.
Maintenance GV 3800A Servicing Air Cleaner Service the air cleaner frequently to prevent carburetor malfunction. NOTICE: NEVER run the engine without the air cleaner. Severe engine damage will occur. NEVER use gasoline or other types of low flash-point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner.
GV 3800A Maintenance Spark Plug Clean or replace the spark plug as needed to ensure proper operation. Refer to the engine owner’s manual. The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Do not touch the muffler while it is hot.
Maintenance GV 3800A Cleaning the Sediment Cup 4.6.1 Turn the fuel valve off. 4.6.2 Remove the sediment cup (a) and the O-ring (b). 4.6.3 Wash both thoroughly in a nonflammable solvent. Dry and reinstall them. 4.6.4 Turn the fuel valve on and check for leaks.
GV 3800A Maintenance Storage Before storing the generator for a long period of time: 4.7.1 Close the fuel valve and remove and empty the sediment cup or fuel strainer. 4.7.2 Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Place open end of fuel line into a suitable container and open fuel valve to drain fuel from tank.
Maintenance GV 3800A Transport Let the engine cool before transporting the generator or storing indoors, to avoid burns or fire hazards. WARNING When transporting the generator: 4.8.1 Turn the engine fuel valve to the OFF position. 4.8.2 Position the generator level to prevent fuel from spilling.
GV 3800A Maintenance Troubleshooting Problem / Symptom Reason / Remedy If engine doesn't start, check • Engine switch is on "Start". that: • Fuel valves under fuel tank and on engine are open. • Fuel tank has fuel. • Choke lever is in correct position. Choke should be closed when starting a cold engine.
Technical Data GV 3800A Technical Data Generator Item No. GV 3800A 0620287 Generator Maximum output 3800 Continuous output 3400 Type Single phase, self-exciting, 2-pole, field rotating AC voltages available Volts 120/240 phase Frequency Power factor cos ø AC receptacles: 125V GFI duplex (2)