Generac WHEELHOUSE 1646-3 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

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Call: Generac Generator Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT

Web: www.generac-portables.com or www.briggsandstratton.com

Model No. 1646-3 (5,550 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 193711GS Revision 4 (11/29/2004)

Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Know Your Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11

Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Page

• Generator

• Wheel kit

• Locking 30 Amp plug

• Engine oil

• Two packets of fuel stabilizer

• Owner's manual

• Engine manual
*If any parts are missing or damaged, call 1-800-270-1408.

Parts Included* Table of Contents

2

WheelHouse™ 5550 Watt Generator

EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION

Read this manual carefully and become
familiar with your generator. Know its
applications, its limitations and any hazards
involved.

The generators are an engine–driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator.It was designed to
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances, tools and motor loads.The generator’s
revolving field is driven at about 3,600 rpm by a single­cylinder engine.

CAUTION! DO NOT exceed the generator’s

wattage/amperage capacity. See “Don’t Overload
Generator”.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in
this manual is 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.

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.

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 ( ) is used with a signal word
(DANGER, CAUTION,WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety message to alert you to hazards. DANGER indicates
a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in
minor or moderate injury. CAUTION, when used
without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could
result in equipment damage. Follow safety messages to
avoid or reduce the risk of injury or death.

Hazard Symbols and Meanings

The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

WARNING

Fire

Explosion

Toxic Fumes

Hot Surface

Electrical Shock

Electrocution

Electrical Shock

Kickback

WheelHouse™ 5550 Watt Generator

3

• When using generator for backup power, notify utility
company. Use approved transfer equipment to isolate
generator from electric utility.

• Use a ground circuit fault interrupter (GFCI) in any damp or
highly conductive area, such as metal decking or steel work.

• DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.

• DO NOT use generator with electrical cords which are worn,
frayed, bare or otherwise damaged.

• DO NOT operate generator in the rain.

• DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while standing
in water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet.

• DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or
service generator.

Generator produces powerful voltage.
Failure to isolate generator from power utility

can result in death or injury to electric utility
workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.

WARNING

• This generator does not meet U. S. Coast Guard Regulation
33CFR-183 and should not be used on marine applications.

• Failure to use the appropriate U. S.Coast Guard approved
generator could result in bodily injury and/or property
damage.

WARNING

WHEN ADDING OR DRAINING FUEL

• Turn generator OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before
removing fuel cap.Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in
tank.

• Fill or drain fuel tank outdoors.

• DO NOT overfill tank.Allow space for fuel expansion.

• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat,and
other ignition sources.

• DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.

WHEN STARTING EQUIPMENT

• Ensure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place.

• DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT

• Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to
spill.

• This generator is not for use in mobile equipment or marine
applications.

WHEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING
EQUIPMENT

• Transport/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff
valve OFF.

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

WHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL
IN TANK

• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes
dryers or other appliances that have pilot light or other
ignition source because they can ignite fuel vapors.

Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.

Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.

WARNING

• Operate generator ONLY outdoors.

• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings.

• DO NOT operate generator inside any building or enclosure,
including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV).

Running generator gives off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison gas.

Breathing carbon monoxide will cause nausea,
fainting or death.

WARNING

• When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt
and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.

• NEVER start or stop engine with electrical devices plugged in
and turned on.

Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.

Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could
result.

WARNING

4

WheelHouse™ 5550 Watt Generator

• Use generator only for intended uses.

• If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or call
the Generac generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408.

• Operate generator only on level surfaces.

• DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust,dirt,
or corrosive vapors.

• DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.

• If connected devices overheat, turn them off and disconnect
them from generator.

• Shut off generator if:

-electrical output is lost;

-equipment sparks, smokes, or emits flames;

-unit vibrates excessively.

Improper treatment of generator can damage it and
shorten its life.

CAUTION

• DO NOT tamper with governed speed.Generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage when running at governed
speed.

• DO NOT modify generator in any way.

Excessively high operating speeds increase risk of injury
and damage to generator.

Excessively low speeds impose a heavy load.

CAUTION

• See “Don’t Overload Generator”.

• Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting
electrical loads.

• Connect electrical loads in OFF position, then turn ON for
operation.

• Turn electrical loads OFF and disconnect from generator
before stopping generator.

Exceeding generators wattage/amperage capacity can
damage generator and/or electrical devices connected
to it.

CAUTION

WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR
GENERATOR

• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place
the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK

• Use approved spark plug tester.

• DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.

Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.

WARNING

• DO NOT touch hot surfaces.

• Allow equipment to cool before touching.

• The generator must be at least 5 feet from structures having
combustible walls and/or other combustible materials.

• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for
adequate cooling, maintenance and servicing.

• 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. If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester,it must be
maintained in effective working order.

Running engines produce heat.Temperature of
muffler and nearby areas can reach or exceed
150°F (65°C).

Severe burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush,

ect. can catch fire.

WARNING

WheelHouse™ 5550 Watt Generator

5

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.

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Duplex Receptacle

Removable Fuel Tank

Choke Lever

Recoil Starter
(not shown)

Rocker Switch

Circuit Breakers (AC)

120/240 Volt AC,
30 Amp Receptacle

Air Cleaner

Grounding Fastener

Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick

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.

120/240 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.

Air Cleaner —

Protects engine by filtering dust and debris

out of intake air.

Choke Lever — Used when starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (AC) — Each receptacle is provided

with a "push to reset" circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload.

Removable FuelTank — Capacity of five (5) U.S. gallons.
Easily removed for convenient refueling.

Grounding Fastener — If required, please consult a
qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or local agency
having jurisdiction.

Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick — Check and add oil to engine
here.

Recoil starter — Used to start the engine.
Rocker Switch — Set this switch to "On" before using

recoil starter. Set switch to "Off" to switch OFF engine.
Vent Knob — Must be open when generator is running.

Vent Knob