Generac Power Systems 00862-2 - Manual (Page 14)

Section 3 - Maintenance
MAINTENANCE
Series QP55-G Recreational Vehicle Generator
♦ 2.11.5 EFFEQS OF MOISTURE AND DIRT
Keep the generator set as clean and dry as possible.
Protect the unit against excessive dust, dirt, corro­
sive vapors, road splash, etc. Permitting dirt and
moisture to accumulate on generator windings will
have an adverse effect on the insulation resistance
of those windings.
When moisture is allowed to remain in contaet with
windings, some of the moisture will be retained in
voids and cracks in the insulation. This causes a
reduced
insulation resistance and will eventually
cause problems. Dirt will make the problem worse,
since dirt tends to hold moisture in contact with
windings. Salt (as from sea air) also will worsen the
problem since it tends to absorb moisture from the
air. Salt and moisture, when combined, form a good
electrical conductor.
3.1 CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
P'or oil capacities and requirements, see “Engine Oil
Requirements,” Section 1.5.4 (Page 6). Check the
engine crankcase oil level at least every eight hours
of operation, or before you use it. To check the
engine oil level, proceed as follows (see Figure 3.1):
1
.
2
.
3.
4.
Be sure the generator is as level as possible.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a
clean, lint-free cloth.
Install
and tighten the dipstick cap; then,
remove it again. The oil level should be at the
dipstick “Full” mark.
If necessary, remove the oil fill cap on the rock­
er cover and slowly add oil until it reaches the
dipstick “Full” mark. DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE
“FULL" MARK.
--------- Mk CAUTION Mk-------------------
A Never operate the engine with the oil level
below the "Add" mark on the dipstick. Doing
this could damage the engine.
5. Install and tighten the oil fill cap and the dip­
stick before operating the engine.
3.2 CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
AND/OR OIL FILTER
• Change the engine oil after the first 25 hours of
operation (after the 25-hour break-in period, see
Section 2.11.1, Page 11). Thereafter, change the
oil every 50 operating hours. Change the oil more
frequently if operating consistently under heavy
load or at high ambient temperatures.
• Change the engine oil filter after the first 25
hours of operation, and every 100 operating
hours thereafter.
To change the oil and/or oil filter, proceed as
follows (see Figure 3.1):
1 .
Run the engine until it is thoroughly warmed
up
(at least five minutes) then shut OFF
the engine.
Immediately after the engine shuts OFF, pull
the oil drain hose free of its retaining clip.
Remove the cap from the hose and drain the oil
into a suitable container. Loosening the oil fill
cap will allow the crankcase to drain faster.
After the oil has drained, replace the cap onto the
end of the oil drain hose. Retain the hose in the
clip. GO TO STEP 7 IF CHANGING OIL ONLY.
With the oil drained, remove the old oil filter by
turning it counterclockwise.
Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the
gasket of the new filter.
Figure 3.1 - Oil Maintenance Features
2 .
3.
4.
5.
1 S Generac* Power Systems, ino.