Yardworks 055-0362-8 Users manual

Portable Generator

model number 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

IMPORTANT:

Read and follow all safety rules and operating
instructions before using this product.

Instruction

Manual

2

model no. 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

SPECIFICATIONS 3
KNOW YOUR GENERATOR 4
ASSEMBLY 6
OPERATION 9
SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE 14
EXPLODED VIEW PRODUCT 22
PARTS LIST PRODUCT 23
EXPLODED VIEW ENGINE 28
PARTS LIST ENGINE 29
WIRING DIAGRAM 34
TROUBLESHOOTING 35

Table of Contents

WARRANTY 36

Starting Watts 7200
Running Watts 6000
AC Voltage 120/240 V
Phase Single
Frequency 60 Hz
Fuel Capacity 9 gal (34 L)
Gross Weight 219 lb 13 oz (99.7 kg)
Net Weight 200 lb 3 oz (90.8 kg)
Length 29 1/8” (74 cm)
Width 27 9/16” (70 cm)
Height 26 11/16” (67.8 cm)
Oil Capacity 1.2 qt (1.1 L)
Battery Size 12 V, 15 Ah
Engine Size 439 cc

FUEL

Fuel capacity is 9 gal (34 L). Use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane
rating of 87 and an ethanol content of less than 10% by volume.

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Specifications

MAINTENANCE VALVE CLEARANCE

Intake: 0.005–0.007” (0.13–0.17 mm)
Exhaust: 0.007–0.009” (0.17–0.22 mm)

SPARK PLUGS

OEM spark plug: NHSP F6RTC
Replacement spark plug: NGK BPR6ES or equivalent

Make certain the spark plug gap is 0.028–0.031” (0.7–0.8 mm).

OIL

Use 10W-30 automotive oil.
Oil capacity is up to 1.2 qt (1.1 L).
DO NOT OVERFILL.
Please reference the following chart for
recommended oil types for use in the
generator.

Degrees Celsius

Full Synthetic 5W-30

Degrees Fahrenheit

(Outside)

(Outside)

4

model no. 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

1

Know Your Generator

1. Fuel Tank

2. Power Panel

3. Battery

4. Fold-away Handle

5. Fuel Valve

6. Never-flat Wheels

7. Recoil Starter

8. Air Filter

9. Choke

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4

3

5

9

8

6

7

KNOW YOUR GENERATOR

Before attempting to assemble or operate your generator, please become familiar with
the major parts and components.

• Know where to refuel the generator.

• Know where and how to turn the fuel supply off and on.

• Know where and how to start the generator manually in the event the battery is dead.

5

1

43 5 6 7 8

1. Battery Switch

2. Circuit Breakers

3. Power Meter and Fuel
Life Meter

4. Remote Reset Light
and Button

5. 12 V Charger Outlet

6. L14-30R Outlet

7. 5-20R Duplex (2)

8. Ground

9. Engine Switch

2

Know Your Generator

9

KNOW YOUR GENERATOR

Familiarize yourself with the power panel outlets and switches before operation.

• Know how the circuit breakers work and how to reset them if tripped.

• Know where and how to turn the engine off and on.

• Know where and how to plug items into the correct outlets.

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INSTALL THE WHEEL KIT

1. Before adding fuel and oil, tip the
generator on its side.

2. Slide the wheel pin roll (#84) through
the wheel (#83) from the outside.

3. Slide the pin roll through the mount
point on the frame.

4. Secure the R-Pin (#85).

5. Repeat steps 2–4 to attach the
second wheel.

63

64

85

83

84

Assembly

INSTALL THE SUPPORT LEG

1. Attach the support leg to the

generator frame with flange bolts
(M8 x 16) and flange lock nuts (M8).

2. Tip the generator slowly so that it

rests on the wheels and support leg.

CONNECTING THE BATTERY

1. Remove the protective cover from the
red (+) lead on the battery.

2. Attach the red (+) lead to the red
(+) terminal on the battery with the
flange bolt (M5 x 10) and secure with
the flange nut (M5).

3. Repeat steps 1–2 for the black (–)
battery lead.

ADD ENGINE OIL

The recommended oil type is 10W-30 automotive oil.

1. Place the generator on a flat, level surface.

2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick to add oil.

3. Add up to 1.2 qt (1.1 L) of oil and replace oil fill cap/dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL.

4. Check engine oil level daily and add as needed.

Once oil has been added, a visual check should show oil about 1–2 threads from running
out of the fill hole.
If using the dipstick to check oil level, DO NOT screw in the dipstick while checking.
The engine is equipped with a low oil shut-off and will stop when the oil level in the
crankcase falls below the threshold level.

We consider the first 5 hours of run time to be the break-in period for the unit. During
the break–in period stay at or below 50% of the running watt rating and vary the load
occasionally to allow stator windings to heat and cool. Adjusting the load will also cause
engine speed to vary and help seat piston rings. After the 5 hour break-in period, change
the oil.

7

Assembly

Weather will affect engine oil and engine performance. Change the type of engine oil used
based on weather conditions to suit the engine needs.

Synthetic oil may be used after the 5 hour initial break-in period. Using synthetic oil
does not increase the recommended oil change interval.

Degrees Celsius

Degrees Fahrenheit

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to crank or start the engine

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before it has been properly filled with the recommended
type and amount of oil. Damage to the generator as a result
of failure to follow these instructions will void your warranty.

IMPORTANT: The generator rotor has a sealed, pre-

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lubricated ball bearing that requires no additional
lubrication for the life of the bearing.

(Outside)

Full Synthetic 5W-30

(Outside)

8

model no. 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

ADD FUEL

Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 87 and an ethanol
content of less than 10% by volume.
DO NOT mix oil with fuel.
Clean the area around the fuel cap.
Remove the fuel cap.
Slowly add fuel to the tank. DO NOT OVERFILL. Fuel can expand after filling. A minimum of
1/4” (6.4 mm) of space left in the tank is required for fuel expansion, more than
1/4” (6.4 mm) is recommended. Fuel can be forced out of the tank as a result of expansion if it
is overfilled, and can affect the stable running condition of the product. When filling the tank, it
is recommended to leave enough space for the fuel to expand.
Screw on the fuel cap and wipe away any spilled fuel.

Assembly

DO NOT pump gas directly into the generator at the gas station. Use an approved container
to transfer the fuel to the generator.
DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors.
DO NOT fill fuel tank when the engine is running or hot.
DO NOT overfill the fuel tank.
DO NOT light cigarettes or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
Pouring fuel too fast through the fuel screen may result in blow back of fuel at the operator
while filling.

GROUNDING

Your generator must be properly connected to an appropriate ground to help prevent
electric shock.
A ground terminal connected to the frame of the generator has been provided on the
power panel. For remote grounding, connect of a length of heavy gauge (12 AWG
minimum) copper wire between the generator ground terminal and a copper rod driven
into the ground. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified electrician to
ensure compliance with local electrical codes.
The generator system ground connects the frame to the ground terminals on the power
panel.
Electrical devices that require a grounded receptacle pin connection will not function if
the receptacle ground pin is not functional.

Failure to properly ground the generator can result in electric shock.

GENERATOR LOCATION

NEVER operate the generator inside any building including garages, basements,
crawlspaces, sheds, enclosure or compartment, including the generator compartment of a
recreational vehicle. Please consult your local authority. In some areas, generators must
be registered with the local utility. Generators used at construction sites may be subject to
additional rules and regulations. Generators should be on a flat, level surface at all times
(even while not in operation). Generators must have at least 5’ (1.5 m) of clearance from
all combustible material. In addition to clearance from all combustible material, generators
must also have at least 3’ (91.4 cm) of clearance on all sides to allow for adequate cooling,
maintenance and servicing. Generators should never be started or operated in the back of
a SUV, camper, trailer, in the bed of a truck (regular, flat or otherwise), under staircases/
stairwells, next to walls or buildings, or in any other location that will not allow for adequate
cooling of the generator and/or the muffler. DO NOT contain generators during operation.
Allow generators to properly cool before transport or storage.

• Place the generator in a well-ventilated area. DO NOT place the generator near vents or
intakes where exhaust fumes could be drawn into occupied or confined spaces. Carefully
consider wind and air currents when positioning generator.

• Do not operate or store the generator in rain, snow, or wet weather.

• Using a generator or electrical appliance in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, near a
pool or sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet, could result in electrocution.

• During operation the muffler and exhaust fumes produced will become hot. If adequate
cooling and breathing space are not supplied, or if the generator is blocked or contained,
temperatures can become extremely heated and may lead to fire.

9

Operation

WARNING: Failure to follow proper safety precautions may

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void manufacturer’s warranty.

SURGE PROTECTION

Electronic devices, including computers and many programmable appliances use
components that are designed to operate within a narrow voltage range and may be affected
by momentary voltage fluctuations. While there is no way to prevent voltage fluctuations, you
can take steps to protect sensitive electronic equipment.

• Install UL1449, CSA-listed, plug-in surge suppressors on the outlets feeding your
sensitive equipment.

• Surge suppressors come in single- or multi-outlet styles. They’re designed to protect
against virtually all short-duration voltage fluctuations.

• Voltage fluctuation may impair the proper functioning of sensitive electronic equipment.

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model no. 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

WIRELESS REMOTE

Wireless remote starting is only possible within 78’ (24 m) of the generator.

Do not attempt to adjust the carburetor choke. The remote system will automatically close
and open the choke.

1. Make certain the generator is on a flat, level surface.

2. Turn off all electrical loads connected to the generator. Never start or stop the generator
with electrical devices plugged in and turned on.

3. Turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position.

4. Press the battery switch to “ON”.

5. Press the engine switch to “ON”.

• WIRELESS REMOTE START: press and release the “START” button on the handheld
remote control device. DO NOT hold the button down, only press the button once. The

Operation

engine will attempt to start six times.

A safety feature is provided which delays the electrical power availability during starting
mode. The delay lasts for approximately 15 seconds. The delay is provided to prevent
damage to the generator if electrical loads are inadvertently turned on during engine startup.

When the battery switch is in the “ON” position, the switch will light up if the battery is
sending out a charge. If the switch does not light up while in the “ON” position, check that the
battery connection is still good.

NOTE: The supplied 12 V, 9 Ah battery does re-charge

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while the engine is running, but it is also recommended that
the battery be fully charged at least once per month.

ELECTRIC START AND RECOIL START

1. Make certain the generator is on a flat, level surface.

2. Turn off all electrical loads connected to the generator. Never start or stop the generator
with electrical devices plugged in and turned on.

3. Turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position.

4. Press the ignition switch to “ON”.

5. Move the choke lever to the “CHOKE” position.

• ELECTRIC START: Press the battery switch to “ON.” Press and hold the ignition
switch to the “START” position. Release as the engine begins to roll over. If the engine
fails to start within five seconds, release the switch and wait at least ten seconds before
attempting to start the engine again.

• RECOIL START: Pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt and then pull
rapidly.

6. Do not over-choke. As as soon as engine starts, move the choke lever to the “RUN”
position.
Keep choke lever in “CHOKE” position for only 1 push cycle of the ignition button or 1 pull
of the recoil starter. After first pull, move choke lever to the “RUN” position for up to the
next 3 pulls of the recoil starter. Too much choke leads to spark plug fouling/engine flooding
due to the lack of incoming air. This will cause the engine not to start.
If the engine starts but does not continue to run make certain that the generator is on a flat,
level surface. The engine is equipped with a low oil sensor that will prevent the engine from
running when the oil level falls below a critical threshold.

CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LOADS

Let the engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after starting.
Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 V AC single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
DO NOT connect 3-phase loads to the generator.
DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
DO NOT overload the generator.
Connecting a generator to your electric utility company’s power lines or to another power
source may be against the law. In addition this action, if done incorrectly, could damage your
generator and appliances and could cause serious injury or even death to you or a utility
worker who may be working on nearby power lines. If you plan to run a portable electric
generator during an outage, please notify your electric utility company immediately and
remember to plug your appliances directly into the generator. Do not plug the generator
into any electric outlet in your home. Doing so could create a connection to the utility
company power lines. You are responsible for ensuring that your generator’s electricity does
not feed back into the electric utility power lines. If the generator will be connected to a
building electrical system, consult your local utility company or a qualified electrician.
Connections must isolate generator power from utility power and must comply with all
applicable laws and codes.

DO NOT OVERLOAD GENERATOR

Capacity

Follow these simple steps to calculate the running and starting watts necessary for your
purposes.

1. Select the electrical devices you plan on running at the same time.

2. Total the running watts of these items. This is the amount of power you need to keep
your items running.

3. Identify the highest starting wattage of all devices identified in step 1. Add this
number to the number calculated in step 2. Surge wattage is the extra burst of power
needed to start some electric driven equipment. Following the steps listed under
“Power Management” will guarantee that only one device will be starting at a time.

Power Management

Use the following formula to convert voltage and amperage to watts:

Volts x Amps = Watts

To prolong the life of your generator and attached devices, follow these steps to add electrical
load:

1. Start the generator with no electrical load attached

2. Allow the engine to run for several minutes to stabilize.

3. Plug in and turn on the first item. It is best to attach the item with the largest load first.

4. Allow the engine to stabilize.

5. Plug in and turn on the next item.

6. Allow the engine to stabilize.

7. Repeat steps 5-6 for each additional item.

11

Operation

IMPORTANT: Never exceed the specified capacity when

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adding loads to the generator.

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model no. 055-0362-8 | contact us: 1.866.523.5218

POWER METER AND FUEL LIFE METER

The power and fuel life meter are located on the front of the operator’s panel and shown
as Item #3 on page 5.
The meter is divided into two separate displays. The LCD display on top shows the
voltage [U], frequency [H], running time [R], total time, and remaining fuel run time [F].
Each parameter is shown for several seconds and then automatically cycles through in
the order listed.
The LED display on bottom shows the output power being producing based on the
electrical load connected to the generator. As the output increases, more LED lights are
shown until the generator is overloaded at which time a red LED light will appear. DO
NOT OVERLOAD GENERATOR – see page 11. The LED display also shows the time the
generator will run based on the current output power and the remaining fuel level. As the
fuel decreases, fewer lights are shown until there is approximately 10% fuel remaining

Operation

at which time an orange light will appear. This indicates that the fuel tank needs to be
refilled shortly or will run out. The output power will be displayed at all times except when
the remaining fuel run time is shown on the LCD at which time the remaining fuel run time
is displayed on the LED.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Turn off and unplug all electrical loads. Never start or stop the generator with electrical

devices plugged in or turned on.

2. Let the generator run at no-load for several minutes to stabilize internal temperatures

of the engine and generator.

3. Turn the fuel valve to the “OFF” position.

4. Let the engine run until fuel starvation has stopped the engine. This usually takes a few
minutes.

5. Press the engine switch to the “OFF” position.

6. Press the battery switch to the “OFF” position.

Important: Always ensure that the fuel valve and the engine switch are in the “OFF”

position when the engine is not in use.

NOTE: If the engine will not be used for a period of two (2)

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weeks or longer, please see the Storage section for proper
engine and fuel storage.