Use and Care Manual

MAINTENANCE
20
Draining Fuel Tank and Carburetor
To help prevent gum deposits in the fuel system, drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor before storing the unit for
long periods of time. This will help prevent starting problems in the future. If the unit is stored with fuel and the fuel
becomes stale or turns gummy or to varnish the warranty does not cover this repair or service.
Draining the fuel tank
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
• When the fuel has drained from the tank, close the fuel valve and reinstall fuel line securely on petcock.
• Remove the fuel line that leads to the carburetor from the petcock by squeezing the ends of the hose clamps and
sliding the fuel line off.
• If needed, install a fuel hose that will extend to a suitable fuel container large enough to catch the fuel being drained
from the tank.
•
Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
HiHigh Altitude Operation
At high altitude, the standard carburetor air/fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption
will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs
from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions. High altitude
performance can be improved by specific
modifications to the carburetor. If you always operate your generator at altitudes above 5,000 feet
(1,500 meters), have your dealer perform this carburetor modification. This engine, when operated at high altitude with the
carburetor modifications for high altitude use, will meet each emission standard throughout its useful life. Even with
carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease about 3.5% for each 1,000-foot (300-meter) increase in altitude.
The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made.
Draining the carburetor
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
• Position a suitable container under the carburetor drain screw to catch fuel; loosen the screw.
• Allow fuel to drain completely into container.
• Retighten drain screw.