Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN+
3000 Watt
AC Generator
Model No.
580.329120
CusGemneraHt°lpline_
HOURS: Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT)
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read this
manual and follow all its Safety Rules
and Operating Instructions.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Part No. 186956 Draft 1 (07/11/2001)
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
• Espafiol
SAFETY RULES .......................... 3
ASSEMBLY ............................. 5
OPERATION ........................... 5-9
SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 10
MAINTENANCE ....................... 10-12
STO RAGE ............................. 12
TROUBLESHOOTING .................... 13
SCHEMATIC/WIRING DIAGRAM .......... 14-15
REPLACEMENT PARTS ................ 16-22
EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY ......... 24-25
ESPANOL ........................... 26-39
HOW TO ORDER PARTS .......... BACK PAGE
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR CRAFTSMAN GENERATORS
SEARS warrants to the original purchaser that the alternator and engine for its portable generator will be free
from defects in materials or workmanship for the items and period set forth below from the date of original
purchase. This warranty is not transferable.
CONSUMER* COMMERCIAL*
Alternator 1 year 90 Days
Engine 1 year 90 Days
* NOTE: For the purpose of this warranty "Consumer Use" means personal residential household and emergency
use by original purchaser, not to be used as a primary source of power. "Commercial Use" means all other uses,
including rental, construction, commercial, and income producing purposes. Once a generator has experienced
commercial use, it shall thereafter be considered a commercial use generator for the purpose of this warranty.
During said warranty period, SEARS will, at its option, repair or replace any part which, upon examination by
SEARS, is found to be defective under normal use and service**. Starting batteries are not warranted by SEARS.
All transportation costs under warranty, including return to the factory if necessary, are to be borne by the
purchaser and prepaid by him. This warranty does not cover normal maintenance and service and does not apply
to a generator set, alternator or engine, or parts which have been subjected to improper or unauthorized
installation or alteration, misuse, negligence, accident, overloading, over-speeding, improper maintenance, repair
or storage so as, in SEARS's judgment, to adversely affect its performance and reliability.
** NORMAL WEAR: As with all mechanical devices, engines need periodic parts service and replacement to
perform well. This warranty will not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part or engine.
THERE IS NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY. SEARS HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. THE DURATION OF ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED IS LIMITED TO THE TIME PERIOD AS
SPECIFIED IN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY. LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
SPECIAL DAMAGES UNDER ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES IS EXCLUDED.
Some provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For service, see your nearest SEARS authorized warranty service facility. Warranty service can be performed
only by a SEARS authorized service facility. This warranty will not apply to service at any other facility. At the time
of requesting warranty service, evidence of original purchase date must be presented.
SEARS, ROEBUCK and CO., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
A AUTION! Before using this product, read this
manual and follow all Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
WARNING! You must isolate the generator
from the electric utility by opening the electrical
system's main circuit breaker or main switch if
this unit is used for backup power. Failure to
isolate the generator from the power utility
may result in injury or death to electric utility
workers and damage to the generator due to
a backfeed of electrical energy. When used as
backup power, the local power utility must be
notified.
DANGER! Generator exhaust gases contain
DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide, if breathed in sufficient
concentrations, will cause unconsciousness
or death. Operate this equipment outdoors
where adequate ventilation is available.
CAUTION! To prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs to your generator, always disconnect
spark plug wire and place the wire where it
cannot contact the spark plug.
• The unit requires an adequate flow of cooling air
for its continued proper operation. Never operate
the unit inside any room or enclosure where the
free flow of cooling air into and out of the unit might
be obstructed. Allow at least 3 feet of clearance on
all sides of generator or you could damage the unit.
• The generator produces dangerously high voltage
that can cause extremely hazardous electrical
shock. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals,
etc. Never permit any untrained person to operate
or service the generator.
• Do Not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for
fuel expansion. If tank is overfilled, fuel can
overflow onto a hot engine and cause FIRE or an
EXPLOSION.
• Never operate the generator:
in rain; in any enclosed compartment; when
connected electrical devices overheat; if electrical
output is lost; if engine or generator sparks; if flame
or smoke is observed while unit is running; if unit
vibrates excessively.
• Never handle any kind of electrical cord or device
while standing in water, while barefoot or while
hands or feet are wet. Dangerous electrical shock
will result.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter in any damp
or highly conductive area (such as metal decking or
steel work).
• Do Not use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise
damaged electrical cord sets with the generator.
Using any defective cord set may result in electrical
shock or damage to property.
• Operate generator only on level surfaces and
where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture,
dirt, dust or corrosive vapors.
• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors are
EXPLOSIVE. Do Not permit smoking, open flames,
sparks or heat in the vicinity while handling
gasoline. Avoid spilling gasoline on a hot engine.
Comply with all laws regulating storage and
handling of gasoline.
• Never store generator with fuel in tank where
gasoline vapors might reach an open flame or
spark or pilot light (as on a furnace, water heater or
clothes dryer). FIRE or EXPLOSION may result.
• Never add fuel while unit is running.
• Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads
connected to receptacles AND with connected
devices turned ON. Start the engine and let it
stabilize before connecting electrical loads.
Disconnect all electrical loads before shutting down
the generator.
• Do Not insert any object through cooling slots of
the engine-generator.
NOTE: Your generator is equipped with a spark
arrester muffler. The spark arrester must be
maintained in effective working order by the owner/
operator. In the State of California, a spark arrester is
required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands.
,_ THIS IS THE SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. IT IS USED TO ALERT YOU TO POTENTIALPERSONAL INJURY HAZARDS. OBEY ALL SAFETY MESSAGES THAT FOLLOW THIS
SYMBOL TO AVOID POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH.
KNOW YOUR GENERATOR
Read the owner's manual and safety rules before operating your generator.
Compare the illustrations with your generator to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
12 Volt DC,
10 Amp -
Receptacle
FuelTank
Recoil
Starter
Run/Stop
Switch
Air Cleaner
Arrester
Muffler
Prime_ Button
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Receptacles
Circuit Breakers
12 Volt DC, 10 Amp Receptacle -- Charges a
12 Volt automotive type battery.
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Receptacle -- May be used to
supply electrical power for the operation of 120 Volt
AC, 20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting,
appliance, tool and motor loads.
Air Cleaner -- Filters intake air as it is drawn into the
engine.
Circuit Breakers -- Each receptacle socket is
protected against electrical overload with "push to
reset" circuit breakers.
Fuel Tank -- Tank holds 1 U.S. gallon of unleaded
gasoline.
t_tWing Nut
Grounding Wing Nut -- Ground the generator to an
approved earth ground here.
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick -- Check and fill engine with oil
here. See page 6 for oil recommendations and filling
instructions.
Primer Button -- Used when starting a cold engine.
See page 7 for starting instructions.
Recoil Starter -- Used for starting the engine.
Run/Stop Switch -- Set switch to "Run" prior to using
recoil starter. Set switch to "Stop" to switch off engine.
Spark Arrester Muffler -- Exhaust muffler lowers
engine noise and is equipped with a spark arrester
screen.
4
TO REMOVE GENERATOR FROM
CARTON
• Slice two corners at end of carton from top to
bottom so the panel can be folded down fiat, then
remove all packing material.
• Remove the generator and contents from the
shipping carton.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check all contents against those listed below:
• Main unit
• Engine oil
• Owner's manual
• Battery charge cables
If any parts are missing or damaged, call the
generator helpline at 1-800-222-3136.
ADJUST GUIDE HANDLE
Your generator is equipped with a wheel kit for easy
maneuvering. After you remove the generator from the
carton, adjust the guide handle. Use the following
steps:
• Raise guide handle, secure in place.
Lift the handle to upright
position and slide the
locking caps into place
CONNECTOR PLUGS AND CORD
SETS
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacles
Each duplex receptacle is protected against overload
by a push-to-reset circuit breaker.
Use each receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC,
single-phase, 60 Hz electrical loads requiring up to
2,400 watts (2.4 kW) at 20 Amps of current. Use cord
sets that are rated for 125 Volt AC loads at 20 Amps
(or greater).
CAUTION! Although each receptacle is rated
for 120 Volts at 20 Amps (2,400 watts or
2.4 kW), the generator is rated for a total of
3,000 watts. Powering loads that exceed the
wattage capacity of the generator can damage it
or cause serious injuries. The total of loads
powered through these receptacles should not
exceed 20 Amps.
12 Volt DC Receptacle
This receptacle allows you to recharge a 12 Volt
10 Amp automotive or utility style storage battery with
the battery charge cables provided. This receptacle
can not recharge 6 Volt batteries and can not be used
to crank an engine having a
discharged battery. See the
(page 7) before attempting to
section "Charging a Battery" __
recharge a battery.
120 Volt Cord Sets
Use only high quality, well-insulated, extension cords
with the generator's 120 Volt electrical receptacles.
Check the ratings of all extension cords before you
use them. Such cords should be rated for 125 Volt AC
loads at 20 Amps (or greater) for most electrical
devices. Some devices, however, may not require this
type of extension cord. Check the owner's manuals of
those devices for their recommendations.
Keep extension cords as short as possible, preferably
less than 15 feet long, to prevent voltage drop and
possible overheating of wires.
HOW TO USE YOUR GENERATOR
If you have any problems operating your generator
after reading the manual, please call the generator
helpline at 1-800-222-3136.
Grounding The Generator
The National Electrical Code requires that the frame
and external electrically conductive parts of this
generator be properly connected to an approved earth
ground. Local electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of the unit. For that purpose, a grounding
wing nut is provided on the generator housing.
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, these oils will result
in increased oil consumption. Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible damage from
running low on oil.
• Clean area around oil fill.
• Remove oil fill cap and dipstick.
• Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and
tighten securely, remove dipstick. Add
recommended oil up to "Full" mark on dipstick.
• Pour slowly. Wipe dipstick clean each time oil level
is checked. Do Not overfill.
• Install oil fill plug and dipstick, tighten securely.
NOTE: Check oil often during engine break-in.
Add Gasoline
Grounding
Wing Nut
Generally, connecting a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing nut
and to an earth-driven copper or brass grounding rod
(electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical
shock. However, local codes vary widely. Consult with a
local electrician for grounding requirements in your area.
Proper grounding of generator will help prevent electrical
shock in the event of a ground fault condition in the
generator or in connected electrical devices. Proper
grounding also helps dissipate static electricity, which
often builds up in ungrounded devices.
BEFORE STARTING THE
GENERATOR
To operate the engine you will need to do the
following:
Add Engine Oil
NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase in the
future, use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SF, SG, SH or SH/CD.
Select the oils viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature:
colder _ 32°F
,_ WARNING! Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never
fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Allow
unit to cool for two minutes before refueling. Do
Not light a cigarette or smoke when filling the
fuel tank.
,_ WARNING! Do Not overfill the fuel tank.
Always leave room for expansion.
• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline with the
generator engine. Do Not use premium gasoline.
Do Not mix oil with gasoline.
• Clean area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
• Slowly add unleaded regular gasoline to fuel tank.
Be careful not to overfill. Allow about 1/2" of tank
space for fuel expansion, as shown here.
1/2" Air Space Tank
Fuel
• Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
5W30 SAE 30
To Start The Engine
• Unplug all electrical loads from the generator
receptacles before starting the engine. Never start
or stop the engine with electrical devices
connected to the receptacles AND turned on.
• Be sure the spark plug wire is attached to the spark
plug.
• Place the Run/Stop switch in the "RUN" position.
• Push the primer button 2 or 3 times. Wait about
2 seconds between each push. In cold weather
(50°F/10°C or below) push 5 times.
Primer
Button
NOTE: Primer may be needed to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
• Grasp starter grip and slowly pull the rope until you
feel some resistance, then pull the cord out with a
rapid full arm stroke. Let rope return slowly. Do Not
let rope "snap back" against engine.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after 3 pulls, push the
primer button 2 times and pull the starter rope again.
Stopping the Engine
• Unplug all electrical loads from the unit. Never start
or stop the engine with electrical devices plugged
in and turned on.
• Let the engine run at no-load for two minutes to
stabilize the units internal temperatures.
• Move the Run/Stop switch to "STOP" position.
Cold Weather Operation
Your unit is equipped with an anti-icing air cleaner
feature to enable the unit to run at temperatures below
32°F, without ice forming in the carburetor. The air
cleaner base will have an opening which draws warm
air from the muffler into the air cleaner housing. To
work effectively, it is necessary to block cold air from
entering the air cleaner.
In temperatures 32°F and below:
• Remove wing nut from air cleaner cover.
• Remove air cleaner cover from base.
• Remove red baffle from inside of air cleaner cover.
• Insert red baffle in "winter" position as shown.
Ba__ Pape_t Element
Baffle shown in
"Winter" Position
Wing Nut
WARNING! Never run engine in enclosed
poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
_ AUTION! Temperature of muffler and nearby
areas may exceed 150°F (65°C). Avoid these
areas.
Connecting Electrical Loads
• Let the engine stabilize and warm up for a few
minutes after starting.
• Do Not connect 240 Volt loads to 120 Volt
receptacles.
• Do Not connect 3-phase loads to the generator.
• Do Not connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120 Volt AC, single
phase, 60 Hertz electrical loads.
• DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. Add up
the rated watts (or amps) of all loads to be
connected at one time. This total should not be
greater than the rated wattage/amperage capacity
of the generator. See "Don't Overload the
Generator" on page 9.
Baffle in ' mmer" \
Position
\
"_""_Air Cleaner Cover
• Reinstall air cleaner cover onto base.
• Reinstall wing nut and tighten securely.
In temperatures above 32°F:
• Follow above directions, removing baffle from
"winter" position and reinstalling in "summer"
position.
Charging a Battery
WARNING! Storage batteries emit explosive
gas while charging that remains around a
battery for a long time after it has been charged.
The slightest spark can ignite the gas, causing
an explosion that can shatter the battery and
cause blindness or other injury.
_ ARNING! Do Not permit smoking, open
flame, sparks or any other source of heat
around a battery. Do Not use a lighter or other
flame for checking battery fluid levels. 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. Do
Not permit fluid contact with eyes, skin, clothing,
etc. 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.
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
• If necessary, clean battery posts or terminals.
• 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.
• 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 battery post or terminal indicated by
POSITIVE, POS or (+).
12 VOLT D.C.
RECEPTACLE
+
POS
i
NEG
12 VOLT BATTERY
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with black
handle to battery post or terminal indicated by
NEGATIVE, NEG, or (-).
• Start engine. Let the engine run while battery
recharges.
• When battery has charged, shut down engine (see
"Stopping the 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.
DON'T OVERLOAD THE
GENERATOR
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damage to the generator and to
connected electrical devices. Observe the following, to
prevent overloading the unit:
• Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to
be connected at one time. This total should NOT
be greater than the generator's wattage capacity.
• The rated wattage of lights can be taken from light
bulbs. The rated wattage of tools, appliances and
motors can usually be found on a data plate or
decal affixed to the device.
WATTAGE REFERENCE GUIDE
• If the appliance, tool or motor does not give
wattage, multiply volts times ampere rating to
determine watts (volts x amps = watts).
• Some electric motors, such as induction types,
require about three times more watts of power for
starting than for running. This surge of power lasts
only a few seconds when starting such motors.
Make sure you allow for this high starting wattage
when selecting electrical devices to connect to your
generator. First, figure the watts needed to start the
largest motor. Add to that figure the running watts
of all other connected loads.
The Wattage Reference Guide provided here may
assist you in determining generator load.
Recreational/Home Uses
Tool/Appliance ....................... Watts
AM/FM clock radio ........................ 50
Light bulb .............................. 100
Fan .................................. 200
20" color TV ............................ 400
*Deep freezer ........................... 500
Personal computer and 15" monitor .......... 800
"1/3 hp furnace fan blower ................. 800
Microwave oven ......................... 800
"18 cu ft refrigerator ...................... 800
Sump pump ........................... 1000
Electric skillet .......................... 1250
*½ hp water well pump ................... 1400
"12,000 Btu window air conditioner .......... 1400
Space heater .......................... 1800
Electric water heater ..................... 4000
Professional/Contractor Uses
Tool/Appliance ....................... Watts
"1/3 hp airless sprayer .................... 600
3/8" hammer drill ........................ 600
Variable speed Sawzall® .................. 960
½" power drill .......................... 1000
Quartz-halogen work light................. 1000
Belt sander ............................ 1200
7 ¼" circular saw ....................... 1500
7 ¼" worm drive saw .................... 1600
"1½ hp air compressor ................... 1800
"10" power miter saw .................... 1800
6" bench grinder ........................ 1800
*6" table planer ......................... 1800
"10" table/radial arm saw ................. 2000
Wire feed welder ....................... 2400
*=allow 3 times listed watts for starting surge
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occurs first.
More frequent service is required when operating in adverse conditions noted below.
Maintenance Operation
Check oil level
Clean spark arrester screen
Chan_e oil
Service air cleaner cartridcle
Replace spark plucls
:1: Change oil after first 2 hours of operation then after every 50 hours or every season.
* Change oil every 25 hours when operating under heavy load or in high temperatures.
** Clean more often under dirty or dusty conditions. Replace cleaner parts if very dirty.
Every 5 Hours
x
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Generator Specifications
Rated RunningWatts ......... 3,000 Watts (3.0kW)
Rated Surge Watts ........... 3,750 Watts (3.75kW)
Rated Voltage ............... 120 Volts AC
Rated Maximum Current
at 120 Volts ................ 25.0 Amperes
Rated Frequency ............ 60 Hz at 3600 rpm
Phase ..................... Single Phase
Shipping Weight ............. 110 Ibs.
Engine Specifications
Rated Horsepower ........... 6.0 at 3600 rpm
Displacement ............... 195cc
Spark Plug Type: ............ Champion RN4C or
Equivalent
Set Gap To: ................ 0.030inch (0.76mm)
Gasoline Capacity ............ 1 U.S. gallon
Oil
Above 32°F ................. SAE 30 (10W-30)
Below 32°F ................. SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The generator warranty does not cover items that
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To receive full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain generator as instructed in this manual.
20 Hours or 50 Hours or 100 Hours or
Eve_ Season Eve_ Season EYe_ Season
x
i iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, .... x**
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your generator.
NOTE: The proper tire inflation operating range should
be 15-40 PSI.
All adjustments in this section should be made at least
once each season. Follow the requirements in the
"Maintenance Schedule" chart shown above.
NOTE: Once a year you should clean or replace the
spark plug and replace the air filter. A new spark plug
and clean air filter assure proper fuel-air mixture and
help your engine run better and last longer.
GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit
clean and dry. Operate and store the unit in a clean
dry environment where it will not be exposed to
excessive dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors.
Cooling air slots in the generator must not become
clogged with snow, leaves,or any other foreign
material.
Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and
clean when dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign
substances are visible on its exterior surface.
NOTE: Do Not use a garden hose to clean generator.
Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause
problems. In addition, if water enters the generator
through cooling air slots, some of the water will be
retained in voids and cracks of the rotor and stator
winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the
generator internal windings will eventually decrease
the insulation resistance of these windings.
X
10
To Clean the Generator:
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft bristle brush may be used to loosen caked
on dirt, oil, etc.
_ AUTION! Never insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine
is not running.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose
dirt and debris.
Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be
used to blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots
and openings on the generator. These openings
must be kept clean and unobstructed.
,_ CAUTION! When working on the generator
always disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and keep it away from spark plug.
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set
spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if
necessary.
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be
damaged if you run it using a dirty air filter element.
Clean or replace the paper air filter element once
every 100 hours of operation or once each season,
whichever comes first. Clean or replace more often if
operating under dusty or dirty conditions.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at
least every 5 hours of operation. Keep oil level
maintained.
Changing Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first 2 hours of operation.
Change oil every 50 hours thereafter. If you are using
your generator under extremely dirty or dusty
conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil
more often.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from
running, as follows:
• Clean area around oil drain plug. The oil drain plug
is located at the base of the engine, opposite the
carburetor.
• Remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely into
a suitable container.
• Install oil drain plug and tighten securely.
• Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See page 6 for
oil recommendations.
• Install the oil cap/dipstick. Check oil level. Tighten
cap securely.
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Change the spark plug every 100 hours of operation
or once each year, whichever comes first. This will
help your engine to start easier and run better.
• Clean the area around the spark plug.
• Remove and inspect the spark plug.
• Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted or
burned or the porcelain is cracked. For
replacement use Champion RN4C or equivalent.
To clean or replace paper air filter:
• Remove the wing nut and air cleaner cover and
remove the paper filter.
Base
Paper Filter
_ Cover
Wing Nut
• Clean the inside of the base and cover thoroughly.
• Clean the paper filter by tapping it gently on a solid
surface. If the filter is too dirty, replace it with a new
one. Dispose of the old filter properly.
NOTE: If you need to order a new air filter element,
please call 1-800-366-PART.
Clean Spark Arrester Screen
The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrester
screen. Inspect and clean the screen every 20 hours
of operation or once each year, whichever comes first.
NOTE: If you use your generator on any forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered unimproved
land, it must have a spark arrester installed. The spark
arrester must be maintained in good condition by the
owner/operator.
11
Cleanandinspectthesparkarresterasfollows:
• Removethescrewthatattachesthesparkarrester
screen.
• Inspectthescreenandreplaceiftorn,perforated
orotherwisedamaged.DoNotuseadefective
screen.Ifscreenis notdamaged,cleanitwith
commercialsolvent.
• Reattachthescreen.
Spark
Arrester
Muffler
GENERAL
The generator should be started at least once every
seven days and allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If
this cannot be done and you must store the unit for
more than 30 days, use the following information as a
guide to prepare it for storage.
Long Term Storage Instructions
_ ARNING! Never store engine with fuel in
tank indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
areas where fumes may reach an open flame,
spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer or other gas appliance.
It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in
essential fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel
filter, fuel hose or tank during storage. Also,
experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels (called
gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture,
which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Follow
these instructions:
Protect Fuel System
_ ARNING! Drain fuel into approved container
outdoors, away from open flame. Be sure
engine is cool. Do Not smoke.
• Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank to prevent
gum deposits from forming on these parts and
causing possible engine malfunction.
• Run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
Change Oil
While engine is still warm, drain oil from crankcase.
Refill with recommended grade.
Oil Cylinder Bore
• Remove spark plug and pour about 1 ounce (30ml)
of clean engine oil into the cylinder.
_ AUTION! Avoid spray from spark plug hole
when cranking engine slowly.
• Cover spark plug hole with rag. Crank slowly to
distribute oil.
• Install spark plug. Do Not connect spark plug wire.
Generator
• Clean the generator as outlined on page 11 ("To
Clean the Generator").
• Check that cooling air slots and openings on
generator are open and unobstructed.
Other Storage Tips
• Do Not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if the can starts to rust.
Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause
problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to
give protection from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO
EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that
does not retain moisture.
• Store generator in clean, dry area.
IMPORTANT: Never cover your generator while
engine and exhaust area are warm.
12