Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
Checking the Oil Level
A home standby generator's oil level should be checked frequently, especially when running continuously during an outage. Maintaining appropriate oil levels ensures the generator's engine does not suffer engine damage.
Environment
These instructions apply to 10-26kW Guardian series home standby generators.
To check the oil level:
Important: Verify the oil level daily when running the generator for extended periods during an outage. The generator will shut down if the oil level is low. If your generator is powering your house during an outage, it must be properly shut down before checking oil levels: How Do I Shut Down My Generator When It’s Powering My House (During an Outage)?
1. Set the utility main line circuit breaker switch (MLCB) to OFF (OPEN).
Note: This is the first switch after the meter. For service entry-rated switches, this will be in the automatic transfer switch. For non-service-entry rated switches, this will be in the main circuit breaker for the home or in a standalone box.
2. Set the generator MLCB (B) to OFF (OPEN).
3. IMPORTANT: If the generator was running during an outage: After flipping the breaker to remove loads from the generator, allow the generator to continue running without loads for a minimum of 5 minutes, then allow the generator to cool for an additional 5 minutes. Immediate shutdown after running under load can cause damage to engine components.
4. Press the red OFF button on the generator's control panel to turn the generator off. Wait five minutes.
5. Remove the oil dipstick (F) and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
6. Completely insert the oil dipstick into oil the dip-stick tube and remove it.
Note: On generators featuring an 816cc engine (some 13 kW, 14 kW, 16 kW, and 18 kW models) the dipstick screws in. On these models, the dipstick should be screwed in fully when checking the oil level.
7. Observe the oil level. The oil level should be somewhere between the red marks in the image below, up to the FULL mark on the oil dipstick.
8. If the oil level is at or below the ADD indicator, remove the oil fill cap (pictured below) and add small amounts of oil to the engine (with the oil dipstick removed) until the oil level reaches the FULL mark.
9. Insert and fully secure the dipstick, and completely tighten the oil fill cap. IMPORTANT: An oil spill may occur If these elements are not secure.
To restart the generator:
1. Press the AUTO button on the control panel.
2. Allow the generator to start and warm up for a few minutes.
3. Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to ON (CLOSED).
4. Now that the system is operating in AUTO, the utility MLCB can be turned ON (CLOSED).
See Also
