Wen 56180 User Manual

1800W PORTABLE
GENERATOR

Model # 56180

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IMPORTANT:

Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN’s highest standards for dependability,
ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years
of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings,
and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe,
reliable service.

NEED HELP? CONTACT US!

Have product questions? Need technical support?

Please feel free to contact us at:

800-232-1195

(M-F 8AM-5PM CST)

[e-mail]

WENPRODUCTS.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Generator Identification
Service Record

Introduction
Safety Information
General Safety Procedures

Important Safety Instructions
Generator Components
Generator Preperation
Starting the Generator

Stopping the Generator
Subsequent Starting of the Generator

Using the Generator
Maintenance & Care

Storage & Transport
Specifications
Troubleshooting

Exploded View and Parts List

Wiring Diagram
Warranty Statement

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GENERATOR IDENTIFICATION

If assistance for information or service is required, please contact the Customer Service Help Line by calling
800-232-1195; customer will be asked to provide generator information when calling.

Refer to the illustration below for the location of the serial number. Record generator information in the spaces
provided below.

DATE OF PURCHASE: ______________________________________________
PURCHASED FROM: ______________________________________________
GENERATOR MODEL NUMBER: 56180
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________________

Change Oil
Change Spark Plug
Clean Fuel Tank
Clean Air Filter

Serial Number

SERVICE RECORD

Record Service Dates:

Date Date Date Date Date Date

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INTRODUCTION

Thank You for Purchasing a WEN® Product. This manual provides information regarding the safe operation
and maintenance of this product. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this
manual. WEN® reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time without prior notice.

Please keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the generator.

This manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, gen­erator damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the
information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.

QUESTIONS? PROBLEMS?

In order to answer questions and solve problems in the most efficient and speedy manner, contact Customer
Service at [phone], M-F 8-5 CST

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engines that are certified to comply with U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment),
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems:
(EM) Engine Modifications and (TWC) Three-Way Catalyst (if so equipped).

SAFETY INFORMATION

Before operating this generator read and observe all warnings, cautions, and instructions on the generator and in
this Owner’s Manual.

NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and situations that may oc­cur. Read the entire Owner’s Manual for safety and operating instructions. Failure to follow instructions and safety
information could result in serious injury or death.

This safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury.

A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the
likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent
the type of hazard.

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 damage to the engine or
generator.

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GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES

For any questions regarding the hazard and safety notices listed in this manual or on the product, please call (800)
232-1195 M-F 8-5 CST before using the generator.

DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE

Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO).
This is a poison gas you cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are breathing CO. But
even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.

NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly enclosed areas. Deadly levels
of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using a fan or opening windows and doors does NOT
supply enough fresh air. ONLY use a generator outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. These open­ings can pull in generator exhaust.

Even if you use a generator correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a battery-powered or battery­backup CO alarm in the home. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been running, move
to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

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

WARNING: This generator may emit highly flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can cause
severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby open flame can lead to explosion even if it isn’t directly in
contact with gasoline.

• Do not operate near open flame.

• Do not smoke near generator.

• Always operate on a firm, level surface.

• Always turn generator off before refueling. Allow generator to cool for at least 2 minutes before removing
fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.

• Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the top of the tank. Allow
for expansion.

• Always check for spilled fuel before operating.

• Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the generator.

WARNING: This generator produces powerful voltage, which can result in electrocution.

• ALWAYS ground the generator before using it (see the “Ground the Generator” portion of the
“GENERATOR PREPARATION” section).

• Generator should only be plugged into electrical devices, either directly or with an extension cord.
NEVER connect to a building electrical system without a qualified electrician. Such connections must
comply with local electrical laws and codes. Failure to comply can create a back-feed, which may result
in serious injury or death to utility workers.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in highly conductive areas such as metal decking or steel
work. GFCIs are available in-line with some extension cords.

• Do not use in rainy conditions.

• Do not touch bare wires or receptacles (outlets).

• Do not allow children or non-qualified persons to operate.

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GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES

WARNING: This generator produces heat when running. Temperatures near exhaust can exceed 1500
F (650 C).

Do not touch hot surfaces. Pay attention to warning labels on the generator identifying hot parts of the
machine.

Allow generator to cool down after use before touching engine or areas of the generator that become
hot during use.

CAUTION: Misuse of this generator can damage it or shorten its life.

Only use generator for its intended purposes.

Operate only on dry, level surfaces.

Allow generator to run for several minutes before connecting electrical devices.

Shut off and disconnect any malfunctioning devices from generator.

Do not exceed the wattage capacity of the generator by plugging in more electrical devices than the unit can
handle.

Do not turn on electrical devices until after they are connected to the generator.

Turn off all connected electrical devices before stopping the generator.

Turn the engine switch to “OFF” position when the engine is not running.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions for the WEN® 1800W genera­tor that should be followed during installation and maintenance of the generator.

Generators vibrate in normal use. During and after the use of the generator, inspect both the generator as well as
extension and power supply cords for damage resulting from vibration. Have damaged items repaired or replaced
as necessary. Do not use plugs or cords that show signs of damage such as broken or cracked insulation.

For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the
home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or
stressing of the components, possibly leading to a generator failure.

WARNING: If this generator is used as a supply for a building’s wiring system, the generator must be installed
by a qualified electrician and connected to a transfer switch as a separately derived system in accordance with
the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. The generator shall be connected to a transfer switch that switches all
conductors excluding the equipment grounding conductor. The frame of the generator shall be connected to an
approved grounding electrode.

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GENERATOR COMPONENTS

Use the illustrations below to become familiar with the locations and functions of the various components and
controls of this generator.

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Frame

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Fuel Tank Cap

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Fuel Tank

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Fuel Valve Assembly

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Choke Lever

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Air Cleaner

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Recoil Starter

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ON/OFF Switch
Oil Dipstick
Oil Drain Bolt
120V Duplex Receptacle
Circuit Breakers
12V Cigarette Lighter Style DC Receptacle
Grounding Terminal

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GENERATOR PREPARATION

USING THE GENERATOR FOR THE FIRST TIME

The following section describes steps necessary to prepare the generator for use. If after reading this sec­tion, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST for
customer service. Failure to perform these steps properly can damage the generator or shorten its life.

Step 1 - ADD OIL

The generator is shipped without oil. User must add the proper amount of oil before operating the generator for
the first time. The oil capacity of the engine crankcase is 13.5 fl. oz. For general use (above 40° F), we recommend
30W, 4-stroke engine oil.

ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Select good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, or
SM (synthetic oils may be used). Use the ASE viscosity grade of oil from the following chart (Figure 1) that matches
the starting temperature anticipated before the next oil changes.

Figure 1 - Engine Oil Temperature Recommendations

To add oil, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface. Tilting the generator to assist in filling will cause oil to flow
into engine areas and will cause damage. Keep generator level!

2. Remove the dipstick from the engine. (Figure 2)

3. Add oil slowly as to not overflow the unit. (Figure 2).

4. To check the oil level, wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Insert the dipstick into the oil fill opening
without screwing it in. Remove the dipstick to check the oil mark.

5. Slowly add more oil and repeat step 4 until the oil mark reaches to the top of the dipstick (Figure 2). Do
not overfill the crankcase. The generator is equipped with a low-oil sensor and will not start if the amount of
oil is insufficient.

6. Check for oil leaks. Tighten dipstick firmly.

Figure 2 - Oil Fill Opening,

Oil Dipstick

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Dipstick and Oil Level

GENERATOR PREPARATION

Step 2 - ADD GASOLINE

WARNING: This generator may emit highly ammable and explosive gasoline vapors,
which can cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby open ame can lead to
explosion even if not directly in contact with gasoline.

Use fresh (within 30 days from purchase), lead-free gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane rating. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.

To add gasoline, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface.

2. Unscrew fuel cap and set aside. NOTE: The fuel cap may be tight and hard to unscrew.

3. Slowly add unleaded gasoline to the fuel tank. Be careful not to overfill. The capacity of the fuel tank is

1.45 gallons. NOTE: Do not fill the fuel tank to the very top. Gasoline will expand and spill over during use
even with the fuel cap in place.

4. Reinstall fuel cap and wipe clean any spilled gasoline with a dry cloth.

IMPORTANT:

• Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.

• Never use old gasoline.

• Avoid getting dirt or water into the fuel tank.

• Gasoline can age in the tank and make starting difficult. Never store generator for extended periods of time
with fuel in the tank or the carburetor.

• Turn the fuel cock off and drain the fuel from the carburetor.

Step 3 - GROUND THE GENERATOR

WARNING: Failure to properly ground the generator

can result in electrocution.

Ground the generator by tightening the grounding nut on the
front control panel against a grounding wire (Figure 3). A gener­ally acceptable grounding wire is a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire. This grounding wire should be
connected at the other end to a copper, brass, or steel-grounding
rod that is driven into the earth. Wire and grounding rods are not
included in generator contents.

Figure 3 - Grounding Nut

Grounding codes can vary by location. Contact a local electrician
to check the area codes.

NOTE: After completing the above preparation, the generator is ready to be started.

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