Generac Power Systems 05176-0 - Manual (Page 22)

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5.7 BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery should be inspected per the “Service
Schedule”. The following procedure should be fol-
lowed 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.

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 pro-
cedures 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 5A fuse is removed from the generator
control panel, or sparking may occur at the bat-
tery posts as the cables are attached, causing an
explosion.
5.8 ADJUSTING VALVE CLEARANCE
After the first 50 hours of operation, adjust the
valve clearance in the engine.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this
procedure or the proper tools are not available, con-
tact the nearest Authorized Dealer for service assis-
tance. 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.
• Make sure the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC)
of its compression stroke (both valves closed). To
get the piston at TDC, remove the intake screen
at the front of the engine to gain access to the fly-
wheel nut. Use a large socket and socket wrench
to rotate the nut and hence the engine. While
watching the piston through the spark plug hole.
The piston should move up and down. The piston
is at TDC when it is up as high as it can go.
• Loosen the rocker jam nut. Use an 10mm allen
wrench to turn the pivot ball stud while checking
clearance between the rocker arm and the valve
stem with a feeler gauge. Correct clearance is
0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm). See Figure 5.6.
NOTE:
Hold the rocker arm jam nut in place as the pivot
ball stud is turned.
Section 5 — Maintenance
Air-cooled 15 kW Generators