Generac 1338-1 Owner’s Manual

GENE 'AC

The Reliable Ones

9000WATT

Portable Generator Owner's Manual

DANGER[ This generator is designed for outdoor use only Never use this generator inside any building

or enclosure including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV). Carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and/or an explosion may result. No user performed modifications, including venting of exhaust and/or cooling ventilation, will eliminate the danger, Always have at least two feet of clearance on all sides of the generator even while operating the unit outdoors.

_ DANGER[ 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.

The Emission Control System for this generator is warranted for standards set by the

Environmental Protection Agency. For warranty information refer to the Engine Owner's manual.

Model No. 1338-1 (9,000 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. B5178 Revision 0 (8/25/1999)

Visit our Generac website: www.generac-portables.com

,_ This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards Obey all safety

messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

This generator is an engine-driven, revolving field, alternating current (AC) generator. It was designed to supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads. This manual contains information for a generator that operates 120 and/or 240 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz devices that require up to 9,000 watts (9.0kW) of power that pull up to 75 Amps at 120 Volts or

37.5 Amps at 240 Volts.

A CAUTION] Do not exceed the generator's

The generator's revolving field is driven at about 3600 rpm by a twin-cylinder engine.

Every effort has been expended to make sure that the information in this manual is both accurate and

current. However, Generac reserves the right to change, alter or otherwise improve the product at any

time without prior notice.

wattage/amperage capacity Add up the rated watts of all devices you are connecting to generator receptacles at one time. This total should not be greater than 9,000 watts for this generator. In most cases rated watts of the

electrical device can be found on the device

nameplate. If the device nameplate gives only volts and amps, multiply volts times amps to obtain watts (volts x amps = watts).

DANGER] Do not tamper with engine governed speed. High operating speeds are

dangerous and increase the risk of personal

injuryor damage to equipment. The generator supplies correctly rated frequency and voltage

only when running at proper governed speed.

Incorrect frequency and/or voltage can

damage some connected electrical loads. Operating at excessively low speeds imposes

a heavy load and, when adequate engine

power is not available, may shorten engine

life

SAFETY RULES

This generator set was designed and manufactured for specific applications Do not attempt to modify the

unit or use it for any application it was not designed for. If you have any questions about your generator's application, ask your dealer or consult the factory.

The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every circumstance that might involve a hazard. For that

reason warnings in the manual and warnings on tags or decals affixed to the unit are not all-inclusive. If

you intend to handle, operate or service the unit by a

procedure or method not specifically recommended

by the manufacturer, first make sure that such a

procedure or method will not render this equipment

unsafe or pose a threat to you and others.

Read this manual carefully and become familiar with your generator set. Know its applications, its

limitations and any hazards involved.

DANGER! 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.

DANGER! Generator exhaust gases

contain DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide, if breathed in sufficient concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or death. Operate this equipment outdoors where adequate

ventilation is available.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

• Thegeneratorproducesaverypowerfulvoltagethat cancauseseriousinjuryordeathbyelectrocution.

Nevertouchbarewiresorreceptacles.Neverpermit achildoranyunqualifiedpersontooperatethe generator.

• Neverhandleanykindofelectricalcordordevice whilestandinginwater,whilebarefootorwhile handsorfeetarewet.Deathorseriousinjuryfrom electrocutionmayresult.

• Useagroundfaultcircuitinterrupter(GFCI)inany damporhighlyconductivearea(suchasmetal

deckingor steel work).

• Never use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged electrical cords with the generator. Death, serious injury and property damage from electrical shock may result.

• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors

are EXPLOSIVE. Never allow 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.

• 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 a FIRE or an EXPLOSION.

• Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (as on a furnace, water heater, clothes

dryer). FIRE or an EXPLOSION may result.

• The engine-generator 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 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator while operating

unit

• Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads connected to receptacles with the connected

devices turned ON. Start the engine and let it stabilize before connecting any electrical loads.

Disconnect all electrical loads before shutting down

the generator.

• Do not insert any object through cooling slots of the engine. You could damage the unit or injure yourself.

• Never operate the generator:

in rain; in any enclosed compartment; if 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,

GROUNDING THE GENERATOR

The National Electric Code requires the frame and external electrically conductive parts of the generator be properly connected to approved earth ground. Local electrical codes may also require proper grounding of the unit. A grounding wing nut (Figure 1) is provided for this purpose.

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 may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician for grounding requirements in your area. Be sure to keep the ground wire attached while you connect the electrode.

Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical shock if ground fault conditions exists in the

generator or in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate static electricity, which

often builds up in ungrounded devices.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

Yourgeneratorrequiressomeassemblyandisready

foruseafterit hasbeenproperlyservicedwiththe

recommendedoilandfuel. Ifyouhaveanyproblemswiththeassemblyofyour

generator,pleasecallthegeneratorhelplineat

1-800-270-1408. IMPORTANT: Any attempt to run the engine before it

has been serviced with the recommended oil will result in an engine failure

TO REMOVE GENERATOR FROM CARTON

• Set the palleted carton on a rigid fiat surface

• Carefully cut bands around the shipping carton

• Lift carton off the generator.

• Remove all packing material, carton fillers, etc.

• Remove the generator from the shipping pallet.

CARTON CONTENTS

Check all contents. If any parts are missing or damaged, call the generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408. Contents include:

9,000 Watt generator Owner's manual

Engine manual Owner's registration card

2 Bottles of engine oil (28 oz.) 125 Volt, 30 Amp plug 125 Volt, 20 Amp plug

240 Volt, 30 Amp plug Oil fill funnel

Wheel kit

ASSEMBLE WHEEL KIT

IMPORTANT: This wheel kit is not intended for

over-the-road use. To install your wheel kit you need the following toot

• 13mm box, open end, or socket wrench Install Wheel Kit as follows: (See Figure 2)

1. Place the bottom of the generator cradle on a flat,

even surface Temporarily elevate cradle on

blocks to ease assembly

2. Slide axle through both axle mounting brackets on cradle frame

3. Slide a wheel spacer over each end of the axle.

4. Install a wheel as shown. Slide a fiat washer over the axle, then secure the wheel with a retaining

NOTE Be sure to install each wheel with the air pressure valve on the outboard side.

5. Install the other wheel in the same manner

6. Secure the vibration mount to the support leg with a lock nut, a flat washer, and a 30 mm cap screw.

7. Secure the support leg assembly to the cradle

with 20 mm capscrews, flat washers, and lock washers Remove the temporary blocks

8. Position the handle on the cradle end opposite from the control panel Attach the handle with 45 mm cap screws and lock nuts.

9. Tighten all lock nuts with 13mm wrench Make

sure all components are secure.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

HANDLE

Cap Screw, 45 mm

LEG,Mounting Support

AXLE

Wheel

WHEEL

Wheel

CHECK BATTERY / ATTACH

NEGATIVE BATTERY WIRE

The battery on the generator is fully charged, sealed and pre-instalted except for the negative (black)

battery cable.

To install:

• Cut off tie wrap on negative (black) cable attached to the battery hold down.

• Remove nut on the negative battery terminal

• Slide the negative battery cable over the screw on the negative terminal (Figure 3)

• Reattach nut and tighten.

• Ensure the connections to the battery and generator

and tight and secure

;HER,

PiN, Retaining

MOUNT,

Vibration

WASHER

Screw, 30 mm

FLAT WASHER

,,--WASHER, Lock _Cap Screw, 20 mm

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

KNOW YOUR GENERATOR

Read this 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

Circuit Breakers (AC)

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp

Duplex Receptacle

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Locking Receptacle

120 Volt AC Locking Receptacle

120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp

Locking Receptacle Grounding Wing Nut

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex 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.

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Locking 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.

120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle -- May be used to supply electrical power for the operation of 120 Volt AC, 30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.

120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle -- May be used to supply electrical power for the

operation of 120 and/or 240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, single

phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.

120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle -- May be used to supply electrical power for the operation of

Air Cleaner

Switch

Choke Lever

Spark Arrestor Muffler

120/240 Volt AC,

50 Amp Receptacle

120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz

electrical loads. Air Cleaner -- Used to limit the amount of dirt and

dust that gets in the engine. Choke Lever-- Used when starting a cold engine. Circuit Breakers (6 AC) -- Each receptacle is

provided with a circuit breaker to protect the generator against electrical overload. Breakers are

"push to reset" type. Grounding Wing Nut -- Use this connection to

properly ground the generator. See "Grounding the GeneratoK' on page 3.

Spark Arrestor Muffler -- Exhaust muffler lowers engine noise and is equipped with a spark arrestor

screen. Start Switch -- Turn to Start position to start

generator. Set switch to Run position when operating. Set to Stop position when stored or idle.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

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 SE or higher. Use no special

additives. Select the oil's viscosity grade according to instructionsgiven in the engine owner's manual.

To add oil to the generator:

• Make sure unit is on a level surface.

• Clean around oil fill cap and remove it

• Remove oil dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert in

engine block.

• Slowly fill engine with oil until it reaches the full

mark on the dipstick Stop occasionally to check oil level Do not overfill.

• Install oil dipstick.

• Install oil fill cap. Hand tighten securely.

,_. CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the

NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a pre-iubricated and sealed bali bearing that requires no additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.

Add Gasoline

engine before it has been properly serviced with the recommended oil results in an engine

failure.

• Clean area around fuel fill cap; remove cap.

• Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Be careful not to overfill Allow 1/2" of tank space for

fuel expansion (Figure 4).

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• Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline

IMPORTANT: 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. See "Storage" on page 13. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

OPERATING THE

GENERATOR

DANGER! NEVER fill fuel tank indoors.

• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline in the generator.

NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.

,_ DANGER! Do not overfill the fuel tank.

Always leave room for expansion.

DO NOT use premium gasoline. DO NOT mix oil

with gasoline. DO NOT overfill the gas tank.

To Start The Engine

,_ WARNING! Never start or stop engine with

electrical devices plugged into the panel receptacles and turned on. You could damage both the generator and the electrical devices.

• Unplug all electrical loads from generator receptacles before starting the engine

• Make sure the unit is in a level position.

• Open the fuel shut-off valve (Figure 5)

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator

Jl'*""'_ Fuel Tank

• Pull the choke knob to close. If the engine is warm, or the ambient temperature is high, pull the choke handle half-way, or keep it fully open (Figure 6).

A DANGER! Engine exhaust contains carbon

• Turn key switch to the "Start" position (Figure 7)

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which

causes unconsciousness and death. Never run engine indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.

DANGER! Burn hazard Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150°F (65°C). Do not touch these areas on the

generator.

I / Start

IMPORTANT: Do not operate the electric starter continuously for more than 5 seconds, even if the engine does not start. Extended cranking can damage

the starter motor.

NOTE: If the engine failed to start, set the key to the "Run" position and wait for about 10 seconds before

retrying.

IMPORTANT: Never turn the key switch to the "Start"

position while the engine is running. You could damage the starter motor.

• When the engine starts, gradually open choke by pushing the choke knob in and keep it fully opened

while running.

IMPORTANT! Do not overload the generator! Do not overload individual panel receptacles! These

outlets are protected against overload with push-to-

reset-type circuit breakers. If amperage rating of any circuit breaker is exceeded, that breaker opens and electrical output to that receptacle is lost. Read "Don't Overload the Generator" on page 12 carefully.

If the Engine Will Not Start:

Refer to the engine owner's manual

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