Powerhouse 1000WI User Manual
POWERHOUSE
®
CAREFULLY BEFORE USING
1000Wi Digital Inverter Generator
OWNER’S MANUAL
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
Quick Start Guide
Use outdoors only. Generators produce carbon monoxide — a poisonous, colorless,
odorless gas that can cause death or serious injury.
Always operate on a level surface.
Keep away from rain, snow or other wet conditions.
Keep away from smoking materials, sparks, and other sources of combustion when
refueling.
Pre-Operation
1. Add oil by removing the maintenance panel and inspecting the dipstick. Fill the oil reservoir with 8.5 oz.
(250 ml) of oil or to the full mark on the dipstick. Use appropriate grade, high-detergent, premium quality,
4-stroke engine oil (synthetic or conventional). Use SAE 15W-40 viscosity oil unless operating at ambient
temperatures below 32° F (0° C). For temperatures below 32° F, use SAE 0W-40 viscosity oil. Refer to the
Operating at extreme temperatures section for more information.
2. Carefully add regular unleaded automotive gasoline up to the shoulder of the fuel strainer. To avoid spilling
fuel, use care to not fill too quickly or over fill. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. Do not use a
blend that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. An octane rating of
87 or higher is recommended.
Do not add 2-Stroke oil to your fuel. Doing so will void your warranty.
It is recommended that you use a fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL®, to help prevent fuel
oxidation (breakdown) and the formation of gum and varnish, and to inhibit corrosion in
the fuel system and carburetor.
Operation
1. Ensure that no loads have been connected to the AC receptacles.
2. Open the fuel valve.
3. Push the engine switch on the control panel to the “ON” position.
4. Move the choke lever to the “START” position.
5. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly out. Repeat until the engine starts.
6. Move the choke lever to the “RUN” position after the engine warms up.
7. The green “RUN” light will illuminate when the generator is ready for use. Before connecting any loads,
ground the generator with a length of heavy cable, connecting the generator’s grounding terminal to an
external ground source.
8. Make sure that all appliances to be connected have been switched off and are in good working order.
Confirm that the combined electrical rating of the appliances does not exceed that of the generator.
9. Connect the appliance to the appropriate receptacle on the generator’s control panel.
10. To minimize fuel consumption and noise, push the economy switch to the “ON” position. This setting
regulates the engine’s speed so that it matches the needs of the connected loads. Do not use the economy
setting if you are connecting items with electric motors that have a high amperage draw during startup or
with appliances that cycle on and off rapidly.
Shutdown
In an emergency, pushing the Engine Switch on the control panel to the “OFF” position
will automatically stop the engine with or without a load. However, repeatedly stopping
the generator without disconnecting all loads can cause damage to the generator or
appliances.
1. Turn off all connected appliances and disconnect from the generator.
2. Push the engine switch on the control panel to the “OFF” position.
3. Turn the fuel valve off.
2 1000Wi OM
PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing a POWERHOUSE® generator.
This manual covers operation and maintenance of POWERHOUSE® generator model 1000Wi.
All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing.
We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the generator and should remain with it if it is resold.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:
Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death if instructions are not
followed.
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if instructions are not
followed.
Gives helpful information.
If you have a problem with this generator, do not return it to the store where you purchased it. For warranty
support call 877-544-4449 from 8am to 6pm ET, email us at warranty@powerhouse-products.com or send a
fax to 800-263-0280.
Failure to properly follow these precautions can result in property damage, serious injury,
or DEATH!
Read all labels and the Owner's Manual before operating this generator.
Generators produce carbon monoxide — a poisonous, colorless, odorless gas that can
cause death or serious injury.
Indoor use of a generator can kill quickly. Generators should be used outdoors only.
Generators should only be used outdoors away from garages and open windows, but
protected from rain and snow.
Check for spilled fuel or leaks. Clean and/or repair before use.
Always stop engine before refueling. Wait 5 minutes before restarting.
Keep any source of ignition away from fuel tank, at all times.
The portable generator is not meant to be used as a permanent back-up power system
for the home. A permanently installed stationary generator is designed to be safely used
for this specific purpose.
Our generators are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according
to instructions. Read and understand the Owner's Manual before operating the
generator. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
©Copyright DTS Manufacturing / The Coast Distribution System, Inc. 2012
3 1000Wi OM
CONTENTS
1000Wi Digital Inverter Generator .................................................................................................................................. 1
Quick Start Guide ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Pre-Operation ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Operation .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Shutdown .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Control panel 1000Wi ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Serial number and bar code identification and location ........................................................................................ 8
3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Check the engine oil level ..................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Check the fuel level ............................................................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Check the air cleaner .......................................................................................................................................... 11
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 12
4.1 Starting the engine .............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2 High altitude operation ........................................................................................................................................ 13
4.3 Operating at extreme temperatures .................................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Generator use ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.5 AC application ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.6 Output and Overload Lights ................................................................................................................................ 15
4.7 DC application ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.8 Low oil alarm system .......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.9 Economy switch .................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.10 Stopping the engine .......................................................................................................................................... 18
5. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
5.1 Emission control system ..................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Maintenance Schedule ....................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Changing oil ........................................................................................................................................................ 22
5.4 Air cleaner service............................................................................................................................................... 23
5.5 Spark plug maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 24
5.6 Spark arrestor maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 25
6. TRANSPORTING and STORAGE ............................................................................................................................ 26
6.1 Transporting the generator ................................................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Short term storage of the Generator ................................................................................................................... 26
6.3 Infrequent use ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.4 Exercising the Generator .................................................................................................................................... 27
7. TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................................................................. 28
7.1 Engine will not start ............................................................................................................................................. 28
7.2 Appliance does not operate ................................................................................................................................ 29
7.3 No output at the DC receptacle .......................................................................................................................... 29
8. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 30
9. WARRANTY AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 31
CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT ......................................................................... 32
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY ........................................................................................................ 33
10. APPENDIX B - EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 34
11. APPENDIX C - SAFETY AND CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................ 35
4 1000Wi OM
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This generator is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to
instructions.
Read and understand the Owner's Manual before operating the generator. Failure to do
so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Never run the generator in an
enclosed area.
Be sure to provide adequate ventilation.
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for several minutes after
stopping the engine.
Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot.
Let the engine cool before storing the generator indoors.
To ensure safe operation
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well
ventilated area with the engine stopped.
Keep away from cigarette smoke and sparks when refueling the generator.
Wipe up spilled gasoline at once.
This generator is not intended, nor designed, for use as a standby power supply and
should never be used as such. Severe property damage and/or severe personal injury or
death may result. Never connect this generator to an automatic transfer switch (ATS).
Severe damage to the generator will occur.
To avoid accidents or equipment damage, always make a pre-operation inspection
before you start the engine.
Place the generator at least 3 ft (1 m) away from buildings or other equipment during
operation.
Operate the generator on a level surface. If the generator is tilted, fuel spillage may
result.
Know how to stop the generator quickly and understand operation of all controls. Never
permit anyone to operate the generator without proper instructions.
Keep children and pets away from the generator when it is in operation.
Keep away from moving parts while the generator is running.
Generators are a potential source of electrical shocks when misused; do not operate with
wet hands.
Do not operate the generator in rain or snow and do not let it get wet.
Do not operate this generator inside a compartment. Doing so may lead to overheating
and consequently, fire. It may also lead to death by asphyxiation.
Do not modify the enclosure of this generator.
5 1000Wi OM
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
Control Panel
Gas Cap
Spark Plug Access Cover
Fuel
Valve
Maintenance Panel
Choke Lever
Exhaust Grill
Starter Grip
6 1000Wi OM
2.1 Control panel 1000Wi
Battery Charge
Circuit Breaker
Low Oil Alarm
Light (Red)
Engine Switch
Battery Charge
Receptacle
Economy Switch
Run Light (Green)
Overload Light (Red)
120 V - 20A
Circuit Breaker
120 V - 20A Duplex Receptacle
Ground
Terminal
7 1000Wi OM
2.2 Serial number and bar code identification and location
Serial Number
The generator bar code number and the engine serial number identify your particular unit and are necessary
when ordering parts and accessories. These two numbers are used by your dealer and The Coast Distribution
System, Inc. for warranty administration and must be supplied before any work can be done.
The engine serial number can be found
stamped on the engine block above oil
dipstick. It is visible when the maintenance
panel is removed.
The bar code number label is found in three locations:
1. On the side of the generator near the fuel valve.
2. On the back of this manual.
You can also find the BCN number on the foil label on the shipping carton.
Please record this information below and keep this manual in a safe place along with the bill of sale.
Engine Serial Number __________________________________
Bar Code Number _______________________________
Date of Purchase ________________________________
Name of Selling Dealership ________________________________
Please go to www.powerhouse-products.com/register and register your unit today. Online registration will
be accepted as proof of purchase. Online registration will make sure you are protected in the event you have lost
your receipt, and will significantly speed the process in the event warranty service is necessary.
For warranty assistance:
Phone: 877-544-4449
Fax: 800-263-0280
E-mail: warranty@powerhouse-products.com
8 1000Wi OM
3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Dip stick
Lowest oil
level allowed
Upper level
Oil fill hole
Be sure to check the generator on a level surface with the engine stopped.
3.1 Check the engine oil level
Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It will void the warranty and will
shorten the engine's service life.
Use a high-detergent, premium quality, 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet or exceed
U.S. automobile manufacturer's requirements for API Service Classification SG/SF.
Synthetic oil is approved for use in Powerhouse generators, and is recommended for
operating the generator in temperatures below 32° F.
Change the oil in a new engine between the first 4 to 6 hours of operation to clean
manufacturing debris and contamination.
Use SAE 15W-40 viscosity oil unless operating at ambient temperatures below 32° F
(0° C). For temperatures below 32° F, use SAE 0W-40 viscosity oil. Refer to the
Operating at extreme temperatures section for more information.
1. Loosen the cover screws and remove the maintenance cover.
2. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean rag and reinsert it into the filler neck, screwing it down completely.
3. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level.
4. If the oil level is at or below the lower level of the dipstick, refill with the recommended oil up to the top of the
upper level marking. Do not overfill.
5. Reinsert the dipstick and be sure to screw it down until it is tight.
Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage.
The Low Oil Alarm System will automatically stop the engine before the oil level falls
below a safe limit. However, to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected shutdown, it is
still advisable to visually inspect the oil level regularly.
Engine oil capacity: 8.5 fl oz (0.53 pt) / 250 ml
9 1000Wi OM
3.2 Check the fuel level
Fuel Level
Fuel Strainer
Fuel Cap
Use automotive unleaded regular gasoline only.
1. If the fuel level is low, refill to the top of the fuel strainer.
2. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline.
3. Avoid getting dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank.
4. After refueling, tighten the fuel filler cap securely.
It is recommended that you use a fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL®, to help prevent fuel
oxidation (breakdown) and the formation of gum and varnish, and to inhibit corrosion in
the fuel system and carburetor.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep all smoking materials,
sparks, and any other source of combustion away from the generator during refueling.
Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel above the top of the fuel strainer).
After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel
is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
Fuel tank capacity: 0.78 gal (2.95 Liters)
Gasoline containing alternate fuels
Do not use a blend that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. An octane
rating of 87 or higher is recommended.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from the use of fuels that
contain an improper alcohol blend, or by adding oil to the fuel, are not covered under
warranty.
Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, determine if the fuel contains ethanol and if
it does, confirm the type and percentage of ethanol used. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms while using a gasoline that contains ethanol, or one that you think
contains ethanol, replace it with a gasoline that you know has the proper blend.
10 1000Wi OM
3.3 Check the air cleaner
Air Cleaner
Case
Air Cleaner
Element
Air Cleaner
Screw
Air Cleaner
Cover
Maintenance
Cover
Maintenance
1. Loosen the maintenance cover screw and remove the maintenance cover.
2. Remove the air filter retaining screw. Remove the cover and check the element. Clean or replace the
element if necessary.
3. Replace the air cleaner element, and cover. Tighten the screw securely.
4. Replace the maintenance cover and tighten the screw securely.
Never run the engine without the air cleaner element in place. Rapid engine wear will
result from contaminants, such as dust and dirt being drawn through the carburetor into
the engine.
Cover
Screw
11 1000Wi OM
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Engine Switch
Fuel
Valve
Start
Running
Choke Lever
4.1 Starting the engine
When starting the generator after adding fuel for the first time or after long term storage,
or after running out of fuel, turn the fuel valve to the ON position, then wait for 10 to 20
seconds before starting the engine.
Before starting the engine, disconnect any load from the AC receptacles.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
2. Push the engine switch on the control panel to the ON position.
3. Move the choke lever to the START position.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly out.
5. Move the choke lever to the RUN position after the engine warms up.
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back. Return it slowly by hand.
Do not let the starter rope rub against the generator body or the rope will wear out
prematurely.
12 1000Wi OM
Loading...