COLD WEATHER STARTING TIPS
Generally, most gas powered generators experience increased difficulty in starting during cold
temperatures. While your generator has been tested for cold weather starts, you will experience
greater difficulty when attempting to start the engine at temperatures below freezing.
Ease of starting improves if the generator has been stored under warmer temperate conditions such
as in a garage or basement.
WARNING: The generator should not be stored in such locations unless all fuel has been drained
from the unit.
Alternatively, in cold weather conditions, you can move the generator indoors for a period of 30-60
minutes to allow components of the unit to warm.
WARNING: The generator should never be operated indoors as it releases carbon monoxide, which is
a colourless and odourless gas which can cause nausea, fainting, and death. Always operate in a
well-ventilated area.
When starting the generator at a temperature below freezing, the following steps are recommended:
Engine oil to be used is 5W-30 4-stroke formulation (low temperature oil) instead of 10W-30 oil.
Ensure engine oil level is appropriate (low engine oil level will decrease probability of starting
and can damage the engine).
Check the fuel level (use only unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 87 or higher)
Turn the fuel switch to the ON position.
Move the choke lever to the right (CHOKE) position (i.e. minimum air and maximum fuel mix).
Ensure no appliances or other apparatuses are connected to the AC or DC receptacles.
Turn the engine switch to ON position.
During the initial pull of the starter cord, do so lightly until resistance is felt. Continue to pull with
more effort but slowly and evenly. This pull is intended to reduce mechanical resistance built
up due to cold and period of non-use.
Thereafter, pull the starter cord briskly 3 times, and then wait 15 seconds if the engine does not
start.
The delay of 15-seconds allows excessive fuel in the spark plug to vaporize. Failure to delay for
15-seconds pulling more than 3-times at one time may cause the spark plug to become flooded. If the
spark plug becomes saturated with fuel, the engine will not start.
Repeat the above step until the engine starts. (Note: Engine and the starter will warm up a little
bit with each pull. The engine will start more easily once the engine and starter is warm.)
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