GE A4021 - Manual (Page 9)

FUEL SUPPLY
The engine must have adequate supply of proper fuel
to operate. Before starting, check that sufficient fuel is
available.
■ COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR
Air inlet and outlet openings in the generator compart­
ment must be open and unobstructed for continued
proper operation. Without sufficient cooling and venti­
lating air flo\w, the engine-generator quickly overheats,
which causes it to quickly shutdown. Overheating
could also damage the unit or your vehicle.
2. To crank and start the engine, hold the start/stop switch
at START. Release the switch when the engine starts.
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS
Before starting the generator engine, you should be
sure there is no way for exhaust gases to enter the
vehicle interior and endangering people or animals.
Close windows, doors and other openings in the vehi­
cle that, if open, might permit exhaust gases to enter
the vehicle.
DANGER; THE GENERATOR ENGINE GIVES OFF
DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE GAS THROUGH ITS
EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS DANGEROUS GAS, IF
BREATHED IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATIONS,
CAN CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS OR EVEN
DEATH. DO NOT OPERATE THE GENERATOR IF
ITS EXHAUST SYSTEM IS LEAKING OR HAS BEEN
DAMAGED. SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING ARE (A) INABILITY TO THINK COHER­
ENTLY, (B) VOMITING, (C) TWITCHING MUSCLES,
(D) THROBBING TEMPLES, (E) DIZZINESS, (F)
HEADACHE, (G) WEAKNESS AND SLEEPINESS. IF
YOU FEEL ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, MOVE
INTO FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. IF SYMPTOMS
PERSIST, GET MEDICAL HELP.
STARTING
IMPORTANT: Read the vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions. The owner/operator should become
familiar with the vehicle in which this generator is
installed. Differences exist between vehicles. For
example, some vehicles may use a transfer switch to
isolate dockside power from the generator, while
other vehicles may use an isolating receptacle. Some
vehicles may be equipped with a DC converter which
allows the generator to power certain DC lighting and
other DC loads.
To crank and start the generator engine, proceed as
follows:
I.Turn OFF electrical loads, using whatever means provid­
ed in your vehicle (such as a main line circuit breaker or
transfer switch.
NOTE: If you start the engine with the start/stop
switch on the generator control panel, turn OFF loads
by setting the panel’s main breakers to their “OFP or
“OPEN” positions. Electrical load circuits will be
turned ON after the generator has started, stabilized
and warmed up.
CAUTION: If the engine does not start after it has
been cranking for 15 seconds, release the
start/stop switch and try again. Holding the switch
for longer than 15 seconds may damage the starter
motor.
3. Let the engine run at no-load for a few minutes to stabi­
lize and warm up the engine.
4. Turn ON electrical loads, using whatever means provided
(such as a main circuit breaker or transfer switch),
NOTE: If you start a warm generator engine, you
may press the start switch only slightly to engage the
ignition system. However, you should press and hold
the starter switch for a minimum of two (2) seconds to
energize the field boost system. If you start the
engine without energizing the field boost system, the
generator produces no AC output.
STOPPING THE GENERATOR
1. Turn OFF all electrical loads, using whatever means pro­
vided (such a main circuit breaker or transfer switch).
2. Let the generator run at no-load for a few minutes, to sta­
bilize internal engine-generator temperatures.
3. Place start/stop switch in its STOP position.
APPLYING LOADS TO GENERATOR
When applying electrical loads to the generator,
observe these guidelines:
• Before applying electrical loads, let the generator stabilize
and warm up for a minute or two.
• DO NOT overload the generator.
■ LEHING ENGINE STABILIZE_____________
The generator supplies correct rated frequency and
voltage only at the proper governed speed. Some
electrical appliances may be extremely sensitive to
voltage and frequency. Incorrect frequencies and/or
voltages can damage those appliances.
If electrical loads are applied at reduced operating
speeds, such loads Imposed on the engine when suf­
ficient power is not available may shorten engine life.
Never turn ON electrical loads until after the genera­
tor engine has started and stabilized ON-speed.
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