Eaton Generator Owner's Manual

Also see for 10 kW Air-cooled: Owner's manual

254.7 BATTERY MAINTENANCEThe battery should be inspected per the "Service Schedule" sec-tion. The following procedure should be followed for inspection:1. Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness and corro-sion. Tighten and clean as necessary.2. Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries and, if nec-essary, fill with Distilled Water Only. Do not use tap water inbatteries.3. Have the state of charge and condition checked. This shouldbe done with an automotive-type battery hydrometer.DO NOT dispose of the battery in a fire. Thebattery is capable of exploding.A battery presents a risk of electrical shockand high short circuit current. The followingprecautions are to be observed when work-ing on batteries:• Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator con-trol panel.• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects.• Use tools with insulated handles.• Wear rubber gloves and boots.• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of thebattery.• Disconnect charging source prior to connectingor disconnecting battery terminals.DO NOT open or mutilate the battery.Released electrolyte has been known tobe harmful to the skin and eyes, and to betoxic.The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid thatis harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electri-cally conductive and corrosive. The follow-ing procedures are to be observed:• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing.• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it offimmediately with water.• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor-oughly and immediately with water and seekmedical attention.• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down withan acid neutralizing agent. A common practiceis to use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams)bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) ofwater. The bicarbonate of soda solution is tobe added until the evidence of reaction (foam-ing) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to beflushed with water and the area dried.Lead-acid batteries present a risk of firebecause they generate hydrogen gas. Thefollowing procedures are to be followed:• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery.• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.• Discharge static electricity from body beforetouching the battery by first touching a ground-ed metal surface.Be sure the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch isset to the OFF position before connectingthe battery cables. If the switch is set toAUTO or MANUAL, the generator can crankand start as soon as the battery cables areconnected.Be sure the utility power supply is turned offand the 7.5A fuse is removed from the gener-ator control panel, or sparking may occur atthe battery posts as the cables are attachedand cause an explosion.4.8 ADJUSTING GH-410/GT-530/990/999 VALVE CLEARANCEAfter the first six (6) months of operation, check the valve clear-ance in the engine, adjust if necessary.Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this procedureor the proper tools are not available, please contact the Dealer forservice assistance. This is a very important step to ensure longestlife for the engine.To check valve clearance:• The engine should be cool before checking. If valve clearanceis 0.002" - 0.004" (0.05 - 0.1mm), adjustment is not needed.• Remove spark plug wires and position wires away from plugs.• Remove spark plugs.• Make sure the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of its com-pression stroke (both valves closed). To get the piston at TDC,remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to gainaccess to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socketwrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwisedirection. While watching the piston through the spark plughole. The piston should move up and down. The piston is atTDC when it is at its highest point of travel.To adjust valve clearance (if necessary), (Figure 4.9):• Make sure the engine is at 60° to 80° F (15.56 to 26.67° C).• Make sure that the spark plug wire is removed from the sparkplug and out of the way.• Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover.• Loosen the rocker jam nut. Use a 10mm allen wrench to turnthe pivot ball stud while checking clearance between the rockerarm and the valve stem with a feeler gauge. Correct clearanceis 0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm).NOTE:Hold the rocker arm jam nut in place as the pivot ball stud isturned.Maintenance