Clarke IG1700F Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC0119 - ISS 1
INVERTER/GENERATOR
MODEL NO: IG1700F
PART NO: 8877095

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Inverter Generator.
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to operate this product
and carefully follow all instructions given.
It is vitally important that ALL precautions are taken as specified, which will not
only provide protection for yourself and that of others around you, but will also
ensure that the generator will give you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of
12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of
purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE.
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WORK AREA
1. Always use in a well ventilated area.
2. Always position the exhaust outlet away from people.
3. Never use indoors or in a confined space.
4. Read these safety instructions before using the equipment.
5. Keep children away from the generator.
POSITIONING THE GENERATOR
1. Always leave a least a 1m gap between the generator and any
surrounding building or structures.
2. Always ensure the generator is on a solid, flat surface.
3. Always ensure the surrounding area is free from any material that could
burn or be damaged by heat.
4. Never move or tilt the generator whilst it is switched on.
FIRE PREVENTION
1. Always switch the engine OFF when refuelling.
2. Always refuel away from any source of heat.
3. Always refuel in a well ventilated area.
4. Only use standard unleaded petrol.
5. Never smoke whilst refuelling and avoid smoking or using a naked flame
near the generator.
WARNING: EXHAUST FUMES CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF INHALED

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PREVENTION OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
1. Never use the generator in wet conditions unless it is well protected/
covered. Under these conditions, adequate ventilation MUST be provided.
2. Never operate the generator with wet hands.
3. Never use water or any other liquids to clean the generator.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR GENERATORS
1. Always ensure the applied load does not exceed the generator rating.
Overloading the generator is dangerous and could cause serious
damage.
2. Always disconnect the generator when carrying out any maintenance.
3. Always ensure the generator reaches operating speed before connecting
a load.
4. Never allow the generator to run out of fuel when a load is connected.
5. Never transport the generator with fuel in the tank.
6. Do Not connect to a commercial or residential power supply e.g. ring main.
7. Never allow the generator air vents to become blocked.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Read Instruction
manual before use
Flammable
Caution - The user
should be aware of
a general hazard
Hot Surface - Do
not touch
Dangerous voltage Poisonous fumes -
Do not use the
generator in an
enclosed space.

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GENERATOR OVERVIEW
NO DESCRIPTION NO DESCRIPTION
1 Fuel Supply Valve (at the rear) 7 Control Panel
2 Fuel Cap 8 Anti-vibration Feet
3 Fuel Level Gauge 9 Oil Dipstick
4 Frame 10 Choke Lever (at the rear)
5 Air Filter (at the rear) 11 Earth Point
6 Starting Handle

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UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
Unpack your generator and check to ensure the following items are present.
Should there be any deficiency or damage caused during transit contact
your Clarke dealer immediately.
• Spark plug box spanner
•Tommybar
• Oil Funnel
BEFORE USING THE GENERATOR
Attach a suitable earth lead to a good earthing point - water pipe, ground
spike etc., whenever you use this generator.
Before using your generator check that it is:
• in good condition and free from damage.
• clean and free from fuel or oil spillage.
• correctly located for use (See page 3).
• the fuel system is intact and there are no leaks.
NOTE: Always use a funnel to fill the fuel tank to avoid accidental
spillage. If fuel is spilled it must be cleaned up before use.
•Never start the engine if there is spilled fuel. Any spillage must be wiped
clean and the generator allowed to dry before attempting to start the
engine.
WARNING: ENSURE THERE IS ADEQUATE FUEL IN THE TANK WHEN USING
THE GENERATOR. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL OR STOPPING THE ENGINE
SUDDENLY WITH A LOAD CONNECTED TO IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS
DAMAGE.

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EARTH POINT
1. Earth the generator by connecting
a suitable grounding wire to the
earth point.
NOTE: Connect the other end of the
earthing wire to a copper or
brass grounding rod that is driven
into the ground.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Turn the dipstick anti-clockwise
and remove from the oil filler tube.
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick back into the oil
filler tube and then remove it
again. Do not screw in the oil filler
cap/dipstick when doing this.
4. If the oil level is at or below the ‘L’
mark on the dipstick, add oil to
the crankcase.
• Fill until the oil reaches the
threads in the oil fill tube.
• Oil capacity is 0.36L.
• We recommend the use of
SAE15W40 oil in this generator.
available from your Clarke
dealer.
5. Replace the oil filler cap.
WARNING: FAILURE TO PROPERLY GROUND THE GENERATOR CAN RESULT
IN ELECTROCUTION.
WARNING: TO CARRY OUT THIS CHECK, PLACE THE GENERATOR ON LEVEL
GROUND WITH THE ENGINE SWITCHED OFF.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO TOUCH ANY HOT PARTS OF THE
GENERATOR WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL.

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CHECKING THE FUEL LEVEL
1. Check the fuel level on the fuel
gauge.
2. To add fuel, open the fuel filler
cap.
3. Check the filter is free of any
trapped debris.
4. Slowly add fuel to the fuel tank
(maximum 10L) watching the fuel
level gauge as you do so.
NOTE: Do not overfill the fuel tank.
RECOMMENDED FUEL
We recommend the use of standard
unleaded petrol.
5. Replace the fuel filler cap securely.
WARNING: ALWAYS REFUEL IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AWAY FROM
ANY HEAT SOURCES.
WARNING: ALLOW THE UNIT TO COOL DOWN BEFORE REFUELLING.
WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE FUEL WITHIN THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

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INDICATOR LIGHTS
OUTPUT
The output indicator (Green) will
remain illuminated whenever the
generator is producing power.
OVERLOAD
The overload indicator (Red) will light
up if there is an overload or a short
circuit in the connected appliance. If
this happens proceed as follows:
1. Turn off any connected electrical devices and stop the engine.
2. Reduce the total wattage of connected electric devices to within the
rated output of the generator.
3. Check air inlet and around the control unit. If any obstructions are found,
remove them.
4. After checking, restart the engine.
OIL ALERT
The oil alert indicator (Yellow) will light up when the oil level is low.
• To add oil, follow the instructions on page 7.

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USING YOUR GENERATOR
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Remove all connections from the
AC sockets.
2. Set the ECON switch to ‘OFF’.
3. Set the fuel valve to the ON
position as shown.
4. Set the engine switch to ‘ON’.

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5. Move the choke to the ‘START’
position.
NOTE: Not required if the engine is
already warm.
6. Hold the generator steady and
pull the starting handle lightly until
you start to feel resistance.
Then pull sharply to start the
engine.
NOTE: You may have to do this
more than once.
NOTE: When you first start the generator, the overload indicator may light
up for a few seconds, which is normal. If the overload indicator is
still lit after 5 seconds, stop the engine and contact your Clarke
dealer.
7. Once the engine has warmed up,
move the choke to the “run”
position.
WARNING: ONCE THE GENERATOR HAS STARTED, RELEASE THE STARTING
HANDLE SLOWLY TO AVOID INJURY/DAMAGE AS IT RECOILS.

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ECONOMY SWITCH
ON:
Minimizes fuel consumption and
reduces noise levels when no load is
applied to the generator. Engine
speed varies with the load.
OFF:
The smart throttle system does not
operate.
CONNECTING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
The generator can supply only 230V
AC.
1. Start the engine. See page 10.
2. Connect your appliance to the
generator.
• Make sure the appliance is
turned off before connecting it
to the generator.
CAUTION: THE ECONOMY CONTROL DOES NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY IF
THE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE REQUIRES ‘BURSTS’ OF POWER.
CAUTION: TURN THE ECONOMY CONTROL FEATURE OFF WHEN
CONNECTING HIGH LOAD APPLIANCES.
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE APPLIANCE BEING CONNECTED IS IN
GOOD WORKING ORDER. IF IT BEGINS TO ACT ABNORMALLY OR STOPS
SUDDENLY, DISCONNECT IT FROM THE GENERATOR
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THE APPLIANCE DOES NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
RATED LOAD FOR THE GENERATOR.
CAUTION: ANY DEVICE WHICH CONTAINS AN INDUCTIVE LOAD E.G.
DEVICES THAT CONTAIN A MOTOR MAY REQUIRE MORE CURRENT ON
STARTUP.

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SHUTTING DOWN THE GENERATOR
To stop the generator immediately simply set the engine switch to ‘OFF’.
1. Turn off and disconnect any electric appliances.
2. Set the engine switch to the “0”
(OFF) position.
3. Set the fuel valve to the OFF
position shown on the panel.

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MAINTENANCE
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
The engine oil should be changed
after roughly 25 hours of running as
follows:
1. Unscrew and remove the oil filler
cap/dipstick.
2. Place an oil collection tray under
the drain plug.
3. Unscrew the drain plug and allow
the used engine oil to drain from
the crankcase into the oil
collection tray.
NOTE: Drain the engine oil when the
engine is warm to ensure the oil
flows out faster.
4. Replace the drain plug.
5. Fill the crankcase with engine oil.
• Fill until the oil reaches the threads in the oil filler.
• Total oil capacity 0.36L.
• We recommend the use of SAE15W40 oil in this generator, available
from your Clarke dealer.
6. Replace the cap/dipstick.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
One of the most damaging sources of pollution is oil. Do not throw away used
engine oil in with your domestic rubbish or pour it down drains and sinks. Place
it in a leak proof container and take it to your local waste disposal site.
CAUTION: PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO USED ENGINE OIL IS HARMFUL,
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING USED
ENGINE OIL.

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CHANGING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove the spark plug cap from
the spark plug.
2. Use the spark plug spanner
supplied to remove the spark
plug.
3. Remove any carbon that has
accumulated around the
electrode.
4. Check the spark plug gap (a), it
should be between 0.7 and 0.8
mm. Adjust if necessary.
5. Check the overall condition of the
spark plug for erosion or pitting
and replace if necessary.
6. Reinstall the spark plug and
reattach the spark plug cap and
lead.
CAUTION: ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL BEFORE REMOVING THE SPARK
PLUG.
Add pic

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CHECKING THE AIR FILTER
After roughly 10 hours of running,
(dependant on the working
conditions), the air filter should be
cleaned as follows:
1. Unscrew the retaining knob from
the bottom of the air filter cover
and lift it off the clips at the top.
2. Remove the air filter element.
3. Make sure that the air filter is
clean and not damaged.
• If the air filter is damaged
contact Clarke spare parts
department for a replacement.
• If the filter is dirty, wash in a
solution of warm water and
mild detergent and rinse
thoroughly. Leave the filter to
dry completely. Once it is dry, immerse in clean engine oil and
squeeze to remove excess oil.
4. Replace the filter to its original position and replace the air filter cover.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE GENERATOR WITHOUT THE AIR FILTER FITTED,
THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ENGINE.
WARNING: DO NOT USE INFLAMMABLE SOLVENTS OR PETROL TO CLEAN
THE AIR FILTER.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
If this does not solve your problem, please contact the Clarke service
department.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
The generator
fails to start
Ignition switch is off. Set the ignition switch to ‘on’.
Not enough oil in the
generator.
Add more oil. See page 7.
No fuel. Add more fuel. See page 8.
Spark plug not working
correctly.
Change the spark plug. See
page 15.
The generator
fails to generate
electricity
The device you are trying to
power is faulty.
Make sure the device you
want to power is working
properly.
The AC breaker is switched
off.
Switch the AC breaker on.
The generator is
difficult to start
The air filter is dirty. Clean the air filter.
The fuel filter is blocked. Clean the fuel filter.

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SPECIFICATIONS
IG1700F
Engine Engine Model QL160
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol (RON95)
Displacement (cm3)119
Start system Hand recoil
Fuel tank capacity (L) 10
Fuel consumption (L/hr.) 357g/kw.h
Maximum run time (h) @75%
Load
8
Engine oil type SAE15W40
Engine oil capacity (L) 0.36
Guaranteed sound power
(LWA dB)
95
Generator Rated Frequency (Hz) 50
AC Output Voltage (V) 230
Rated Output (A) 7.01
Max. Power (W) 1700
Dimensions Length (mm) 460
Width (mm) 380
Height (mm) 440
Unpacked Weight (kg) 21.5

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PARTS LISTS AND DIAGRAMS
ENGINE ASSEMBLY
ITEM DESCRIPTION Qty ITEM DESCRIPTION Qty
1 Flange Bolt M6 3 7 Engine side shield 1
2 Recoil Starter Assembly 1 8 Nut M12 1
3 Bushing 11mm 4 9 Starter Drum 1
4 Flange Bolt M6 4 10 Ignition Coil fan 1
5 Engine wind shield 1 11 Flywheel 1
6 Engine front shield 1

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CRANKCASE ASSEMBLY
ITEM DESCRIPTION Qty ITEM DESCRIPTION Qty
1 Crankcase 1 13 Alignment Pin 8mm 3
2 Oil drain plug 1 14 Gasket 1
3 Aluminium Washer 1 15 Crankcase Cover 1
4 Oil Sensor 1 16 Oil Dipstick Seal 1
5 Oil Seal 1 17 Dipstick 1
6 Bearing 1 18 Flange Bolt M6 6
7 Crankshaft 1 19 Heatshield 1
8 Connecting Rod 1 20 Circlip 2
9 Big-end Bolt 2 21 Gudgeon Pin 1
10 Big-end Cap 1 22 Piston 1
11 Camshaft 1 23 Piston Ring (Set) 1
12 Bearing 1