Use and Care Manual

TP-6810 6/1558 Section 4 Scheduled Maintenance
6. Use compressed air to remove dirt from around
each spark plug to prevent dirt particles from falling
into the combustion chamber.
7. Remove spark plugs, one at a time, and examine.
Identify a normal spark plug in good operating
condition by observing a light tan or gray deposit on
firing tip. See Figure 4-10 to evaluate engine
condition by color/condition of a problem spark plug.
8. Clean spark plugs by wiping them with a rag. File
the center electrode to keep it parallel to the side
electrode.
Note: Do not sandblast, wire brush, scrape, or
otherwise service spark plugs in poor
condition. Obtain a new plug for best
results.
9. Check the spark plug gap before installing any
spark plug. See Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8. Attain
a correct gap when the feeler (or wire) passes
between the spark plug electrode. It should pass
easily but with some resistance or drag; otherwise
adjust as necessary.
Model Spark plug gap
38RCL, 38RCLA, 48RCL, and
60RCL
0.9 mm (0.035 in.)
Figure 4-7 Recommended Spark Plug Gap
1-514
1
2
1. 0.9 mm (0.035 in.) gap
2. Spark plug electrodes
Figure 4-8 Spark Plug Gap Inspection
10. Use a gapping tool to gently bend the side
electrode closer to or farther from the center
electrode to set the correct gap. See Figure 4-9.
Position the side electrode directly over the center
electrode.
1-511
Figure 4-9 Spark Plug Gap Adjustment
11. Reinstall the spark plug. Do not bump the
electrode against the cylinder head. Rotate the
spark plug clockwise until you feel resistance.
12. Use a torque wrench to torque each spark plug to
15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.). Otherwise, hand-tighten the
spark plug until you feel resistance.
13. Use a ratchet wrench to final tighten an additional
1/4 turn. Do not overtighten, as doing so may strip
the threads or alter the electrode gap setting.
14. Check the spark plug wire connector in the boot for
accumulated d irt, grease, and other debris, and
clean as necessary.
15. Firmly push the spark plug boot onto the spark
plug.
16. Reconnect the generator set engine starting
battery, negative (--) lead last.
17. Reconnect the power for the battery charger.