3.4 SERVICE AIR FILTER
The engine will not run properly and may be damaged if using a
dirty air filter. Clean the air filter every 200 hours or once a year
(Figure 13). Clean or replace more often if operating under dusty
conditions.
• Remove air filter cover.
• Wash in soapy water. Squeeze filter dry in clean cloth (DO NOT
TWIST).
• Clean air filter cover before re-installing it.
To order a new air filter, please contact the nearest authorized
service center at 1-888-436-3722.
Figure 13 - Air Filter
3.5 VALVE CLEARANCE
• Intake — 0.15 ± 0.02mm (cold), (0.006" ± 0.0008" inches)
• Exhaust — 0.20 ± 0.02mm (cold) (0.008" ± 0.0008" inches)
After the first 50 hours of operation, check the valve clearance
in the engine and adjust if necessary.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this procedure or
the proper tools are not available, please take the generator to the
nearest service center to have the valve clearance adjusted. This is
a very important step to insure longest life for the engine.
3.6 GENERAL
The generator should be started at least once every seven days
and be allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done
and the unit must be stored for more than 30 days, use the
following information as a guide to prepare it for storage.
NEVER store engine with fuel in tank indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer or other gas appliance.
NOTE:
3.7 LONG TERM STORAGE
It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during
storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which
leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:
• Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.
Drain fuel into approved container outdoors,
away from open flame. Be sure engine is
cool. Do not smoke.
• Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
• While engine is still warm, drain oil from crankcase. Refill with
recommended grade.
• Remove spark plugs and pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of
engine oil into the cylinders. Cover spark plug hole with rag.
Pull the recoil starter a couple times to lubricate the piston rings
and cylinder bore.
Avoid spray from spark plug holes when
cranking engine.
• Install and tighten spark plugs. Do not connect spark plug wires.
• Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots
and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
• Store the unit in a clean, dry place.
3.8 OTHER STORAGE TIPS
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace the gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in
the gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel
system.
• If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to give protection
from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
• If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to
be stored for some time, use a commercially available fuel
stabilizer added to the gasoline to increase the life of the
gasoline.
• Cover the unit with a suitable protective cover that does not
retain moisture.
NEVER cover the generator while engine and
exhaust area are warm.
Maintenance
11