Wipe dipstick clean and re-seat in hole; do not re-thread.
Remove dipstick again and check lubricant level. Lubri-
cant level should fall between the hatched areas on the
dipstick.
If level is low, add engine lubricant until the fluid level rises
to the upper portion of the dipstick.
Replace and secure the oil cap/dipstick.
USING FUEL STABILIZER
Fuel gets old, oxidizes, and breaks down over time. Adding
a fuel stabilizer (not included) extends the usable life of fuel
and helps prevent deposits from forming that can clog the
fuel system. Follow fuel stabilizer manufacturer's directions
for correct ratio of stabilizer to fuel.
Mix fuel stabilizer and gasoline prior to filling the tank
by using a gas can or other approved fuel container and
shaking gently to combine.
NOTE: To control the amount of fuel stabilizer being added
to the engine, always mix fuel stabilizer with gasoline
before fueling the tank rather than adding fuel stabilizer
directly into the generator's fuel tank.
Replace and secure the fuel tank cap.
Start and run the engine for at least 5 minutes to allow
stabilizer to treat the entire fuel system.
OXYGENATED FUELS
NOTICE:
Do not use E15 or E85 fuel (or fuel containing greater
than 10% ethanol) in this product. It is a violation of
federal law and will damage the unit and void your
warranty.
Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting
from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than
the percentage of oxygenates stated below are not covered
under warranty.
Ethanol. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
(commonly referred to as E10) is acceptable. E15 and E85
are not.
CHECKING/ADDING FUEL
See Figure 11.
WARNING:
Gasoline and its vapors are highly flammable and ex-
plosive. To prevent serious personal injury and property
damage, handle gasoline with care. Keep away from igni-
tion sources, handle outdoors only, do not smoke while
adding fuel, and wipe up spills immediately.
When adding gas to the generator, make sure the unit is sitting
on a flat, level surface. If the engine is hot, let the generator
cool for five minutes before adding gas. ALWAYS fill the fuel
tank outdoors with the machine turned off.
OPERATION
Remove the fuel cap slowly.
Fill the fuel tank to 1 in. below the top of the fuel neck.
Replace and secure the fuel cap.
NOTE: Always use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane
rating of 86 or higher. Never use old, stale, or contaminated
gasoline, and do not use an oil/gas mixture. Do not allow dirt
or water into the fuel tank. Do not use E85 fuel.
ELECTRIC START
This generator model is provided with both electric start and
recoil start capabilities. Avoid prolonged cranking, as it can
damage the engine.
The battery provided is a nominal 12 volt sealed recharge-
able lead-acid battery and can be operated in any position
without leakage. It complies with non-spillable battery
regulations. Its convenient size offers a 30% reduction over
conventional batteries.
NOTE: Brand new generators are shipped with the battery
connections disconnected. The positive and negative ter-
minals must be connected to the battery before the Electric
Start feature will work.
For initial battery connection, see Connecting/Disconnect-
ing Battery.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See Figures 12 - 14.
NOTICE:
On a level surface with the engine off, check the lubricant
level before each use of the generator.
NOTE: If location of generator is not level, the unit may not
start or may shut down during operation.
Unplug all loads from the generator.
Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
Pull the choke out to the START position.
NOTE: If engine is warm or the temperature is above
50˚F, push the choke in to the RUN position.
Put the engine switch in the ON ( I ) position.
Slide down and hold the lock button while pushing the
engine switch to the START position.
NOTE: The battery may require charging before the gen-
erator can be started using only the engine switch. The
generator can be started by pulling the recoil starter grip.
Once the generator is started, the battery will charge as
the unit runs.
The generator can also be started by pulling the recoil
starter grip until the engine runs (a maximum of 6 times).
NOTE: Do not allow the grip to snap back after starting;
return it gently to its original place.
Allow the engine to run for 15-30 seconds, then move
the choke to the RUN position.
Page 14 — English