Figure 4.5 – Setting the Spark Plug Gap
4.7 BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery should be inspected per the “Service
Schedule,” Section 4.13. The following procedure
should be followed for inspection:
1. Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness
and corrosion. Tighten and clean as necessary.
2. Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries
and, if necessary, fill with DISTILLED WATER
ONLY. DO NOT USE TAP WATER IN BATTER-
IES.
3. Have the state of charge and condition checked.
This should be done with an automotive-type bat-
tery hydrometer.
DANGER
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following pre-
cautions are to be observed when working on
batteries:
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery; and
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or
disconnecting battery terminals;
• Remove the 7.5A and 15A fuses from the generator
control panel.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte has been known to be harmful to the
skin and eyes, and to be toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is
harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically
conductive and corrosive. The following
procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, immediately
flush thoroughly with water and seek medical
attention; and
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to
use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate
of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) or water. The bicar-
bonate of soda solution is to be added until the
evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the
area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire because
they generate hydrogen gas. The
following procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area; and
• Discharge static electricity from body before touch-
ing the battery by first touching a grounded metal
surface.
Be sure the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is set to
the OFF position before connecting the battery
cables. If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL,
the generator can crank and start as soon as the
battery cables are connected.
Be sure the UTILITY power supply is turned
OFF, and the 7.5A and 15A fuses are removed
from the generator control panel, or sparking
may occur at the battery posts as the cables are
attached, causing an explosion.
4.8 ADJUSTING VALVE CLEARANCE
After the first six (6) months of operation, adjust
the valve clearance in the engine.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing
this procedure or the proper tools are not available,
please contact the dealer for service assistance. This
is a very important step to insure longest life for the
engine.
To adjust valve clearance:
• Make sure the engine is at room temperature.
• Make sure that the spark plug wire is removed
from the spark plug and out of the way.
• Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover
with a #2 or #3 phillips screwdriver.
Section 4 — Maintenance
15 kW Generator
SET PLUG GAP AT
0.050 mm/0.020 inch
18
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