Operating Guide

Maintenance
Owner’s Manual for 60 Hz Air-Cooled Generators 29
8. (14–24 kW units only): Verify air inlet duct (D) is
correctly connected to air cleaner cover.
9. Press AUTO button on control panel to return unit
to AUTO.
Spark Plug(s)
Proceed as follows to inspect spark plug gap(s) and
replace spark plug(s) as necessary:
1. With generator OFF and engine cool, lift lid and
remove front panel.
2. Clean area around base of spark plug(s) to keep
dirt and debris out of engine.
3. Remove spark plug(s) and inspect. Install new
spark plug(s) if existing spark plug(s) is worn, or if
reuse is questionable.
4. Clean spark plug(s) by scraping or washing with a
wire brush and commercial solvent. Do not blast
spark plug(s) to clean.
NOTE: Clean spark plug(s) in emergency situations only.
Otherwise, replace spark plug(s).
5. See Figure 4-6. Inspect spark plug gap(s) using a
wire feeler gauge. Replace spark plug(s) if spark
plug gap is out of specification. See General Infor-
mation.
Figure 4-6. Spark Plug Gap Measurement
NOTE: New spark plug(s) should have spark plug gap
checked prior to installation.
6. Install spark plug(s), and tighten to 18.4 ft-lbs (25
Nm).
7. Press AUTO button to return unit to AUTO mode.
Valve Clearance Adjustment
IMPORTANT NOTE: Contact an IASD for service
assistance. Correct valve clearance is essential for
prolonging the life of the engine. Excludes units
equipped with hydraulic lifters. See Engine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Valve lash not required on 14 or
18 kW units with 816cc engine. See Engine.
Inspect valve clearance after first 25 hours of operation,
then after 400 hour intervals. Adjust if necessary.
Checking Valve Clearance
NOTE: Engine should be cool before checking valve
clearance. Adjustment is not needed if valve clearance is
within dimensions provided in Engine.
Proceed as follows to check valve clearance.
1. Close fuel valve and disconnect battery to avoid
accidental startup.
2. Remove spark plug wire(s), and position spark plug
wire(s) away from spark plug(s).
3. Remove spark plug(s).
4. Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover.
Remove and discard gasket. (Repeat for second
cylinder, if equipped.)
5. Verify piston is at top dead center (TDC) of its com-
pression stroke (both valves closed).
NOTE: To move piston to TDC, remove intake baffle at
front of the engine to access the flywheel nut. Use a large
socket and socket wrench to rotate flywheel nut clock-
wise, which will rotate the crankshaft. Watch piston
through spark plug hole. Piston will move up and down.
Piston is at TDC when at its highest point of travel.
(000140a)
WARNING
Electric shock. Do not disconnect spark
plug wires with engine running. Doing so
could result in death or serious injury.
000211
WARNING
(000560)
Risk of Burn. Allow the engine to cool before
performing the following procedure. Failure
to do so could result in serious injury.
(000130)
Accidental Start-up. Disconnect the negative battery
cable, then the positive battery cable when working
on unit. Failure to do so could result in death
or serious injury.
WARNING
(000141)
WARNING
Accidental start-up. Disconnect spark plug wires when
working on unit. Failure to do so could result in death
or serious injury.