Craftsman 580.327141 - Manual (Page 12)

Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and
clean when dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign
substances are visible on its exterior surface.
A CAUTION! Never insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine
is not running.
NOTE: Do Not use a garden hose to clean generator.
Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause
problems. In addition, if water enters the generator
through cooling air slots, some of the water will be
retained in voids and cracks of the rotor and stator
winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the
generator internal windings will eventually decrease
the insulation resistance of these windings.
To clean the generator:
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked
on dirt, oil, etc.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose
dirt and debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be
used to blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots
and openings on the generator. These openings
must be kept clean and unobstructed.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
A DANGER! When working on the generator,
always disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and keep it away from spark plug.
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at
least every 8 hours of operation. Keep oil level
maintained.
Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Change oil after first 8 hours of operation. Change oil
and oil filter every 50 hours thereafter. If you are using
your generator under extremely dirty or dusty
conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change oil
more often.
Change oil while engine is still warm from running, as
follows:
• Clean area around oil drain plug.
• Remove oil drain plug and oil fill plug. Drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
• When oil has completely drained, install oil drain
plug and tighten securely.
• Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and
turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Discard oil
and filter according to local regulations.
• Coat gasket of new filter with engine oil. Turn filter
clockwise until gasket contacts tightly with filter
adapter, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
• Fill oil sump with recommended oil. See “Before
Starting the Generator” on page 7 for oil
recommendations.
• Install the oil fill plug and tighten securely.
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Change the spark plug every 100 hours of operation
or once each year, whichever comes first. This will
help your engine to start easier and run better.
Replace with recommended plug.
• Clean area around spark plug.
• Remove and inspect spark plug.
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set
spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76mm) if
necessary.
Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned
or porcelain is cracked.
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