Portable Generator User Manual

PAGE 8 —MQP20P STANDBY GENERATOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #1 (11/28/11)
SAFETY INFORMATION
ENGINE SAFETY
DANGER
 The engine fuel exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless, and can
cause death if inhaled.

The engine of this equipment
requires an adequate free
fl ow of cooling air. NEVER
operate this equipment in
any enclosed or narrow area
where free fl ow of the air is
restricted. If the air fl ow is
restricted it will cause injury to people and property and
serious damage to the equipment or engine.
WARNING
 DO NOT place hands or fingers inside engine
compartment when engine is running.
 NEVER operate the engine with heat shields or
guards removed.

Keep fi ngers, hands hair and clothing away
from all moving parts to prevent injury.

DO NOT remove the radiator cap while the
engine is hot. High pressure boiling water
will gush out of the radiator and severely
scald any persons in the general area of
the generator.
 DO NOT remove the coolant drain plug while the engine
is hot. Hot coolant will gush out of the coolant tank and
severely scald any persons in the general area of the
generator.
 DO NOT remove the engine oil drain plug while the
engine is hot. Hot oil will gush out of the oil tank and
severely scald any persons in the general area of the
generator.
CAUTION

NEVER touch the hot exhaust manifold,
muffl er or cylinder. Allow these parts to cool
before servicing equipment.
NOTICE
 NEVER
run engine without an air fi lter or with a dirty air
fi lter. Severe engine damage may occur. Service air fi lter
frequently to prevent engine malfunction.
 NEVER tamper with the factory settings
of the engine or engine governor. Damage
to the engine or equipment can result
if operating in speed ranges above the
maximum allowable.

Wet stacking is a common problem with diesel engines
which are operated for extended periods with light or
no load applied. When a diesel engine operates without
suffi cient load (less than 40% of the rated output), it will
not operate at its optimum temperature. This will allow
unburned fuel to accumulate in the exhaust system,
which can foul the fuel injectors, engine valves and
exhaust system, including turbochargers, and reduce
the operating performance.
In order for a diesel engine to operate at peak effi ciency,
it must be able to provide fuel and air in the proper ratio
and at a high enough engine temperature for the engine
to completely burn all of the fuel.
Wet stacking does not usually cause any permanent
damage and can be alleviated if additional load is
applied to relieve the condition. It can reduce the system
performance and increase maintenance. Applying an
increasing load over a period of time until the excess
fuel is burned off and the system capacity is reached
usually can repair the condition. This can take several
hours to burn off the accumulated unburned fuel.
 State Health Safety Codes and Public Resources
Codes specify that in certain locations, spark arresters
must be used on internal combustion engines that use
hydrocarbon fuels. A spark arrester is a device designed
to prevent accidental discharge of sparks or fl ames
from the engine exhaust. Spark arresters are qualifi ed
and rated by the United States Forest Service for this
purpose. In order to comply with local laws regarding
spark arresters, consult the engine distributor or the
local Health and Safety Administrator.