GEN ERAC 4000XL
Extended Life Generator
Owner's Manual
Operating and Maintenance Instructions
Danger:thisgeneratorisdesignedforoutdooruseonly.Donotusethisgeneratorinsideanybuildingorenclosure
includingthegeneratorcompadmentofa recreationalvehicle(RV).Fireoranexplosionmayresult. Nouserperformed
modifications, includingventingofexhaustand/orcoolingventilation,willeliminatethedanger.Also,allowat least
twofeetof clearanceonallsidesofthegeneratorevenwhileoperatingthe unitoutdoors.
Danger:ifthis unitis usedfor backuppowerintheeventof autilitypowerfailure,thefollowingstepmusthetaken:
Beforeconnectingthe generatorto anelectricalsystem,openthe maincircuitbreakeror mainswitchserving the
system,to isolatethegeneratorsystemfromtheelectricutility,Failureto isolatethegeneratorand utilitysystems
mayresultindamageto thegeneratorandmayalsoresultininjuryordeathtoelectricutilityworkers,dueto aback-
feedof electricalenergy.
The Emission Control System for this generator is war-
ranted for standards set by the California Air Resources
Board (CARB). For warranty information refer to the Engine
Owner's manual.
ModelNo.9777-1 (4000WattAC Generator)PartNo. 99022 (Revision1 11/15/96)
Generac4000XL ExtendedLifeGenerator
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EQUIPMENTDESCRIPTION
This generator is an engine-driven, revolving field, alternat-
ingcurrent(AC)generator, ttwas designedtosupplyelectrical
powerfor operating compatible electrical lighting, appliance,
tooland motor loads. Thismanual contains information fora
generatorthat operates 120 and/or 240 volts, single phase,
60Hzdevicesthat require upto 4000 watts (4.0 kW)of power
that pullupto 33.3amps at 120volts or16.7ampsat 240volts.
wattage/amperagecapacity.Add upthe rated
_ CAUTION: Do notexceedthe generator's
wattsofall devices you are_tit_ toget_ra-
tor receptaclesat onetime. Thistotal shouldnot
begreaterthan 4000watts for thisgenerator. In
mostcasesrated watts ofthe electricaldevicecan
befoundon thedevice nameplate. If thedevice
nameplategivesonly voltsand amps,multiply
voltstimesampsto obtainwatts (voltsx amps=
watts).
Thegenerator's revolvingfield is drivenat about3600 rpm by
a singfe-cytinderengine.
Everyeffort has been expended to make surethat theinfor-
mation inthis manualis bothaccurate and current. However,
Generac reserves the right to change, alter or otherwise
improvethe product at any time without prior notice.
_ DANGER: Do nottamper withenginegoverned
speed, Highoperatingspeedsaredangerousand
increaserisk ofpersonal injuryordamageto
equipment. The generatorsuppliescorrectrated
frequencyand voltageonlywhenrunningat
propergovernedspeed. Incorrectfrequency
andforvoltagecan damagesomeconnectedelec-
tricalloads. Operatingat excessivelylow speeds
imposesa heavyload at suchreduced speeds,
whenadequate enginepoweris not available,and
may shortenginelife.
MODEL & SERIALNUMBERS
In the spaces provided below, insertthe Model and
Serial numbers of your generator. Re_in these num-
bersfor future reference. Youcan find Model and Serial
numbers on the generator data plate, along with other
important information.
ModelNumber
Serial Number
SAFETYRULES
This generator set was designed and manufacturedfor spe-
chic applications. Do not attempt to modifythe unit or use it
for any application it was not designed for. Ifyou have any
questions about your generator's application, ask your
Oeater!Oisfributoror consutt the factory.
The manufacturer could not possiblyanticipate every cir-
cumstance that might involve a hazard. For that reason
warningsinthe Manualand warningson tags or decals affixed
tothe unit are not all-inclusive. Ifyou intendto handle, oper-
ateorservicethe unitbyaprocedureor methodnotspecifically
recommendedby the manufacturer,first make sure that such
a procedure or methodwill not render this equipment unsafe
or posea threatto you and others.
Read this manual carefullyand become familiar with your
generator set. Know its applications, its limitations and any
hazards involved.
. The generator producesavery powerful voltagethat can
cause extremelydangerouselectricalshock. Avoidcontact
with bare wires, terminals, etc. Neverpermitany unquali-
fied personto operate or service the generator.
• 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.
• The National ElectricCode requires the frame and exter-
nal electrically conductive parts of generator be properly
connected to an approved earth ground. Local electrical
codes may alsorequire proper grounding ofthe generator.
Consult with a localelectricianfor grounding requirements
in your area.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter in any damp or highly
conductive area (such as metal decking or steel work).
• Donot use any worn, bare, frayed or otherwise _ma_ed
electricalcord sets with the generator. Using any defective
cord set may result in electrical shock or damage to equip-
ment and/or property
• Operategenerator only on level surfaces and where it will
not be exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or corro-
sive vapors.
Extended Life Gensrator
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Generac4000XL ExtendedLifeGenerator
• GasolineishighlyFLAMMABLEand its vaporsara EXPLO-
SIVE. Do not permit smoking, openflames, sparks or heat
in the vicinity while handling gasoline. Avoidspilling gaso-
lineon a hot engine. Complywithalllawsregulatingstorage
and handling of gasoline.
• Donotoverfillthefueltank. Alwaysallowroomforfuelexpan-
sion, Iftankis overfitled,fuelcanoverflowontoa hotengine
and cause FIRE or an EXPLOSION,
• Never store generator with fuel in tank where gasoline
vapors might reach anopen flame or spark or pilotlight(as
on a furnace, water heater or clothes dryer). FIRE or an
EXPLOSIONmight result.
• GeneratorexhaustgasescontainDEADLYcarbonmonoxidegas.
Thisdangerousgas,if breathedinsufficientconcentrations,can
causeunconsciousnessorevendeath. Operatethisequipment
onlyin theopenairwhereadequateventilationis available,
• Theengine.generatorrequiresanadequateflowofcoolingairfor
itscontinuedproperoperation.Neveroperatetheunitinsideany
roomorenclosurewherethefreeflowofcoolingairintoandout
ofthe unitmightbeobstructed.Withoutsufficientcoolingairflow,
the unitquicklyoverheats,damagingthe generatoror nearby
property,
• Allowat least2feetof clearanceonalIsidesofgenerator,even
whileoperatingunitoutdoors,or youcoulddamagetheunit.
• Neverstart,orstop,theengine-generatorwithelectricalloadscon-
nectedto receptacleswiththe connecteddevicesturnedON.
Starttheengineand letit stabilizebeforeconnectingelectrical
loads. Disconnectall electricalloadsbeforeshuttingdownthe
generator.
• Donotinsertanyobjectthroughcoolingslotsoftheengine-gen-
erator, Youcoulddamagetheunitor injureyourself.
• Neveroperategenerator(a) inrain;(b) in any enclosedcom-
partment;(c)itenginespeedchanges;(d)ifconnectedelectrica!
devicesoverheat;(e)ifelectricaloutputislost;(f)ifengineorgen-
eratorsparks;(g) if flameor smokeisobservedwhileunit is
running;(h)if unitvibratesexcessively.
Generally,connectinga No. 12AWG(American Wire Gauge)
stranded copper wire to the grounding wing screw and to an
earth-driven copper or brass grounding rod (electrode) pro-
vides adequateprotection againstelectrical shock. However,
local codes may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician
for grounding requirements in your area. Besure to keep the
ground wireattached while you connect the electrode.
Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical
shock ifa ground fault conditions exists in the generator or in
connectedelectricaldevices, Propergroundingalso helpsdis-
sipate static electricity, which often builds up in ungrounded
devices.
BEFORESTARTINGTHE ENGINE
Perform the following tasks beforetrying to start the genera-
tor engine:
• ADD ENGINEOIL BEFOREINITIAL START
Removeone ofthe yellow Oil Fill Caps (Figure 2 on page 4)
andadd engineoiluntiloillevelis atpointofoverflowing,Check
engine oillevelbeforestarting each time thereafter. Ifoil level
is belowpoint of overflowing, fill to proper level.
GROUNDINGTHE GENERATOR
The National Electric Code requires the frame and external
electrically conductive parts of generator be properly con-
nectedtoapproved earth ground. Localelectrical codes may
also require proper grounding of the unit. Forthat purpose,
a GROUNDINGWINGSCREW (Figure 1) isprovided onthe
cradleframe.
Extended Life Generator
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Generac4000XL ExtendedLifeGenerator
[_ AUTION: Any attemptto crankor startthe
engine beforeithas been properlyservicedwith
therecommendedoil resultsinan enginefailure.
The recommendedoilsinclude the following:
• Duringsummer months: SAE 10W-30
• Duringwintermonths: SAE 5W-20or 5W-30. DONOTUSE
SAE 10W-40.
Crankcaseoil capacityisabout 620mlor about21 fluidounces
with the oil filter. Without the filter to capacity is870ml (29.5
oz.). Use no special additives.
NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a pre-lubri-
cared and sealed ball bearing that requires no additional
lubrication forthe life of the bearing.
• APPLYINGELECTRICALLOADS
• Letenginestabilizeand warm upforaboutfive minutesafter
starting.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 volts, single
phase,60 Hertz,AC electricalloads.DO NOTOVERLOAD
THE GENERATOR. Add up the rated watts (or amps)of
all loadsto be connectedat one time. This total should not
begreaterthan the ratedwattage/amperagecapacity of the
generator.
• STOPPINGTHE ENGINE
Disconnect all electrical loads and let engine run at no-load
forabout five minutes,thenturn off the engine by moving the
Run/Stopswitchto STOPposition. Seeengine manual Close
fuel shut-off valve,
OPERATINGAUTOMATICIDLE
CONTROL
An Automatic IdleControl system provides greatly improved
fueleconomyb; operatingtheunitat itsnormal high governed
speed only when eiectrical loads are plugged in andturned
ON. The systemconsists of (a)an IdleControl Circuit Board,
(b) a Sensing Transformer,(c) an Electromagnet, and (d) an
IdleControl Switch located on the control panel,
• ADD FUEL
Use regular UNLEADED gasolinewith thegenerator engine.
Regularleaded gasoline may also be used if UNLEADED is
not available. Fuel tank capacity is 4 U.S. gallons.
allowroom forfuel expansion.
[_ AUTION: Do notoverfillthe fueltank. Always
OPERATINGTHE GENERATOR
• STARTINGTHE ENGINE
o Disconnectall electrical loads from the generator.
• Openthe fuel shut-off valve.
• Referto the engine manual.
Extended Life Generator
Engine-generatorruns at high governedspeedwith Idle Con-
trol Switch ON(-) only when an electrical load is connected
to the generator and turned on. When the electrical load is
disconnected,an Electromagnetisenergized topulltheengine
throttle control against its idle stop. Engine then runs at
reduced(idle) speed.
The Electromagnet cannot be energized with Idle Control
Switch OFF,since its power circuit is open. Engine runs at
high governed speed (about 3600 rpm) whether load(s) are
connected or not.
• ADJUSTING IDLE CONTROL
Youcan adjust and set the idle Control on the engine-gener-
atoras follows:
o With unit running and warmed up, turn the idle control bolt
clockwise(fasterspeed),or counterclockwise(slowerspeed)
until the engine speed is between 40 and 45 Hz. (2400 ~
2700 rpm). See Figure 3.
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Generac4000XL ExtendedLifeGenerator
• LocktheIdleControlJam Nutagainsttheidlecontrolbracket,
while making certain the engine speed is still within the
range of 40 to 45 Hz.
NOTE: Engine idlespeeds of less than 40 Hz could cause
the engine to stall if you applysudden block loads.
• CHARGING A BATTERY
Yourgenerator hasthe capability of recharging a discharged
12-volt automotive or utility style storage battery. Do not use
the unitto charge any 6-volt batteries. Do not use the unit to
crankan engine havinga dischargedbattery. Torecharge 12-
volt batteries, proceed as follows:
• Checkfluid levelinall batterycells. If necessary, add ONLY
distilled waterto cover separators in battery cells. DO NOT
USETAP WATER.
• If the battery is equipped withvent caps, make sure they
are installed and are tight.
• If necessary, clean battery posts or terminals.
• Connectbatterychargecableconnectorplugtopanel recep-
tacle identified bythe words "12-VOLT D.C.(Figure 4).
'I 2 VOLT D.C.
• BATTERYSAFETY
_ ARNING:STORAGEBATTERIESGIVEOFF
EXPLOSIVEHYDROGENGASWHILECHARGING.
AN EXPLOSIVEMIXTUREWILLREMAINAROUND
BATTERYFORA LONGTIME AFTERIT HAS BEEN
CHARGED.THESLIGHTESTSPARKCANIGNITE
GASAND CAUSEANEXPLOSION.SUCHAN
EXPLOSIONCAN SHATTERBATTERYANDCAUSE
BLINDNESSOROTHERSERIOUSINJURY.
_ WARNING:DONOTPERMITSMOKING,OPEN
FLAME,SPARKSORANY OTHERSOURCEOF
HEATAROUNDA BATTERY.DONOTUSE A
LIGHTEROR OTHERFLAMEFORCHECKINGBAT-
TERYFLUIDLEVELS.WEARPROTECTIVE
GOGGLES,RUBBERAPRONANDRUBBER
GLOVESWHENWORKINGAROUNDABATTERY.
BATTERYELECTROLYTEFLUIDIS AN
EXTREMELYCAUSTICSULFURICACIDSOLUTION
THATCANCAUSESEVEREBURNS.DONOT
PERMITFLUIDCONTACTWITH EYES,SKIN,
CLOTHING,ETC.IFSPILLOCCURS,FLUSHAREA
WITHCLEARWATERIMMEDIATELY.
RECEPTACLE
12 VOLTS BATTERY
• Connect batterycharge cable clamp with red handleto bat-
tery post or terminal indicatedbya POSITIVE, POS or (+).
• Connect battery chargecable clamp with black handle to
battery postor terminal indicated by a NEGATIVE,NEG,or
(4
• Start engine (see"Starting the Engine" on Page4). Letthe
engine run while battery recharges.
• When battery has charged, shut down engine (see "Stop-
ping the Engine" on Page4).
NOTE: Use an automotive hydrometerto test battery state
of charge and condition. Followthe hydrometer manufactur-
er'sinstructions carefully. Generally, a battery is considered
to be at 100%state ofcharge when specific gravity of its fluid
(as measured by hydrometer) is 1.260.
Extended Life Generator
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