Gillette Generators SP-1500 - Manual (Page 27)

PAGE 27
OIL DRAIN: Remove oil drain hose from the holding
clip. Remove the end cap from end of oil drain hose,
and let oil drain into a separate container. Remove
dipstick and oil fill cap to facilitate complete draining
process. When oil is drained, replace dip stick, oil
fill cap, oil hose drain cap and place hose in holding
clip.
OIL FILL: Replace oil with premium grade API
SJ/10W-30 oil when ambient temperature is above
32º F (0º C). When temperature is below 32º F, use a
synthetic premium grade, API SJ/CF5W-30W. This
synthetic oil facilitates cold weather starting. Oil
level should reach “upper limit” level on oil dipstick.
CAUTION: Too much oil can cause oil foaming, high
oil consumption (white smoke emitting from exhaust)
or high operating temperature. Also, too little oil (oil
level to, or below “lower limit” on oil dipstick) can
cause severe engine damage, and premature shut-
down.
For best starting results, oil should be scheduled to
change, using synthetic oil, just before winter
season, in those cold climate areas. After oil is
changed, replace dipstick and oil fill cap.
Setting Spark Plug Gap
for Dry Fuel Engines
SPARK PLUG: Remove the plug and inspect it’s
condition. Also, clean the plug threaded base and
temporarily cover, to keep dirt and debris from
falling into plug hole. Replace the plug if it is badly
worn or in questionable condition. CAUTION:
WHEN REPLACING SPARK PLUGS, ALWAYS
CHECK THE SPARK PLUG GAP AND RE-GAP
PLUG FOR DRY FUEL USE, IF REQUIRED. Clean
good plugs with a wire brush. Do not sand blast or
air blast the plug electrode. Re-gap existing or new
plug to 0.035 on GM engines 3.0L—5.7L or
0.023 on all 8.1L engines on standby gen-set, by
using feeler gauge and bending plug electrode.
Replace spark plug at recommended torque values.
COOLING SYSTEM: Engines are liquid cooled with
a radiator. Inspect the debris guard on engine air
intake to insure no obstructions have accumulated.
Inspect radiator to insure no debris accumulation has
occurred. Some generator models have bug/rodent
screens. Inspect and clean off any aluminum screens
that may collect debris.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Engine end of generator set,
will be the hot exhaust discharge. Keep any
combustibles (building materials, fuels, chemicals,
flammables, etc.) away from this exhaust area.
Periodically inspect exhaust system components
(flexible pipes, mufflers, clamps, etc.) for leaks,
cracks, or corrosion. Your muffler maybe equipped
with a spark arrestor screen, which prevents exhaust
sparks from exiting the exhaust system. This screen
must be checked and cleaned, every 50-75 hours of
engine operation. NOTE: Check run time meter for
periods of maintenance.
CORROSION: Depending on the area of generator
installation, will depend on the amount of attention
given to cleanliness. Heavy concentration of salt
water exposure will require frequent washings and a
final waxing of housing exterior. Salt water corrosion
may enter the interior of generator housing, which
must be removed by special detergents. Every 3
months, spray the engine governor linkage and other
engine moving parts, and engine, generator, base
exterior with a light coverage of WD-40 to prevent
corrosion build-up, on these parts. Only professional
generator repair person should clean and/or spray
oil inside the generator housing.
BATTERY: Inspection should include:
BATTERY INSPECTION SHOULD INCLUDE:
●
Inspect battery posts and cables for corrosion
build-up. Clean and tighten as required.
●
Have the state of charge and over all condition
checked. A fully charged battery should test at 12.5-
13.0 volts D.C.
●
See battery section on pages 24-25 for further
information
After each maintenance repair procedure is
complete, remember to replace 10 amp controller
fuse, and set controller switch to “STANDBY” or
“AUTO” position.
CAUTION
CAUTION
Figure 13