Product Manual

3-7
MAINTAINING THE ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM
Refer to Table 3-1 for scheduled maintenance. The
engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol anti-freeze and
water, which is suitable for temperatures down to
-34
° F (-37° C).
Recommended Coolant
See RECOMMENDED COOLANT (p. 2-2).
Pressure Cap
Replace the pressure cap (Figure 3-5) every two
years (seals deteriorate and leak). Proper cooling
system pressure (14 psi) is essential for optimal en-
gine cooling and minimal coolant loss.
Draining and Cleaning Cooling System
WARNING
Hot coolant spray can cause severe
burns. Let the engine cool before releasing the
pressure cap or removing the drain cap.
Accidental or remote starting can cause severe
personal injury or death. Disconnect the nega-
tive (−) cable at the battery to prevent starting
while working on the genset.
Let the engine cool before removing the pressure
cap. Relieve any remaining pressure by turning the
pressure cap slowly, without pushing down. When
the pressure has been relieved, push down on the
cap, turn it the rest of the way and withdraw it. Then
remove the coolant drain plug (Figure 3-5) and
drain the coolant into a suitable container.
WARNING
Ethylene glycol antifreeze is con-
sidered toxic. Dispose of it according to local
regulations for hazardous substances.
Flush and clean the cooling system before refilling.
Radiator cleaning chemicals are available at local
auto parts stores. Follow the instructions for clean-
ing and flushing that come with the cleaning solu-
tion.
Refilling Cooling System
Install the coolant drain plug using pipe thread seal-
ant. Tighten it just enough so that it does not leak
when the genset is running and has warmed up.
Pull the hose connected to the pressure cap assem-
bly out as far and as high as it will go (Figure 3-5).
Remove the pressure cap and fill the system using a
funnel inserted into the fill hose to prevent coolant
from entering the vent hose and blocking the es-
cape of air as the system fills. The system will seem
full when it actually is not if the air cannot escape
through the vent hose. If the vent hose does get
blocked, pinch the overflow hose and blow the vent
hose clear. Start and operate the genset for a few
minutes while keeping the fill opening elevated to
promote venting of air from the coolant. Shut down
the genset and add coolant as necessary. Secure
the pressure cap and fill the recovery tank to the
COLD mark.
CAUTION
Coolant trapped in the vent hose
will prevent the system from filling to its
capacity, which can lead to serious engine
damage.
Coolant Level Check
Check coolant level in the recovery tank (Fig-
ure 3-5) before the first startup of each day and fill to
the COLD mark if necessary with Recommended
Coolant.