Firman ECO4000 User manual

Premium series:
ECO4000, ECO4000RE
ECO7000, ECO7000RE
ECO8000, ECO9000E, ECO9000RE
OWNER’S MANUAL
®
Read all safety precautions and instructions carefully
before operating equipment.
Ensure engine is stopped and level before performing
any maintenance or service.
IMPORTANT:
Record product information to reference when ordering parts or
obtaining warranty coverage.
Specification
Serial Number
Purchase Date
www.firmangenerators.com
PORTABLE GENERATOR

NOTE:
[CAUTION]
WARNING
Do not operate the generator before you have read and understood the instructions.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
The generator is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according
to instructions.
Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury, loss of life and equipment damage if
instructions are not followed.
Indicates a possibility of personal injury, or equipment damage if instructions are not followed.
Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the generator, consult a dealer
selling FIRMAN generators.
Thank you for purchasing a FIRMAN generator.
This manual covers operation and maintenance of the FIRMAN generators. All information in this
publication is based on the latest production information available at the time of approval for
printing.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:
WARNING
Page 01

Safe Operation Checklist
Safe operation of the portable generator requires the completion of the following tasks:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm(s) in working order.
Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarm (s) in working order.
Generator Location
Generator placed in a Carbon Monoxide (CO) safe zone. See Generator Location to
reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Generator placed in a fire safe zone. See Generator Location to reduce the Risk of
Generator located on flat and level surface.
Oil and Fuel
Engine filled to proper oil level. See Add Engine Oil.
Fuel tank filled at or below baffle. See Add Fuel
.
Inspect fuel lines, tank, cap and fittings each time before using generator. DO NOT
use if fuel leak or damage is found.
Electrical
When connecting to a buildings electrical system, install listed transfer equipment.
See Connecting to a Building Electrical System.
Electrical cords are rated for intended loads. See Cord Sets and Receptacles.
Electrical cords do not run through doorways, windows, holes in ceilings, walls or
Inspect electrical cords thoroughly before each use. DO NOT use if damaged.
All labeled electrical cord safeties are understood and being followed.
Operation
Start engine. See Starting the Engine.
Fire.
floors.
Page 02

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................04
2. SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................08
3. COMPONENTS............................................................................................11
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............................................................................12
5. OPERATING PROCEDURES...........................................................................16
6. SERVICING THE GENERATOR.......................................................................20
7. “HOW-TO” MAINTENANCE...........................................................................21
8. PREPARATION FOR STORAGE.......................................................................24
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING...................................................................................25
10. WARRANTY..................................................................................................26
Table of Contents
Page 03

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Page 04
WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that could
kill you in minutes. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. Even if you do
not smell exhaust fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide
gas.
Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents to reduce
the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being drawn
towards occupied spaces.
•
•Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide alarms
with battery back-up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Smoke alarms
cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
•DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or
other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors and windows for
ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these spaces and can linger for
hours, even after this product has shut off.
•ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from
occupied spaces. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut
it off and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide
poisoning.

WARNING
Page 05
Starter cord kickback (rapid retraction) will pull hand and arm toward
engine faster than you can let go which could cause broken bones,
fractures, bruises, or sprains resulting in serious injury.
When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt and then pull rapidly to
avoid kickback.
•
•NEVER start or stop engine with electrical devices plugged in and turned on.
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive
which could cause burns, fire, or explosion resulting in death
or serious injury.
WHEN ADDING OR DRAINING FUEL
Turn generator engine OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before removing fuel cap.
Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.• Fill or drain fuel tank outdoors.
•
•DO NOT overfill tank. Allow space for fuel expansion
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.
•
•
•
WHEN STARTING EQUIPMENT
Ensure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner are in place.
•DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.
•
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
DO NOT operate this product inside any building, carport, porch, mobile equipment,
marine applications, or enclosure.
•
DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to spill.
DO NOT stop engine by moving choke control to “Choke” position ( )
•
•
WHEN TRANSPORTING, MOVING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT
Transport/move/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff valve OFF.
•
•DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to spill.
Disconnect spark plug wire.
•
WHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, or other appliances
that have pilot light or other ignition source because they could ignite fuel vapors.

Page 06
WARNING
This generator does not meet U. S. Coast Guard Regulation 33CFR-183 and should not
be used on marine applications.
•
•Failure to use the appropriate U. S. Coast Guard approved generator could result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
Generator voltage could cause electrical shock or burn resulting in death
or serious injury.
Use listed transfer equipment, suitable for the intended use, to prevent backfeed by
isolating generator from electric utility workers.
When using generator for backup power, notify utility company.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in any damp or highly conductive area,
such as metal decking or steel work
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT use generator with electrical cords which are worn, frayed, bare or otherwise
damaged.
DO NOT operate generator in the rain or wet weather.
DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while standing in water, while barefoot,
or while hands or feet are wet.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or service generator.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WARNING
Exhaust heat/gases could ignite combustibles, structures or
damage fuel tank causing a fire, resulting in death or serious
injury.
Contact with muffler area could cause burns resulting in
serious injury.
DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
Keep at least 5 feet (1.5 m) of clearance on all sides of generator including overhead.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or operate the
engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in
effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions may have similar laws.
Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark
arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this engine.
Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the original
parts.
•
•
•
•
•

Page 07
WARNING
Unintentional sparking could cause fire or electric shock resulting in death
or serious injury.
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR GENERATOR
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
•
WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK
Use approved spark plug tester.
•DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.
•
WARNING
Starter and other rotating parts could entangle hands, hair, clothing, or
accessories resulting in serious injury.
NEVER operate generator without protective housing or covers.
DO NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry or anything that could be caught in the starter
or other rotating parts.
Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
•
•
•
[CAUTION]
Excessively high operating speeds could result in minor injury.
Excessively low operating speeds impose a heavy load.
DO NOT tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine speed.
Generator supplies correct rated frequency and voltage when running at governed speed.
DO NOT modify generator in any way.
•
•
NOTE:
DO NOT exceed the generator’s wattage/amperage capacity.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting electrical loads.
Connect electrical loads in OFF position, then turn ON for operation.
Turn electrical loads OFF and disconnect from generator before stopping generator.
Use generator only for intended uses.
If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or contact local service center.
Operate generator only on level surfaces.
DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust, dirt, or corrosive vapors.
DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.
If connected devices overheat, turn them off and disconnect them from generator.
Shut off generator if:
-electrical output is lost;
-equipment sparks, smokes, or emits flames;
-unit vibrates excessively.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

120V
ST168FD-2-A7
106 lbs 113 lbs
24 X 19 X 20 in.
Rated AC Voltage
Phase
Power Factor
Engine Model
Engine Type
Voltage regulator
Generator
Model ECO 4000 ECO 4000RE
3500Watts@60Hz
AVR
Single Phase
1
Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled
Displacement
Maximum output
Ignition System
Starting System
Fuel
Capacity Fuel Tank
193cc
Breakless Ignition Type, Flywheel Magneto
Unleaded Automotive Gasoline
Recoil
4 Gallon
21 oz
Lubricating Oil
Capacity
Counter Clockwise (Facing P.T.O.)
Float
Brush
Polyurethane Type
Carburetor Type
Air Cleaner
Alternator Type
P.T.O. shaft rotation
Dime- nsion
L X W X H
Dry Weight
Engine
Page 08
6.5HP
2 . SPECIFICATIONS
Recoil/Electric
Running Watts
Starting Watts 4000Watts@60Hz
ST168FDE-2-A7

120/240V
197 lbs 212 lbs
30 X 22 X 24 in.
Rated AC Voltage
Phase
Power Factor
Engine Model
Engine Type
Voltage regulator
Generator
Model ECO 7000 ECO 7000RE
Running Watts 5500Watts@60Hz
AVR
Single Phase
1
Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled
Displacement
Maximum output
Ignition System
Starting System
Fuel
Capacity Fuel Tank
389cc
Breakless Ignition Type, Flywheel Magneto
Unleaded Automotive Gasoline
Recoil
7 Gallon
38 oz
Lubricating Oil
Capacity
Counter Clockwise (Facing P.T.O.)
Float
Brush
Polyurethane Type
Carburetor Type
Air Cleaner
Alternator Type
P.T.O. shaft rotation
Dime- nsion
L X W X H
Dry Weight
Engine
Page 09
ST188FDE-A6
13HP
Recoil/Electric
Starting Watts 7000Watts@60Hz
ST188FD-A6

Page 10
120/240V
239 lbs
30 X 22 X 24 in.
Rated AC Voltage
Phase
Power Factor
Engine Model
Engine Type
Voltage regulator
Generator
Model ECO 8000 ECO 9000RE
Running Watts 6000Watts@60Hz
AVR
Single Phase
1
Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled
Displacement
Maximum output
Ignition System
Starting System
Fuel
Capacity Fuel Tank
439cc
Breakless Ignition Type, Flywheel Magneto
Unleaded Automotive Gasoline
Recoil
7 Gallon
32 oz
Lubricating Oil
Capacity
Counter Clockwise (Facing P.T.O.)
Float
Brush
Polyurethane Type
Carburetor Type
Air Cleaner
Alternator Type
P.T.O. shaft rotation
Dime- nsion
L X W X H
Dry Weight
Engine
ST188FDE-A6
15HP
Recoil/Electric
Starting Watts 9000Watts@60Hz
ST188FD-A6
8000Watts@60Hz
7000Watts@60Hz
ECO 9000E
219 lbs 243 lbs

1. SOCKET
2. CIRCUIT BREAKER
3. FUEL GAUGE
4. FUEL TANK CAP
5. ENGINE SWITCH
6. FUEL VALVE
7. CHOKE LEVER
8. RECOIL STARTER
9. OIL DRAIN PLUG
10. OIL FILLER CAP
11. GROUND TERMINAL
12. AIR CLEANER
13. SUPPORTING LEGS
14. MUFFLER
15. FUEL TANK
16. HANDLE FRAME
17. WHEELS
3. COMPONENTS
Page 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
14
15
17
13
16

Page 12
Remove the Generator from the Shipping Carton
1. Set the shipping carton on a solid,flat surface.
2. Remove everything from the carton except the generator.
3. Carefully cut each corner of the box from top to bottom. Fold each side flat on
the ground to provide a surface area to install the wheel kit and support leg.
Install the Wheel Kit
[CAUTION]
The wheel kit is not intended for over-the-road use.
You will need the following tools to install the wheels:
• 21mm wrench or adjustable wrench (not included)
• Socket wrench with a 13mm socket ( not included)
• Pliers ( not included)
1. Before adding fuel and oil, tip the generator on its side.
2. Slide the wheel bolt (1) through the wheel, the mount point on the frame,
washer(if have).
3. Press the pin(3) into the bolt (1)
4. Fasten securely with the nut (4).
5. Repeat steps 2-4 to attach the second wheel.
1
2
3
4
1. Attach the support leg to the generator frame with cap screws and nuts.
2. Tip the generator slowly so that it rests on the wheels and support leg.
Install the Support Leg
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

CHECK ENGINE OIL
Remove oil filter cap and check the engine
oil level.
Oil capacity:
Model................Upper level
ECO4000/ECO4000RE.............20 oz
ECO7000/ECO7000RE.............38 oz
ECO8000/ECO9000RE.............38 oz
Change oil if contaminated. (See “HOW-TO”
MAINTENANCE)
If oil level is below the lower level line, refill
with suitable oil (see table below) to upper
level line. Do not screw in the oil filler cap
when checking oil level.
Multigrade
Ambient -20 -10
0
10
20
30
40
-4
14
32
50
68
86
104
5W
10W
20W
#20
#30
#40
10W-30
10W-40
Single grade
C
F
Page 13
Before checking or refilling oil, be sure the
generator is put on a stable and level surface
with engine stopped.
temperature

Check fuel level at fuel gauge.
CHECKING COMPONENTS
Do not refuel while smoking or near open flame or other such potential fire hazards.
Otherwise a fire accident could occur.
If fuel level is low, refill with unleaded
automotive gasoline.
Fuel tank capacity:
ECO4000/ECO4000RE.............4 Gallon
ECO7000/ECO7000RE.............7 Gallon
ECO8000/ECO9000RE.............7 Gallon
Make sure you review each warning in order to prevent fire hazard.
EMPTY
FULL
Fuel leakage from fuel hose etc. ,
Tighten any loose bolts or nuts.
Check components for damage or breakage.
Check following items before starting engine:
Do not refill tank while engine is running or hot.
Close fuel lever before refueling with fuel.
Be careful not to admit dust, dirt, water or other foreign objects into fuel
Wipe off spilt fuel thoroughly before starting engine.
Keep away from open flames.
Be sure to use the fuel filter screen on
the fuel filter neck.
CHECK ENGINE FUEL
WARNING
Page 14
WARNING
Fuel must meet these requirements:
•Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
Octane rating of 86(R+M)/2 or higher.
Research Octane Number(RON)91
octane minimum.
Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol,90%
unleaded is acceptable.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether(MTBE) and
unleaded gasoline blend(max 15%
MTBE by volume)are approved.
Do not add oil to gasoline.
Do not overfill fuel tank.
Do not use gasoline older than 30 days.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NOTE: E15,E20 and E85 art NOT approved and should NOT be used, effects of old, stale
or contaminated fuel are not warrantable.

CHECKING GENERATOR SURROUNDINGS
Make sure you review each warning in order to prevent fire hazard.
Keep area clear of inflammables or other hazardous materials.
Keep generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings or other structures.
Only operate generator in a dry, well ventilated area.
Keep exhaust pipe clear of foreign objects.
Keep generator away from open flame.
Keep generator on a stable and level surface.
Do not block generator air vents with paper or other material.
Page 15
WARNING
Move the generator to the desired location.
The generator is very easy to move, take the
handle up and then use your leg to make a
fulcrum, it does not require great strength to make the
generator tilt. Two wheels help you to move
the generator very easily.
CHECKING GROUND TERMINAL
The ground terminal is used to assist in properly grounding the generator to help protect
against electrical shock. Consult with a local electrician for grounding requirements in
your area.
THERE IS A PERMANENT CONDUCTOR BETWEEN THE GENERATOR (STATOR WINDING)
AND THE FRAME.

STARTING THE ENGINE
5. OPERATING PROCEDURES
(a) Make sure the AC circuit breaker is in
the OFF position. The generator may be
difficult to start if a load is connected.
(b) Open the fuel switch.
(c)Set the choke lever to the "START”
(arrow mark)position.
Not necessary if the engine is warm.
Page 16
(d) Turn the engine switch to the
START position and hold it there for
4-5 seconds or until the engine starts.
START
ON
OFF
(e) After the engine started, return
the choke lever gradually to "RUN”
position.
(f) Warm up the engine without load
for a few minutes.
RUN

USING ELECTRIC POWER
Be sure to ground the generator if the connected electrical equipment is grounded.
NOTE:
(a) Check the digital display for proper voltage.
(b) Turn off the switch(es) of the electrical
appliance(s) before connecting to the
generator.
(c)Insert the plug(s) of the electrical
appliance(s) into the receptacle.
(d) Check the amperage of the socket, and
be sure not to take a current exceed the
exceed the specified amperage.
This generator is thoroughly tested and adjusted in the factory.
If the generator does not produce the specified voltage, consult your nearest
FIRMAN Generator dealer.
Be sure that the total wattage of all
appliances does not exceed the rated
output of the generator.
When the circuit breaker or no-fuse breaker turns off during operation, the generator is
overloaded or the appliance is defective.
Stop the generator immediately, check the appliance and /or generator for overloading
or defect and repair as necessary.
(e) Make sure the AC CIRCUIT BREAKER is
"ON". If the breaker is "OFF", set the
breaker “ON”.
Page 17
WARNING

Page 18
OPEN
Operation at High Altitude
The density of air at high altitude is lower than at sea level. Engine power is
reduced as the air mass and air-fuel ratio decrease. Engine power and generator
output will be reduced approximately 3% for every 1000 feet of elevation above sea
level. This is a natural trend and cannot be changed by adjusting the engine. At
high altitudes increased exhaust emissions can also result due to the increased
enrichment of the air fuel ratio.
Other high altitude issues can include hard starting, increased fuel consumption
and spark plug fouling. To alleviate high altitude issues other than the natural
power loss, FIRMAN can provide a high altitude carburetor main jet.The alternative
main jet and installation instructions can be obtained by contacting Customer
Support. Installation instructions are also available in the Technical Bulletin area of
the FIRMAN internet site.
The part number and recommended minimum altitude for the application of the
high altitude carburetor main jet is listed in the table below.
In order to select the correct high altitude main jet it is necessary to identify the
carburetor model. For this purpose, a code is stamped on the side of the
carburetor. Select the correct main jet part number corresponding to the carburetor
code found on your particular carburetor.
Operation using the alternative main jet at elevations lower than the recommended
minimum altitude can damage the engine. For operation at lower elevations, the
standard main jet must be used. Operating the engine with the wrong engine
configuration at a given altitude may increase its emissions and decrease fuel
efficiency and performance.
WARNING
Standard main jet
Altitude main jet 1
Altitude main jet 2
196cc 389cc 193cc
468.131017.07
468.131017.08
468.131017.09
188.131017.04
188.131017.05
188.131017.06
468.131017.03
490.131017.04
490.131017.05
Altitude
3000-6000Feet
6000-8000Feet
0-3000Feet

STOPPING THE GENERATOR
CLOSE
(a) Turn off the power switch of the electric
equipment or unplug the cord from receptacle
of the generator.
(b) Allow the engine about 3 minutes to cool
down at no-load before stopping.
(c) Set the engine switch to "OFF" position.
(d) Close (stop) the fuel lever.
Page 19