Generac 1540-1 Owner’s Manual
GEN RAC°I
Portable Products
Pressure Washer Owner's Manual
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Generac Portable Products is a licensed trademark of Briggs & Stratton Power Products.
Generac Portable Products es una marca registrada licenciada de Briggs & Stratton Power Products.
Questions? Help is just a moment away!
Preguntas? La ayuda es justa un momento lejos!
Call: Generac Pressure Washer Helpline
Llame: Linea Directa del Lavador a Presi6n de Generac - 1-800-270-1408 M+F 8+5 CT
I+!!!!!U Web: --.generac-por tables.com
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Model No. 1540+1 (3500 PSi High Pressure Washer) Manual No. 193016GS Revision I (05/27/2003)
Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SafetyRules.................................. 2-4
Know Your PressureWasher ...................... 5
Assembly.................................... 6-7
Operation .................................. 8- I0
Specifications ................................. I I
Maintenance ............................... I I- 14
Storage...................................... 14
Troubleshooting ............................... 15
Notes ....................................... 16
Replacement Parts........................... 17-19
Warranty ............................... Last Page
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
_Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your pressure washer. Know its
applications, its limitations and any hazards
involved.
Every effort hasbeen madeto ensure that information in
this manualis accurate and current. However, we reserve
the right to change,alter or otherwise improve the
product and this document at any time without prior
notice.
In the State of California a spark arrester is required by lawI
(Section 4442 of the California PublicResourcesCode). I
Other states mayhavesimilar laws.Federal lawsapplyon
federal lands.If you equip the muffler with asparkarrester,
it must be maintained ineffective working order.
SAFETY RULES
_ 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.
The safety alert symbol (_.) isusedwith asignalword
(DANGER, CAUTION, WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety messageto alert you to hazards.DANGER
indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.WARNING indicatesa hazardwhich, if
not avoided, couldresult in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicatesahazard which, if not avoided, might
result in minor or moderate injury.CAUTION, when
usedwithout the alert symbol, indicatesa situation that
could result in equipment damage. Follow safety messages
to avoid or reduce the risk of injuryor death.
WARNING I
The engine exhaust from this product contains I
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, b rth defects, or other reproduct ve harm.
Hazard Symbols and Meanings
Toxic Fumes ElectricalShock
Slippery Surface Fall Fluid Injection
Fire Explosion Hot Surface
Moving Parts FlyingObjects Kickback
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
DANGER
Operate pressure washer ONLY outdoors.
Use a respirator or mask whenever there isa chance that
vapors may beinhaled.
Readall instructions with mask so you are certain the maskwi[[
provide the necessaryprotection againstinhalingharmful vapors.
WARNING
Keepwater sprayaway from electric wiring or fatal electric
shock may result.
WARNING
WARNING
WHEN ADDING FUEL
Turnpressure washer OFF and let it cool at least2 minutes
before removing gascap.
Fill fuel tank outdoors.
DO NOT overfill tank. Allow spacefor fuel expansion.
Keep fuel awayfrom sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and
other ignitionsources.
DO NOT light acigarette or smoke.
eVHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causesfuel
to spill.
DO NOT sprayflammable liquids.
'HEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT
Transport/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff
valve OrE
eVHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL
IN TANK
Store awayfrom furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes
dryers or other appliancesthat havepilot light or other
ignition source becausethey can ignite fuel vapors.
Keepspray nozzle between 8 to 24 inchesawayfrom cleaning
surface.
Operate this unit on a stable surface.
The cleaning area should have adequate slopes and drainage to
reduce the possibility of a fall due to slippery surfaces.
Beextremely careful if you must usethe pressure washer from
a [adder,scaffolding or any other relatively unstable location.
Firmly grasp spray gunwith both handswhen usinghigh
pressure sprayto avoid iniury if gun kicks back.
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WARNING
NEVER aim spray gunat people, animals or plants.
DO NOT allow CHILDREN to operate pressure washer.
NEVER repair high pressure hose. Replaceit.
Keep high pressure hose connected to pump and spray gun
while system is pressurized.
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
WARNING
DO NOT touch hot surfaces.
Stay dear of exhaust gases.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
WARNING
DO NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry or anything that may
be caught in the starter or other rotating parts.
Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
WARNING
CAUTION
DO NOT tamper with governed speed.
DO NOT operate pressure washer above rated pressure.
CAUTION
DO NOT secure spraygun in open position.
DO NOT leavespray gun unattended while machine is
running.
NEVER use a spraygun which does not have a trigger lock or
trigger guard in place and inworking order.
Always be certain spray gun, nozzles and accessoriesare
correctly attached.
CAUTION
DO NOT point spray gun at glasswhen injet spray mode.
NEVER aim spray gunat plants.
CAUTION
Always wear eye protection when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.
WARNING
Disconnect spark plugwire from spark plug and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
tf you have questions about intended use, askdealer or
contact your local service center.
NEVER operate units with broken or missing parts, or
without protective housing or covers.
DO NOT by-pass anysafety device on this machine.
Before starting pressure washer incold weather, check all
parts of the equipment to be sure ice has not formed there.
NEVER move machineby pulling on high pressure hose. Use
handle provided on unit.
Check fuel system for leaks or signsof deterioration, such as
chafed or spongy hose, loose or missing damps, or damaged
tank or cap.Correct all defects before operating pressure
washe_
This equipment is designed to be used with Briggs & Stratton
Power Products authorized parts ONLY. Ifequipment is used
with parts that DO NOT comply with minimum specifications,
user assumesall risks and liabilities.
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
KNOW YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your pressure washer.
Compare the illustrationswith your pressure washer to familiarize yourself with the locationsof various controls and
adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference. Throttle Lever
Spray Gun
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Nozzle Extension with ITank
Choke Lever
Quick Connect FuelValve
Recoil Starter
(on front of engine)
Filter
Oil Fill Cap
High Pressure Hose
f
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Quick Connect Spray Tips
Pump equipped with
Automatic Cool Down System
Air Filter -- Protects engine by filtering dust and debris out
of intake air.
Automatic Cool Down System -- Cycles water through
pump when water reaches 125°-t55°F. Warm water will
discharge from pump onto ground. This system prevents
internal pump damage.
Chemical Injection SiphonlFilter-- Use to siphon
detergent or other pressure washer chemicals into the low
pressure stream.
Choke Lever -- Prepares a cold engine for starting.
Fuel Valve -- Used to turn fuel on and off to engine.
Fuel Tank -- Fill tank with regular unleaded fuel. Always
leave room for fuel expansion.
High Pressure Hose -- Connect one end to the water
pump and the other end to the spray gun.
High Pressure Outlet with Quick Connect-- To connect
high pressure hose.
Chemical Injection Siphon/Fitter
Pressure
igh PressureOutlet
with Quick Connect
Water Inlet
Nozzle Extension with Quick Connect -- Allows you to
switch between five different spray tips.
Oil Fill Cap -- Fill engine with oil here.
Pressure Control Knob -- Varies the pressure of the high
pressure spray.
Pump -- Develops high pressure.
Recoil Starter -- Use for starting the engine manually.
Spray Gun -- Controls the application of water onto
cleaning surface with trigger device. Includes safety latch.
Quick Connect Spray Tips -- Chemical injection, 0°, 15°,
25°,and 40°: for various cleaning applications.
Throttle Lever_Sets engine in starting mode for recoil
starter.
Water Inlet -- Connect garden hose here.
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: Readentire owner's manualbefore you
attempt to assembleor operate your new pressure washer.
Remove Pressure Washer From
Carton
• Remove the high pressure hose, handle,and parts box
includedwith pressure washer.
• Slicetwo corners at the end of carton from top to
bottom so the panel can befolded down fiat, then
remove all packingmaterial.
• Roll pressure washer out of carton.
Carton Contents
Items in the carton include:
Main Unit
High Pressure Hose
Handle
Accessory Box (includes the following):
(2) Bottles of engine oil
Owner's registration card
Safetygoggles
Bagcontaining 5 multi-colored quick connect
spray tips
Maintenancekit
Owner's manual
Enginemanual
Enginewarranty card
Emissionscontrol warranty card
Spark arrester screen
Spraygun with quick connect fitting
Nozzle extension with quick connect fitting
Handle hardware, including4 carriage bolts and
4 flange nuts
If any of the above parts are missingor damaged,call the
pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
PREPARING PRESSURE
WASHER FOR USE
If you haveany problems with the assemblyof your
pressure washer or if parts are missing or damaged,call the
pressure washer helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
To prepare your pressure washer for operation, you
will need to perform these tasks:
I. Fill out and sendin registration card.
2. Attach handle to main unit.
3. Add oil to engine.
4. Add fuel to fuet tank.
5. Remove anddiscard tape from domed oil filler cap on
top of pump.
6. Connect high pressure hoseto spraygun and pump.
7. Connect water supply to pump.
8. Connect nozzle extension to spray gun.
9. Select and installdesired quick connect spray tip.
Attach Handle to the Pressure
Washer
Use either a 13ramor adjustable wrench to attach the
handle to the pressure washer.
To attach handle to the pressure washer:
I. Slowly tip pressure washer forward and let it gently
rest on front bumper.
2. Align holes on handle with holes on base.
3. Insert carriage bolts provided to hold handle in place
(Figure I).
4. Secure handleto pressure washer usingfour provided
flangenuts.
5. Slowly tip pressure washer back in place and insert
multi-colored quick connect spray tips in spaces
provided in handle.
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GeneracPortableProducts3500PSIPressureWasher
Add Engine Oil and Fuel
• Place pressure washer on a level surface.
CAUTION
• Refer to engine manual for oil and fuel fill information.
• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.
• Refer to engine owner's manual and follow oil and fuel
recommendations and instructions.
NOTE: Check oil often during engine break-in. Refer to
engine owner's manual for recommendations.
Connect Hose and Water Supply to
Pump
IMPORTANT: To avoid pump damage, you must
assemble the nozzle extension to the spray gun and attach
all hoses before you start the engine.
I. Remove and discard tape from domed oil filler cap on
top of pump.
2. Uncoil high pressure hose and attach quick connect end
of hose to base of spray gun (Figure 2). Pull down on
collar of quick connect, slide onto spray gun and let go
of collar. Tug on hose to be sure of a tight connection.
use if damaged;
clean if dirty.
5. Run water through garden hose for 30 seconds to
clean out any debris. Turn off water.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT siphon standing water for the
water supply. Use ONLY cold water (less than 100°F).
6. Connect garden hose (not to exceed 50 feet in length)
to water inlet.Tighten by hand (Figure 3).
CAUTION
• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.
7. Turn ON water and squeeze trigger on spray gun to
purge pump system of air and impurities.
WARNING
Connect high
pressure hose
here.
NOTE: Remove and discard all pump shipping caps before
attaching hoses.
3. Similarly, attach other end of high pressure hose to
high pressure outlet on pump. Pull down on collar of
quick connect, slide onto pump and let go of collar.
Pull on hose to be sure of atight connection.
4. Before connecting garden hose to water inlet, inspect
inlet screen (Figure 3). Clean screen if it contains
debris, replace if damaged. DO NOT RUN PRESSURE
WASHER IF SCREEN IS DAMAGED.
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Always wear eye protection when using this equipment or in
vicinity of where equipment is in use.
Before starting the pressure washer, be sure you are wearing
adequate eye protection.
Checklist Before Starting Engine
Review the unit's assembly to confirm you have performed
all of the following:
I. Make sure handle is in place and secure.
2. Check that oil has been added to proper level in
engine crankcase.
3. Add proper fuel to fuel tank.
4. Check for properly attached hose connections.
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
5. Check to make sure there are no kinks, cuts, or
damageto high pressure hose.
6. Provide a proper water supply (not to exceed 100°F)
at an adequate flow.
7. Besure to read "Safety Rules"and "How To Use Your
PressureWasher" before using the pressure washer.
HOW TO USE PRESSURE
WASHER
If you haveany problems operating your pressure washer,
pleasecall the pressure washer helpline at
1-800-270-1408.
How to Start Engine
The best way to start your pressure washer for the first
time isto follow these instructions step-by-step. This
starting information also appliesif you havelet the it sit idle
for at least a day.
I. Placepressure washer near an outside water source
capableof supplying water at aflow rate greater than
5.0gallons per minute and no tessthan 20 PSIat
pressure washer end of garden hose.
2. Makesure unit is in a level position.
3. Check that highpressure hose is connected to spray
gun and pump. See"Preparing PressureWasher for
Use" for illustrations.
4.
Connect garden hose to water inlet on pressure
washer pump. Turn ON the water.
5.
Squeezetrigger on gun until you haveasteady stream
of water. This purges pump of air and impurities.
CAUTION
6. Attach nozzle extension to spray gun. Tighten by hand
(Figure 4).
7. Apply safety latch to spray gun trigger (Figure 5).
SafetyLatch
8. Select desired quick connect spray tip and insert it into
end of nozzle extension (see "How To Use Spray
Tips").
9. Start engine according to instructions given in engine
owner's manual.
• Squeezetrigger on spray gun each time recoil starter is
pulled and engine fails to start.
NOTE: Always keep the Throttle Control leverinthe
"Fast" position when operating the pressure w_sher.
How to Stop Pressure Washer
• Turn engine off according to instructionsgiven in engine
owner's manual.
• Squeeze trigger on the spray gun to relieve
pressure in the hose.
NOTE: A small amount of water wittsquirt out when you
releasethe pressure.
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GeneracPortableProducts3500PSIPressureWasher
How to Use Spray Tips
The quick-connect on the nozzle extension allows you to
switch between several different spray tips. The spray tips
vary the spray pattern as shown below (Figure 6).
Follow these instructions to change spray tips:
I. Engagesafety latch on spray gun.
CAUTION
NEVERexchangespraytips without lockingthe safetylatch
on the trigger.
2. Pullbackcollar on quick-connect and pull current
spray tip off. Store spray tips in spaceprovided on
handlesstorage panel.
3. Select desired spray tip:
For gentle rinse, select white 40° or green 25°
spray tip.
To scour surface, select yellow 15° or red 0° spray
tip.
To apply chemical,select black spray tip.
4. Pullbackon collar,insert new spraytip and releasecollar.
Tugon spraytip to makesure it is securelyin place.
5. For most effective cleaning,keep spraytip from 8 to
24 inches awayfrom cleaning surface. If you get spray
tip too close, you maydamagecleaningsurface.DO
NOT get closer than 6 inches when cleaning tires.
Cleaning and Applying Chemical
IMPORTANT: Use soaps designed specifically for
pressure washers. Household detergents could damage
the pump.
CAUTION
Startingthe engine without all the hoses connectedand
without the water turned ON will damagethe pump.
Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instructionwill void warranty.
To apply detergent follow these steps:
I. Review spray tip use.
2. Prepare detergent solution as required by
manufacturer.
3.
Placesmallfilter end of detergent siphoning tube into
detergent container.
CAUTION
• When insertingthe filter into a detergent solution bottle,
route the tube so as to keep it from inadvertently contacting
the hot muffler.
4. Make sure black spray tip is installed.
NOTE: Detergent cannot be applied with the high
pressure spray tips (White, Green, Yellow, or Red).
Low Pressure \
Use to apply
chemical
High
Pressure
Black White Green Yellow Red
40° 25° 15° 0°
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
5. Makesure garden hose is connected to water inlet
Check that high pressure hose is connected to spray
gun andpump and start engine.
6. Apply detergent to a dry surface, starting at lower
portion of area to be washed and work upward,using
long, even, overlapping strokes.
7. Allow detergent to soak in between 3-5 minutes
before washingand rinsing. Reapplyasneeded to
prevent surface from drying. DO NOT allow detergent
to dry on (prevents streaking).
IMPORTANT: You must flushthe chemical injection
system after each useby placingthe filter into a bucket of
clean water, then run the pressure washer in low pressure
for I-2 minutes.
Pressure Washer Rinsing
After you have applied detergent, scour the surface
and rinse it clean as follows:
I.
Apply safety latch to spray gun.
2.
Remove black chemical spray tip from nozzle
extension.
.
Select and install desired high pressure spray tip
following the instructions "How to Use Spray Tips".
WARNING
4.
Increase(decrease) spray pressure byturning pressure
control knob clockwise (counterclockwise) (Figure 7).
Use lower pressure to wash items such as a car or
boat. Use higher pressure to strip paint and degrease
driveways.
5. Apply a high pressure spray to a small areaand check
surface for damage.If no damage isfound, assume it is
okay to continue rinsing.
6. Start at the top of the areato be rinsed, working
down with same overlapping strokes as you usedfor
cleaning.
Automatic Cool Down System
(Thermal Relief)
If you run the engine on your pressure washer for
3-5 minutes without pressingthe trigger on the spray gun,
circulating water in the pump can reach temperatures
above 125°EThe system engagesto cool the pump by
discharging the warm water onto the ground.
Keepspray nozzle between 8 to 24 inchesawayfrom cleaning
surface.
Operate this unit on astable surface.
Beextremely careful ifyou must usethe pressure washer from
a ladder, scaffolding or any other relatively unstable location.
Firmly grasp spray gunwith both handswhen usinghigh
pressure sprayto avoid iniury if gun kicks back.
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Generac Portable Products 3500 PSIPressureWasher
SPECIFICATIONS
Outlet Pressure ..... 3,500 psi
Flow Rate .......... 4.0 gallonsper minute (gpm)
Detergent .......... Use detergent approved for
pressure washers
Water Supply ...... Not to Exceed 100°F
Temperature
Automatic Cool .... Will cyclewhen water
Down System reaches 125°-155°F
Unit Weight ........ 147lbs.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
The pressure washerwarranty does not cover itemsthat
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty, the operator must
maintain the pressure washer as instructed in this manual.
• Some adjustments witl need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your high pressure washer.
• All maintenance in this manual,the pump information
sheet, and the engine owner's manualshould be made at
leastonce eachseason.
• Once a year you should clean or replace the spark plug,
clean or replacethe air filter and check the spray gun
and nozzleextension assemblyfor wear. A new spark
plug andclean air filter assure proper fuel-air mixture
and helpyour engine run better and last longer.Please
refer to your engine owner's manualfor more details.
• If equipped with inflatabletires, keep the air pressure at
the value marked on the tire or within 15 and 40 psi.
Before Each Use
Check engineoit level
Check water inlet screen for damage.
Check in-linefilter for damage.
Check high pressure hose for leaks.
Check detergent siphoning tube and filter for damage.
Check spraygun, nozzleextension,and spraytips for leaks.
Rinseout garden hoseto flushout debris.
PRESSURE WASH ER
MAINTENANCE
Check and Clean Inlet Screen
Examine the screen on the water inlet. Clean it ifthe
screen isclogged or replace it ifscreen is damaged.
Check High Pressure Hose
The high pressure hose can develop leaksfrom wear,
kinking, or abuse.Inspectthe hose each time before using
it. Check for cuts, leaks,abrasionsor bulgingof cover,
damageor movement of couplings. If anyof these
conditions exist, replace the hose immediately.
WARNING
NEVER repair high pressure hose. Replace it.
Replacement hose rating MUST exceed maximum pressure
ratingof unit.
Check Detergent Siphoning Tube
Examine the filter on the detergent tube and cleanif
clogged. The tube should fit tightly on the barbed fitting.
Examine the tube for leaksor tears. Replacethe filter or
tube if either isdamaged.
Cleaning Detergent Siphoning Tube
If you usedthe detergent siphoning tube, you must flush it
with clean water before stopping the engine.
I. Placechemical injectionsiphon/filter in a bucket full of
clean water.
2. Attach black low pressure spray tip.
3. Flushfor I-2 minutes.
4. Shut off engine.
IMPORTANT: Simply shutting OFF engine will not
release pressure in the system.When the engine has
shut down, squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to
relieve the pressure in the hose.
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