HOMELITE UT03781 (01) PDF MANUAL

Always read the instructions before using your generator and follow all instructions for safe operation.

If this generator is used for emergency standby service, it will be necessary to install a manual transfer switch between the electric utility’s meter and the building’s distribution panel. The transfer switch isolates the generator and load from the utility power line, thus avoiding any danger of electricity being fed back to the utility lines. The installation should be done by a licensed electrician.

Never operate the machine in an explosive atmosphere, near combustible materials, or where ventilation is not sufficient to carry away exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes can cause serious injury or death.

When starting the machine, be sure that nothing is in a position to be hit by the operator’s hand or arm.

Be sure the switch on electric power tools is in the “OFF” position before plugging them into the machine.

This generator is equipped with a grounding terminal for your protection. Always complete the ground path from the generator to an external ground source as instructed in the section labeled “Grounding the Generator”.

Keep the immediate area free of all bystanders.

Be sure each person who operates this machine is properly instructed in its safe operation.

Do not operate this machine or any electrical tool in any area where water or similar materials constitute an electrical hazard to the operator. Do not operate on wet surfaces or in the rain.

Always be sure that the machine is on secure footing so that it cannot slide or shift around, endangering workers.

Avoid contacting the hot exhaust manifold, muffler or cylinder. Keep clear of all rotating parts.

Unless the tool or appliance is double insulated, ground it. Tools and appliances which have 3 prong plugs must be plugged into extension cords and electrical receptacles with 3 holes. Before operating any electrical item, be sure it is in good repair.

DO NOT SMOKE when refueling!

Observe all safety regulations for the safe handling of fuel.

Handle fuel in safety containers.

If container does not have a spout, use a funnel.

Do not refill fuel tank while the engine is running.

Fill the tank only on an area of bare ground. While filling the tank, keep heat, sparks and open flame away. Carefully clean up any spilled fuel before starting engine.

The GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that interrupts electricity if a fault to ground occurs, providing additional protection against electrical shock. A GFCI can be used with generators that have the neutral wire internally grounded to the frame and the frame properly grounded to the earth.

WARNING: The GFCI may not function unless the generator is properly grounded. Follow the correct grounding procedure specified.

NOTE: Situations exist where the GFCI will not afford any protection against the hazards of electrical shock. EXAMPLE: If a person touches two or more conductors from a damaged cord set and is not in direct contact with the ground, he may receive a shock. Since there is no path to ground for a current to flow through, the GFCI will not operate and serious injury may result. The GFCI is merely an added safety precaution. There are no substitutes for good safety precautions, correct electrical practices and proper maintenance of cords, electrical equipment and connections.

The wing nut and ground terminal on the frame must always be used to connect the generator to a suitable ground source. The ground path should be made with #8 size wire. Connect the terminal of the ground wire between the lock washer and the wing nut, and tighten the wing nut fully. Connect the other end of the wire securely to a suitable ground source.

A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for at least 10 feet can be used as a grounding source. If an underground pipe is unavailable, an 8 foot length of pipe or rod may be used as the ground source. The pipe should be 3/4 inch trade size or larger and the outer surface must be noncorrosive. If a steel or iron rod is used it should be at least 5/8 inch diameter and if a nonferrous rod is used it should be at least 1/2 inch diameter and be listed as material for grounding. Drive the rod or pipe to a depth of 8 feet. If a rock bottom is encountered less than 4 feet down, bury the rod or pipe in a trench.

All electrical tools and appliances operated from this generator, must be properly grounded by use of a third wire or be “Double Insulated”.

It is recommended that:

1. Use electrical devices with 3 prong power cords.

2. Use an extension cord with a 3 hole receptacle and a 3 prong plug at opposite ends to ensure continuity of the ground protection from the generator to appliance.

We strongly recommend that all applicable Federal, State and local regulations relating to grounding specifications be checked and adhered to.

If this generator is used for standby service, it must have a transfer switch between the utility power service and the generator. The transfer switch not only prevents the utility power from feeding into the generator, but it also prevents the generator from feeding out into the utility company’s lines. This is intended to protect a serviceman who may be working on a damaged line. THIS INSTALLATION SHOULD BE DONE BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN AND ALL LOCAL CODES MUST BE FOLLOWED.

CAUTION: This engine crankcase is not filled with oil at the factory, so be sure to fill it before operating the engine.

TO CHECK OIL LEVEL:

When checking the oil be sure the engine is level. Always use a high quality detergent oil with an API classification of SE or SF. See engine manual for specific recommendations on SAE viscosity grade, oil capacities and oil change intervals. This engine is equipped with a “Low Oil” shut-off system for engine.

(The image shows an oil fill plug and an oil level indicator relative to the plug opening.)

Do not mix oil with gasoline.

RECOMMENDED FUEL: Use any gasoline intended for automotive use. For normal use, purchase fuel that can be used in 30 days. This will assure fuel freshness and volatility tailored to the season. Consult engine operating and maintenance instructions for use of oxygenated fuels.

We recommend stabilization of fuel with an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL, a product of Gold Eagle Co., Chicago, Il 60632. Unstabilized fuel will stay fresh for only up to three months and should not be used after that time.

WHEN FILLING TANK:

1. Clean area around fuel cap and loosen cap slowly. Rest the cap on a clean surface.

2. Carefully put fuel into the tank, filling to approximately 1/4 inch (5mm) of the top. Avoid spillage.

3. Immediately replace cap and hand tighten. Wipe up any fuel spillage.

DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE IF GASOLINE IS SPILLED. AVOID CREATING ANY IGNITION UNTIL THE GASOLINE HAS EVAPORATED.

Check engine oil before starting.

1. Turn ignition switch to “ON” (I).

2. Turn the fuel valve counterclockwise to open (located under fuel tank).

3. Set choke to the “CHOKE” position.

NOTE: If the engine is warm, set choke to “RUN” position.

4. Grasp starter grip and pull slowly until starter engages, then rapidly to overcome compression and start engine.

5. When engine starts, gradually move choke to “RUN” position. Allow engine to warm up before applying a load.

TO STOP: Turn ignition switch to “OFF” (O).

NOTE: Unit ratings are established based on operation at standard conditions of 60° F and at sea level. The performance of the generator must be de-rated for temperature and altitude by 1% for every 10° F above 60° F and 3.5% for every 1000 feet above sea level. Due to the operational characteristics of the thermal type circuit breaker, the power available from the generator will decrease slightly with a corresponding increase in ambient temperature. Due to continuing product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.

DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNTRAINED INDIVIDUALS TO USE THIS UNIT.

The continuous duty rating should not be exceeded for long periods of time. Always be sure that the voltage, amperage and frequency requirements of the equipment to be used can be satisfied by the generator. To avoid damage, the generator should not be operated at the intermittent rating for more than 10 minutes out of every hour.

The generator is equipped with one 120 volt 15 amp, parallel slot, U-ground, NEMA 5-15R duplex receptacle and one 120/240 volt, 20amp, twist lock receptacle, NEMA L14-20R. Simultaneous loading of the 120 and 240 volt circuits should not exceed the continuous duty rating of the generator. The circuit breaker protects against severe overloads or short circuits. If the circuit breaker trips, the cause should be determined and corrected prior to continuing use.

NEVER EXCEED THE RATING OF A RECEPTACLE.

Equipment damage can result from low voltage. Therefore, to prevent excessive voltage drop between the generator and the equipment, the cable should be of adequate gauge for the length used. The cable selection chart gives the maximum cable length for various gauges of wire which can adequately carry the loads shown.

It is characteristic of common electric motors in normal operation to draw up to six times their running current while starting. This table may be used to estimate the watts required to start “CODE G” electric motors, however if an electric motor fails to start or reach running speed, turn off the appliance or tool immediately to avoid equipment damage. Always check the requirements of the tool or appliance being used compared to the rated output of the generator.

Use HOMELITE genuine replacement parts. Failure to do so may cause poor fit and injury.

Never operate machine with any guard removed.

Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before working on any part of this machine.

Always keep the machine and all associated equipment clean, properly serviced and maintained.

See Engine Manual for Maintenance Procedures.

The engine for this generator is governed to operate at speeds close to 3600 RPM (60 Hz) throughout the operating load range. The no load speed (before a load is applied) will be just a bit higher than the load speed and is normally set to 3750 RPM.

WARNING: Do not tamper with the govenor mechanism, change the setting experimentally, or push the throttle open in an attempt to generate more electrical current; equipment damage may result.

Govenor speed adjustment should be made only by an experienced serviceman.

Keep all air vents clear.

Keep clean.

Periodically check all fasteners and tighten.

When the generator is not used for a long period, it should be stored properly. Before storing, proceed as follows:

1. Drain the fuel tank completely.

2. Start the engine and allow it to run until fuel in the carburetor and fuel lines have been used.

3. Remove the spark plug and put 3 to 5 cc of oil into the spark plug hole in the cylinder head.

4. Install the spark plug and slowly pull the starter handle a few times to distribute the oil.

5. Retighten all bolts and nuts.

6. Clean the exterior surface of the generator and apply a rust inhibitor.

7. Store the generator in a dry, well ventilated place.

NOTE: Servicing generators may require use of specialized tools and electronic equipment. If these solutions do not solve the problem contact your authorized servicing dealer.

PROBLEM: Engine will not start:

1. Is the engine switch ON?

2. Is there fuel in the tank?

3. Is there spark at the spark plug?

A) Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dirt from around the plug base, then remove the spark plug.

B) Install the spark plug in the plug cap.

C) Turn the engine switch on.

D) Grounding the electrode to any engine ground, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap.

E) If there is no spark, replace the plug.

F) With new plug installed repeat “D” above.

G) If okay, reinstall plug and start engine according to instructions. If not consult a Servicing Dealer.

H) If engine still does not start, take it to a Servicing Dealer.

4. Is there adequate oil in the engine crankcase? This engine is equipped with a low oil shut off system. If oil levels are inadequate, the OIL-GARD® light will flash while the starter rope is pulled.

PROBLEM: Generator has no output.

1. Reset circuit breakers

2. Check cord sets and extension cords.

3. Consult Servicing Dealer.