CHAMPION 201423 (01) PDF Document

Using the CHAMPION 201423 generator indoors can kill you in minutes. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poison you cannot see or smell. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

Location:

• ONLY use the generator OUTSIDE and far away from windows, doors, and vents.

• NEVER use the generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, or any enclosed or partially enclosed area, even if doors and windows are open.

• Point the exhaust away from people and buildings.

CO Detectors:

• Always install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on each level of any building or home dwelling adjacent to the generator location.

• Stay alert with carbon monoxide detectors. Note that smoke alarms cannot detect CO gas.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning:

• Know the symptoms: Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Fatigue, Shortness of breath.

• If you start to feel dizzy or weak, or experience any symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical help.

After unpacking your CHAMPION 201423, you need to install the wheel kit and connect the battery.

Install the Support Leg:

1. Before adding fuel and oil, tip the generator onto the control panel side.

2. Attach the support leg to the generator frame with the provided flange bolts. Do not overtighten.

Install the Wheels:

1. Slide a wheel onto the wheel axle.

2. Secure it with a washer and allen head bolt using the included allen wrench.

3. Install the hub cap on the wheel.

4. Repeat for the second wheel.

5. Align the assembled wheel axle with the mounting holes on the frame and secure it with flange bolts.

6. Slowly tip the generator back down so it rests on the wheels and support leg.

Connect the Battery:

1. Remove the battery access cover by removing the two screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

2. Push the two halves of the battery connector together tightly.

Properly adding engine oil is crucial before the first use of your CHAMPION 201423. Do not attempt to start the engine without oil.

1. Place the generator on a flat, level surface.

2. Remove the oil fill access cover by removing the four screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick.

4. Using a funnel, add up to 37.2 fl. oz. (1100 ml) of the included 10W-30 oil. Do not overfill.

5. Replace the oil fill cap/dipstick and secure the maintenance cover.

Checking Oil Level: To check the oil level, use the dipstick but DO NOT screw it in while checking. The oil level should be at the MAX mark.

Break-In Period: The first 5 hours of run time are the break-in period. During this time, stay at or below 50% of the running watt rating and vary the load occasionally. After the 5-hour break-in, change the oil.

The CHAMPION 201423 is a trifuel generator and can run on gasoline, propane (LPG), or natural gas (NG).

Adding Gasoline:

1. Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and an ethanol content of 10% or less. Do not use E15 or E85.

2. Ensure the generator is off and cool. Do this outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

3. Remove the gasoline cap.

4. Slowly add gasoline to the tank. The tank is full when gasoline reaches the red circle on the fuel screen. Do not overfill. Leave at least 1/4 inch of space for fuel expansion.

5. Screw the gasoline cap back on and wipe away any spilled fuel.

Connecting a Propane (LPG) Cylinder:

1. Confirm the fuel select dial is in the OFF position.

2. Attach the included LPG hose assembly to the propane cylinder valve and hand tighten.

3. Remove the rubber boot from the propane connection port on the generator.

4. Pull and hold the outer collar of the female connector on the hose and insert it over the male connector on the generator. Release the collar and pull on the hose to ensure it’s secure.

5. Check all connections for leaks using a solution of soap and water. Bubbles indicate a leak.

Connecting a Natural Gas (NG) Hose:

1. Use pipe sealant or Teflon tape when connecting the adapter fitting to the NG supply line.

2. Connect the female flare end of the NG hose to the adapter fitting. Do not use pipe sealant on this connection.

3. Pull and hold the outer collar of the female quick connect end of the NG hose and insert it over the male connector on the generator. Release the collar and ensure it’s secure.

4. Before operation, open the NG supply line and check all connections for leaks with a soapy water mixture.

The CHAMPION 201423 can be started wirelessly, with the electric push-button, or manually with the recoil starter. The steps vary slightly depending on the fuel source.

Starting on Gasoline:

1. Wireless Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “GASOLINE RUN”. Press the ignition control button once to enter standby mode. Press and release the “START” button on the remote key fob.

2. Electric Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “GASOLINE RUN”. Press the ignition control button once to enter standby mode, then press it again to start the engine.

3. Manual Start: Disconnect all loads. Turn the fuel select dial to “GASOLINE RUN”. Press the ignition control button to enter standby. Press the choke button (it will illuminate). Pull the recoil cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. Once the engine starts, push the choke button again to set it to the “RUN” position.

Starting on Propane (LPG):

1. Fully open the valve on the LPG cylinder.

2. Wireless/Electric Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “PROPANE RUN”. Use the remote or ignition control button as described for gasoline start.

3. Manual Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “PROPANE RUN”. Press the ignition button for standby. Press the choke button. Pull the starter cord 3-5 times to prime. Push the choke button to the “RUN” position. Pull the recoil cord to start.

Starting on Natural Gas (NG):

1. Open the natural gas fuel supply valve.

2. Wireless/Electric Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “NATURAL GAS RUN”. Use the remote or ignition control button as described for gasoline start.

3. Manual Start: Turn the fuel select dial to “NATURAL GAS RUN”. Press the ignition button for standby. Press the choke button. Pull the starter cord 3-5 times to prime. Push the choke button to the “RUN” position. Pull the recoil cord to start.

Manual Choke Start (If battery is dead):

If the battery is dead, you must use the manual choke lever.

1. Remove the rear maintenance cover.

2. Turn the fuel select dial to the desired fuel.

3. Locate the manual choke lever above the carburetor and move it to the “CHOKE” (right) position.

4. Pull the recoil cord. Do not attempt more than 3 pulls in the CHOKE position.

5. As soon as the engine starts, move the choke lever to the “RUN” (left) position.

6. Reinstall the maintenance cover.

To safely shut down your CHAMPION 201423, always let it run at no-load for several minutes to stabilize internal temperatures first. Then, follow the procedure for your stopping method and fuel type.

Remote Stop:

• Press the “STOP” button on the remote. The generator will shut off but remain in standby mode for 24 hours. For a complete shutdown, you must also turn the fuel select dial to the “OFF” position.

Electric/Manual Stop:

1. Let the generator run at no-load for several minutes.

2. Press the ignition control button one time.

3. If operating on propane (LPG) or natural gas (NG), fully close the cylinder valve or supply valve.

4. Turn the fuel select dial to the “OFF” position. This is the final step for all fuel types to ensure a complete shutdown.

The CO Shield® technology monitors the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas produced by the engine exhaust while the CHAMPION 201423 is running. It is a safety feature, not a substitute for an indoor CO alarm or for safe operating practices.

• High CO Level Shutdown: If the system detects unsafe elevated levels of CO gas, it automatically shuts off the engine. A blinking red LED light on the control panel will illuminate for at least five minutes to notify you of the event. If this happens, move the generator to an open, outdoor area, point the exhaust away from people, and ventilate the previous location before restarting.

• System Fault: If the CO Shield® system experiences a fault and can no longer provide protection, the generator will shut off automatically, and a yellow LED light will blink for at least five minutes. The generator can be restarted but will continue to shut off. Contact technical support for repair.

Tampering with or removing the CO Shield® module will result in a hazardous condition, void your warranty, and will not allow the generator to start.

To prevent damage to your generator and connected devices, follow these power management steps:

Calculating Load:

1. Select the electrical devices you plan on running at the same time.

2. Total the running watts of these items. This is the continuous power you need.

3. Identify the highest starting wattage among your devices. Add this number to your total running watts. This surge of power is needed to start some electric-driven equipment. The “Power Management” steps below will ensure only one device starts at a time.

Connecting Loads (Power Management):

1. Start the generator with no electrical load attached.

2. Allow the engine to run for several minutes to reach operating temperature.

3. Ensure all circuit breakers are in the ON position.

4. Plug in and turn on the first item, preferably the one with the largest load.

5. Allow the engine to stabilize.

6. Plug in and turn on the next item.

7. Allow the engine to stabilize again.

8. Repeat for each additional item, never exceeding the generator’s capacity.

Regular maintenance will ensure your CHAMPION 201423 operates safely and efficiently. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing service.

Changing the Engine Oil:

• After the first 5 hours (break-in), then every 100 hours or annually. Change oil when the engine is warm. Remove the oil drain plug, allow the oil to drain completely, then replace the plug and refill with the correct amount and type of oil.

Cleaning the Air Filter:

• Every 50 hours or annually. Turn the air filter assembly cap counter-clockwise to remove. Take out the foam element, wash it in liquid detergent and water, and squeeze it dry. Saturate it in clean engine oil, then squeeze out all excess oil. Replace the foam element and the air filter assembly.

Cleaning and Adjusting the Spark Plug:

• Every 100 hours or annually. Remove the spark plug cable and use the included tool to remove the plug. Inspect the electrode; it must be clean and not worn. Make certain the spark plug gap is 0.024-0.031 in. (0.6-0.8 mm). Reinstall the plug and reattach the cable.

Cleaning the Spark Arrestor:

• Every 100 hours or annually. Allow the engine to cool completely. Remove the two screws holding the cover plate that retains the spark arrestor. Remove the spark arrestor screen and carefully clean the carbon deposits from it with a wire brush. Replace if damaged.

Follow this schedule to keep your CHAMPION 201423 in good working condition. Service more frequently when operating in adverse conditions.

* To be performed by knowledgeable, experienced owners or certified service centers.

Proper storage is essential to ensure your CHAMPION 201423 starts easily when you need it. The instructions below apply when gasoline has been used.

Short Term Storage (up to 30 days):

If you have used gasoline, it is best to run the carburetor dry to prevent gum deposits.

1. Start the generator as usual.

2. Turn the fuel select dial to the “GASOLINE OFF” position.

3. Let the engine run until fuel starvation has stopped the engine.

4. After the engine stops, turn the fuel select dial to the “STOP” position.

Mid Term Storage (30 days – 1 year):

1. Add a properly formulated fuel stabilizer to the gasoline tank.

2. Run the generator for 10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system.

3. Follow the steps for Short Term Storage to run the carburetor dry.

4. Allow the engine to cool, then remove the rear maintenance cover.

5. Remove the spark plug and pour about a tablespoon of oil into the cylinder. Pull the recoil slowly to distribute the oil, then reinstall the spark plug.

Long Term Storage (more than 1 year):

1. The gasoline tank and carburetor must be completely drained of gasoline.

2. Turn the fuel select dial to “GASOLINE RUN”.

3. Using a flat head screwdriver, rotate the carburetor drain screw counterclockwise 3 full turns. Allow gasoline to drain through the clear tubing into an appropriate container.

4. Once drained, tighten the drain screw and turn the fuel select dial to “STOP”.

5. Follow steps 4-5 from Mid Term Storage for cylinder lubrication.

For all storage periods: Clean the generator and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. For LPG/NG, disconnect the hoses and cover the inlet on the generator.

If your CHAMPION 201423 fails to start, check the following potential causes:

• No fuel: Add fuel.

• Low oil level: The low-oil shutoff will prevent the engine from running. Fill the crankcase to the proper level and place the generator on a flat surface.

• Faulty spark plug: Clean and adjust the spark plug or replace it.

• Spark plug wire loose: Attach the wire securely to the spark plug.

• Fuel select dial OFF: Turn the fuel select dial to the “ON” position for the desired fuel.

• Flooded with fuel: Let the unit stand for 10 minutes before trying again.

• CO Shield® module issue: If the module has been removed or tampered with, reinstall it or contact technical support.

If the manual start works but wireless or electric start does not, consider these solutions:

For Wireless Start issues:

• Remote control battery is dead: Replace the remote control battery (CR2016).

• Generator battery is dead: Recharge the generator battery.

• Out of range: The remote must be within 80 feet of the generator.

• Obstructions: Ensure there is a clear line of sight between the generator and the remote.

For Electric Start issues:

• Generator battery is dead: Recharge the generator battery.

• Generator battery not connected: Ensure the two halves of the battery connector are connected tightly to each other.

If the generator starts but does not continue to run properly, investigate these common issues:

Shuts down during operation:

• Out of fuel or low oil: Refill the fuel tank or top up the engine oil.

• CO Shield® shutoff (red light blinking): This indicates an accumulation of carbon monoxide. Move the generator to an open, outdoor area immediately. Point the exhaust away from buildings and people. Ensure there are no obstructions within 5 feet. If the exhaust is facing into the wind, turn the generator 45° to allow fumes to blow away.

• CO Shield® fault (yellow light blinking): The safety system has a fault. Contact technical support.

• Clogged spark arrestor: Clean the spark arrestor.

Runs roughly or hunts/falters:

• Dirty air filter: Clean or replace the air filter.

• Choke in wrong position: Move the choke lever or push the choke button until it is completely in the RUN position.

• Dirty fuel valve or carburetor: Clean the fuel valve. If the carburetor is dirty, contact technical support.

If the engine is running but you’re not getting power, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Circuit breaker is open: Reset the circuit breaker. Check all circuit breakers on the panel.

• GFCI tripped: Reset the GFCI receptacle by first pushing the TEST button, then the RESET button until the green LED illuminates.

• AC Overload (Button illuminated red): The generator is overloaded. Reduce the AC load by unplugging devices, then press the Overload Reset Button until it is illuminated green.

• Poor cord connection: Check all cord connections to ensure they are secure.

• Loose wiring: Inspect and tighten any loose wiring connections. If you are not comfortable doing this, seek technical support.