Maintenance owner/ operator can perform – Elite 005212-0 User Manual
Page 18
 
 MAINTENANCE OWNER/
OPERATOR CAN PERFORM
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Refer to “Checking Fluid Levels”.
CHECK BATTERY
• See “Checking Fluid Levels”.
• Check battery cables for condition, tightness, cor-
rosion or damage. Clean, tighten or replace as 
necessary.
EXERCISE SYSTEM
Start the generator engine at least once every seven 
days and let it run at least 20 minutes. See “Weekly 
Exercise Cycle”.
INSPECT COOLING SYSTEM
• Inspect engine cooling system. See “Maintenance
Schedule”.
• Check hoses for damage, deterioration, leaks, etc.
Correct any discrepancies found.
• Check hose clamps for tightness.
CHECK ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
See “Checking Fluid Levels”.
PERFORM VISUAL INSPECTION
Complete a thorough visual inspection of the entire 
engine-generator monthly. Look for obvious damage, 
loose, missing or corroded nuts, bolts and other fas-
teners. Look for fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM
Inspect the exhaust system at least once every three 
months. Check all exhaust system pipes, mufflers, 
clamps, etc. for condition, tightness, leaks, security, 
damage.
CHECK FAN BELT
• Inspect fan belts every three months. Replace any
damaged, deteriorated, worn or otherwise defec-
tive belt.
• Check fan belt tension. Thumb pressure, exerted
midway between pulleys, should deflect about 3/8 
to 5/8 of an inch. Adjust belt tension as required.
INSPECT ENGINE GOVERNOR
Visually inspect electronic governor.
DANGER
Do not attempt to adjust the governor. Only
qualified service facilities should adjust the 
governor. Excessively high operating speeds 
are dangerous and increase the risk of personal 
injury. Low speeds impose a heavy load on the 
engine when adequate engine power is not 
available and may shorten engine life. Correct 
rated frequency and voltage are supplied only 
at the proper governed speed. Some connected 
electrical load devices may be damaged by incor-
rect frequency and/or voltage. Only qualified 
service technicians should adjust the governed 
speed.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
Refer to maintenance performed by authorized ser-
vice facilities for engine oil and filter change frequen-
cies.
Drain the oil while the engine is still warm from run-
ning. This means warm up the engine, shut it down 
and drain immediately as follows:
1. Remove OIL DRAIN HOSE from its retaining
clip.
2. Loosen and remove OIL DRAIN HOSE CAP. Drain
oil completely into suitable container.
3. When all oil has drained, install and tighten OIL
DRAIN HOSE CAP, and re-install into its retaining 
clip.
4. Turn OIL FILTER (Figure 10.3) counterclockwise
and remove. Properly dispose of old filter.
5. Apply light coating of new engine oil to seal of new
oil filter.-Install FILTER and tighten by hand only. 
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
6. Remove
OIL
FILL
CAP. Add recommended oil (see
SPECIFICATIONS). DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE 
DIPSTICK “FULL” MARK. Crankcase oil capacity 
is 4.0 U.S. quarts (3.8 liters).
After refilling the crankcase with oil, always
check oil level on dipstick. NEVER OPERATE 
ENGINE WITH OIL BELOW THE DIPSTICK “ADD” 
MARK.
7. Start engine and check for oil leaks.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER
To replace the engine air cleaner, (part number 
059402), simply remove the air cleaner cover and 
replace the air filter making sure it is positioned 
properly before reattaching the cover (Figure 10.3).
See the “Service Schedule,” for air cleaner mainte-
nance.
Standby Generator Sets
Maintenance
10-3
Maint005 Rev.
0 08/05