INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing this model by Generac Power Systems, Inc. This model is a compact, high performance, air-cooled, engine ® driven generator designed to supply electrical power to operate electrical loads where no utility power is available or in place of utility due to a power outage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – The manufacturer suggests that these rules for safe operation be copied and posted near the unit's installation site. Safety should be stressed to all operators and potential operators of this equipment. • Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads connected to receptacles AND with connected devices turned ON.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS • All generators covered by this manual produce dangerous electrical voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Utility power delivers extremely high and dangerous voltages as does the generator when it is in operation. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc., while the unit is running.
Section 1 – General Information 1.1 UNPACKING • Set the palleted carton on a rigid flat surface. • Remove staples along bottom of carton that fasten carton to pallet. Open carton from top. • Remove all packaging material. • Remove separate accessory box. •...
1.2.3 BATTERY CONNECTION • The battery shipped with the generator has been provided fully charged. Caution must be taken when connecting the battery. NOTE: A battery may lose some of it’s charge when not in use for prolonged periods of time. •...
Section 2 – Operation 2.1 KNOW THE GENERATOR Read the Owner’s Manual and Safety Rules before operating this generator. Compare the generator to Figures 4 through 6 to become familiarized with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
2.2 CORD SETS AND CONNECTION PLUGS 2.2.1 120 VAC, 20 AMP, DUPLEX RECEPTACLE This is a 120 Volt outlet protected against overload by a 20 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker (Figure 7). Use each socket to power 120 Volt AC, single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads requiring up to a combined 2400 watts (2.4 kW) or 20 Amps of current.
Section 2 – Operation Use this receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC, 60 Hz, single phase loads requiring up to 3600 watts (3.6 kW) of power at 30 Amps. The outlet is protected by a 30 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker. 2.2.4 120/240 VAC, 30 AMP RECEPTACLE Use a NEMA L14-30 plug with this receptacle.
Proper grounding of the generator will help prevent electrical shock in the event of a ground fault condition in the generator or in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in ungrounded devices. 2.3.2 CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LOADS DO NOT connect 240 Volt loads to 120 Volt receptacles.
Section 2 – Operation 2.6 BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR Prior to operating the generator, engine oil and gasoline will need to be added, as follows: 2.6.1 ADDING ENGINE OIL NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase in the future, use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG, SH or SL.
2.7 TO START THE ENGINE Never start or stop engine with electrical devices plugged into the receptacles AND devices turned on. • Unplug all electrical loads from the unit's receptacles before starting the engine. • Make sure the unit is in a level position. •...
Section 2 – Operation 2.9 AUTOMATIC IDLE CONTROL This feature is designed to greatly improve fuel economy. When this switch is turned “On,” the engine will only run at its normal fast governed engine speed when electrical load is connected. When the load is removed, the engine will run at a reduced speed of 2100 RPM.
3.1 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Follow the calendar intervals. More frequent service is required when operating in adverse conditions noted below. Maintenance Daily Check Oil Level Service Air Pre-Cleaner Change Oil and Oil Filter‡ Clean Spark Arrestor Screen Check Valve Clearance Service Air Cleaner Replace Spark Plugs ‡...
Section 3 — Maintenance 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 water will be retained in voids and crevices of the rotor and stator winding insulation.
To clean or replace foam pre-cleaner: • Remove air cleaner cover, then foam pre-filter. • Wash pre-cleaner in soapy water. Squeeze pre-filter dry in clean cloth (DO NOT TWIST). • Clean air cleaner cover before re-installing it. To clean or replace paper air filter: •...
Section 3 — Maintenance When valve clearance is correct, hold the pivot ball stud in place with the allen wrench and tighten the rocker arm jam nut. Tighten the jam nut to 174 in/lbs. torque. After tightening the jam nut, recheck valve clearance to make sure it did not change.
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE PROBLEM CAUSE Engine is running, but no AC 1. Circuit breaker is open. output is available. 2. Poor connection or defective cord set. 3. Connected device is bad. 4. Fault in generator. Engine runs good but 1. Short circuit in a connected load. bogs down when loads are 2.
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Generac Power Systems, Inc. (Generac) are pleased to explain the Emission Control System warranty on your new engine. In California, new off-road Large Spark-Ignition (LSI) engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state's stringent anti-smog standards.
Air cleaner * Generac engine types covered by this warranty statement include the following: 1) Prepackaged Standby Generator 2) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Generator 3) Portable Generator 4) Standby Generator EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY 3) Ignition System including: a) Spark plug...
“15,000 AND 17,500 WATT PORTABLE GENERATORS” For a period of two years from the date of original sale, Generac Power Systems, Inc. (Generac) warrants its Centurion generator will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the items and period set forth below. Generac will, at its option, repair or replace any part which, upon examination, inspection and testing by Generac or a Generac Authorized Warranty Service Dealer, is found to be defective.
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