Generac Power Systems 4000EXL User manual

Owner’s Manual
Questions? Help is just a moment away!
Call: Generator Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT
Model No. 1645-0 (4,000 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 189189GS Revision 11 (03/01/2005)
BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC
JEFFERSON,WISCONSIN, U.S.A.
Generac Portable Products is a licensed trademark of Briggs & Stratton Power Products.
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions.
CAUTION

2
4000EXL Extended Life Generator
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Know Your Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Page
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
Read this manual carefully and become
familiar with your generator. Know its
applications, its limitations and any hazards
involved.
The generators are an engine–driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designed to
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances, tools and motor loads.The generator’s
revolving field is driven at about 3,600 rpm by a single-
cylinder engine.
CAUTION! DO NOT exceed the generator’s
wattage/amperage capacity. See “Don’t Overload
Generator”.
Every effort has been made to ensure that information in
this manual is accurate and current. However, we reserve
the right to change, alter or otherwise improve the product
and this document at any time without prior notice.
The Emission Control System for this generator is
warranted for standards set by the Environmental
Protection Agency. For warranty information refer to the
engine owner’s manual.
SAFETY RULES
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
The safety alert symbol ( ) is used with a signal word
(DANGER, CAUTION,WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety message to alert you to hazards. DANGER indicates
a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in
minor or moderate injury. CAUTION, when used
without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could
result in equipment damage. Follow safety messages to
avoid or reduce the risk of injury or death.
Hazard Symbols and Meanings
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Fire
Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Kickback
Electrical Shock
Electrocution Electrical Shock
Explosive Pressure Chemical Burn
Hot Surface
Copyright © 2005 Briggs & Stratton Power Products
Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this material
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any
means without the express written permission of Briggs &
Stratton Power Products Group, LLC.

4000EXL Extended Life Generator
3
• When using generator for backup power, notify utility
company. Use approved transfer equipment to isolate
generator from electric utility.
• 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.
• 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.
Generator produces powerful voltage.
Failure to isolate generator from power utility
can result in death or injury to electric utility
workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.
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 bodily injury and/or property
damage.
WARNING
• DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat, or lit cigarette
during and for several minutes after charging a battery.
• Wear protective goggles, rubber apron, and rubber gloves.
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas
during recharging.
Hydrogen gas stays near battery for a long time
after battery has been charged.
Slightest spark will ignite hydrogen and cause
explosion.
You can be blinded or severely injured.
Battery electrolyte fluid contains acid and is
extremely caustic.
Contact with battery fluid will cause severe
chemical burns.
DANGER
• Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings.
• DO NOT operate generator inside any building or enclosure,
including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV).
Running generator gives off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide will cause nausea,
fainting or death.
WARNING
WHEN ADDING OR DRAINING FUEL
• Turn generator 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.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and
other ignition sources.
• 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.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
• Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to
spill.
• This generator is not for use in mobile equipment or marine
applications.
WHEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING
EQUIPMENT
• Transport/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff
valve OFF.
• 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 can ignite fuel vapors.
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.
WARNING

4
4000EXL Extended Life Generator
• DO NOT tamper with governed speed. Generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage when running at governed
speed.
• DO NOT modify generator in any way.
Excessively high operating speeds increase risk of injury
and damage to generator.
Excessively low speeds impose a heavy load.
CAUTION
• See “Don’t Overload Generator”.
• 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.
Exceeding generators wattage/amperage capacity can
damage generator and/or electrical devices connected
to it.
CAUTION
• Use generator only for intended uses.
• If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or call
1-800-270-1408.
• 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.
Improper treatment of generator can damage it and
shorten its life.
CAUTION
• 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.
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could
result.
WARNING
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TOYOUR
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.
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
WARNING
• DO NOT touch hot surfaces.
• Allow equipment to cool before touching.
• The generator must be at least 5 feet from structures having
combustible walls and/or other combustible materials.
• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for
adequate cooling, maintenance and servicing.
• In the State of California a spark arrester is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester, it must be
maintained in effective working order.
Running engines produce heat.Temperature of
muffler and nearby areas can reach or exceed
150°F (65°C).
Severe burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush,
ect. can catch fire.
WARNING

4000EXL Extended Life Generator
5
KNOWYOUR GENERATOR
Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your generator.
Compare the illustrations with your generator, to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
120 Volt AC, 15 Amp
Duplex Receptacle
Fuel Tank
Idle Control Switch
Choke Lever
Recoil Starter
12 Volt DC, 10 Amp
Receptacle
Run/Stop Switch
120 Volt AC, 30 Amp
Receptacle
Circuit Breakers (AC)
120/240 Volt AC,
20 Amp Receptacle
Spark Arrester Muffler
Air Cleaner
Grounding Fastener
Start Button
12 Volt DC,10 Amp Receptacle — Recharge a
discharged 12 Volt automotive type battery through this
receptacle.
120 Volt AC, 15 Amp Duplex Receptacle — May be
used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120 Volt AC, 15 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting,
appliance, tool and motor loads.
120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Receptacle — May be used to
supply electrical power for the operation of 120 Volt AC,
30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting, appliance,
tool and motor loads.
120/240 Volt AC, 20 Amp Receptacle — May be used
to supply electrical power for the operation of 120 and/or
240 Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting,
appliance, tool and motor loads.
Air Cleaner — Protects engine by filtering dust and
debris out of intake air.
Choke Lever — Used when starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (AC) — Each receptacle is provided
with a "push to reset" circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload.
Fuel Tank — Capacity of 4.5 U.S. gallons.
Grounding Fastener — If required, please consult a
qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or local agency
having jurisdiction.
Idle Control Switch — With this switch set to ON,
printed circuit board in control panel automatically reduces
engine speed when no load is connected and increases
engine to proper speed when load is applied. However, be
sure switch is OFF when starting engine.
Oil Fill Cap — Add oil to engine here.
Recoil starter — Used to start the engine manually.
Run/Stop Switch — Set this switch to "Run" before using
recoil starter. Set switch to "Stop" to switch OFF engine.
Spark Arrester Muffler — Exhaust muffler lowers
engine noise and is equipped with a spark arrester screen.
Start Button — When pressed, cranks engine to start.
Oil Fill Cap

6
4000EXL Extended Life Generator
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: Read entire owner’s manual before you
attempt to assemble or operate your new generator.
Carton Contents
Parts included:
• Generator
• Wheel kit
• Battery
• Battery charge cables
• Battery float charger
• Locking 20 Amp plug
• Locking 30 Amp plug
• Engine oil
• Two packets of fuel stabilizer
• Owner's manual
• Engine manual
If any of the above parts are missing or damaged, call the
pressure washer helpline at 1–800–270–1408.
Attach Negative Battery Wire
The sealed battery on the generator is fully charged and
pre–installed except for the negative (black) battery cable.
To install:
1. Cut off tie wrap securing loose end of negative (black)
cable.
2. Connect negative (black) battery cable to negative (–)
terminal on battery (Figure 1).
3. Verify that connections to battery and generator are
correct and secure.
Install Handle
To install the handle you need the following tools:
• 2 - 13 mm (1/2”) box, open end, or socket wrenches
Install handle as follows:
1. Remove hardware from bracket on handle.
2. Place lifting handle on alternator end of cradle so that
handle falls between the two twistlock receptacles as
shown in Figure 2.Attach handle with provided cap
screws and hex nuts.Tighten with 13mm wrenches.
Figure 1 — Negative Battery Connection
Positive
battery cable
Negative
battery cable
Figure 2 — Install Handle
Capscrew
Handle
Hex
Nut

4000EXL Extended Life Generator
7
Add Engine Oil
• Place generator on a level surface.
• Refer to engine owner’s manual and follow oil
recommendations and instructions.
NOTE: Check oil often during engine break–in. Refer to
engine owner’s manual for recommendations.
NOTE: The generator assembly rotates on a prelubricated
and sealed ball bearing that requires no additional
lubrication for the life of the bearing.
Add Fuel
NOTE: This gasoline engine is certified to operate on
gasoline. Exhaust Emission Control System: EM (Engine
Modifications).
1. Use clean, fresh, regular UNLEADED fuel with a
minimum of 85 octane with equipment. DO NOT use
fuel which contains Methanol. DO NOT mix oil with
fuel.
2. Clean area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
3. Slowly add regular unleaded fuel to fuel tank. Be careful
not to fill above the baffle.This allows adequate space
for fuel expansion (Figure 3).
4. Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled fuel.
CAUTION
• Refer to engine manual for oil fill information.
• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instruction will void warranty.
Any attempt to crank or start the engine before it has
been properly filled with the recommended oil will result
in equipment failure.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
• Turn generator OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before
removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors.
• DO NOT overfill tank.Allow space for fuel expansion.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and
other ignition sources.
• DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.
WARNING
FUEL
TANK
Figure 3 — Typical Fuel Expansion Space
Baffle

8
4000EXL Extended Life Generator
USING THE GENERATOR
System Ground
The generator has a system ground that connects the
generator frame components to the ground terminals on
the AC output receptacles.The system ground is connected
to the AC neutral wire (the neutral is bonded to the
generator frame).
Special Requirements
There may be Federal or State Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, local codes, or
ordinances that apply to the intended use of the generator.
Please consult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or
the local agency having jurisdiction.
• In some areas, generators are required to be registered
with local utility companies.
• If the generator is used at a construction site, there may
be additional regulations which must be observed.
Connecting to a Building’s Electrical
System
Connections for standby power to a building’s electrical
system must be made by a qualified electrician.The
connection must isolate the generator power from utility
power, and must comply with all applicable laws and
electrical codes.
Generator Location
Generator Clearance
The generator must be at least 5 ft. (152 cm) from
structures having combustible walls and/or other
combustible materials. Leave at least 3 ft. (92 cm) all around
generator including overhead, for adequate cooling,
maintenance and servicing.
Place generator in a well ventilated area, which will allow
for removal of deadly exhaust gas. DO NOT place
generator where exhaust gas could accumulate and enter
inside or be drawn into a potentially occupied building.
Ensure exhaust gas is kept away from any windows, doors,
ventilation intakes or other openings that can allow exhaust
gas to collect in a confined area (Figure 4). Prevailing winds
and air currents should be taken into consideration when
positioning generator.
Figure 4 — Generator Clearance
Exhaust Port
• When using generator for backup power, notify utility
company. Use approved transfer equipment to isolate
generator from electric utility.
• 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.
• 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.
Generator produces powerful voltage.
Failure to isolate generator from power utility
can result in death or injury to electric utility
workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.
WARNING
• Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
• Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes or other openings.
• DO NOT operate generator inside any building or enclosure,
including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV).
Running generator gives off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide will cause nausea,
fainting or death.
WARNING

4000EXL Extended Life Generator
9
OPERATING THE
GENERATOR
IMPORTANT: Always unplug the battery float charger
before starting the generator.
Starting the Engine
Disconnect all electrical loads from the generator. Follow
these start instruction steps in numerical order:
1. Make sure unit is on a level surface.
IMPORTANT: Failure to start and operate unit on a level
surface will cause the unit not to start or shut down
during operation.
2. Turn fuel valve to “On” position (Figure 5).
3. Make sure Idle Control switch is in “Off” position
(Figure 6).
4. Start engine according to instructions given in engine
owner’s manual.
NOTE: If engine starts after 3 pulls but fails to run, or if
unit shuts down during operation, make sure unit is on a
level surface and check for proper oil level in crankcase.
This unit may be equipped with a low oil protection device.
See engine manual.
Connecting Electrical Loads
• Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after
starting.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120 and/or 240 Volt AC,
single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
• DO NOT connect 240 Volt loads to the 120 Volt
receptacles.
• DO NOT connect 3–phase loads to the generator.
• DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
• See “Don’t Overload Generator”.
• 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.
Exceeding generators wattage/amperage capacity can
damage generator and/or electrical devices connected
to it.
CAUTION
Figure 5 — Fuel Shut-offValve
Figure 6 — Idle Control Switch
• DO NOT touch hot surfaces.
• Allow equipment to cool before touching.
• The generator must be at least 5 feet from structures having
combustible walls and/or other combustible materials.
• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for
adequate cooling, maintenance and servicing.
• In the State of California a spark arrester is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester, it must be
maintained in effective working order.
Running engines produce heat.Temperature of
muffler and nearby areas can reach or exceed
150°F (65°C).
Severe burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush,
ect. can catch fire.
WARNING
• 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.
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could
result.
WARNING

10
4000EXL Extended Life Generator
•DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. See
“Don’t Overload Generator”.
Stopping the Engine
1. Turn OFF and unplug ALL electrical loads from
generator panel receptacles. NEVER start or stop engine
with electrical devices plugged in and turned ON.
2. Move idle control switch to “Off” position.
3. Let engine run at no-load for several minutes to
stabilize internal temperatures of engine and generator.
4. Turn engine off according to instructions given in the
engine owner’s manual.
5. Move fuel valve to “Off” position.
Operating Automatic Idle Control
This switch is designed to greatly improve fuel economy.
When this switch is turned ON, the engine will only
run at its normal high governed engine speed when
electrical loads are connected.When an electrical load is
removed, the engine will run at a reduced speed.
With the switch off, the engine will run at the normal
high engine speed. Always have the switch off when
starting and stopping the engine.
Charging a Battery
Your generator has the capability of recharging a discharged
12 Volt automotive or utility style storage battery. DO NOT
use the unit to charge any 6Volt batteries. DO NOT use the
unit to crank an engine having a discharged battery.
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
1. Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary, add
ONLY distilled water to cover separators in battery
cells. DO NOT use tap water.
2. If battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure they
are installed and are tight.
3. If necessary, clean battery terminals.
4. Connect battery charge cable connector plug to panel
receptacle identified by the words “12-VOLTS D.C.”.
5. Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle
to the positive (+) battery terminal (Figure 7).
6. Connect battery charge cable clamp with black handle
to the negative (–) battery terminal (Figure 7).
7. Start engine. Let engine run while battery recharges.
8. When battery has charged, shut down engine
NOTE: Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery state
of charge and condition. Follow the hydrometer
manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Generally, a battery is
considered to be at 100% state of charge when specific gravity
of its fluid (as measured by hydrometer) is 1.260 or higher.
How to Use the Battery Charger
Use battery float charger jack to keep the starting battery
charged and ready for use. Battery charging should be done
in a dry location, such as inside a garage.
1. Plug charger into unit’s “Battery Float Charger” jack,
which is located on the starter switch (Figure 8). Plug
battery charger into a 120 Volt AC wall receptacle.
Figure 7 — Battery Connections
• DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat, or lit cigarette
during and for several minutes after charging a battery.
• Wear protective goggles, rubber apron, and rubber gloves.
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas
during recharging.
Hydrogen gas stays near battery for a long time
after battery has been charged.
Slightest spark will ignite hydrogen and cause
explosion.
You can be blinded or severely injured.
Battery electrolyte fluid contains acid and is
extremely caustic.
Contact with battery fluid will cause severe
chemical burns.
DANGER
Figure 8 — Battery Charger Jack