Generac Power Systems XT8000EFI User manual

®
XT8000EFI Portable Generator
Owner’s Manual
Register your Generac product at:
WWW.GENERAC.COM
1-888-GENERAC
(1-888-436-3722)
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
005822
MODEL:________________________
SERIAL:________________________
DATE PURCHASED:______________
(000209b)
WARNING
Loss of life. This product is not intended to
be used in a critical life support application.
Failure to adhere to this warning could result
in death or serious injury.
BC

Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction and Safety 1
Safety Rules .................................... 1
Safety Symbols and Meanings ........ 1
Exhaust and Location Hazards ....... 2
Electrical Hazards ........................... 3
Fire Hazards .................................... 3
Standards Index .............................. 3
Section 2 General Information and
Setup .............................................. 4
Know Your Generator ..................... 5
Emissions ........................................ 5
Connection Plugs ............................ 6
Idle Control Switch .......................... 6
Hour Meter ...................................... 6
Fault Indicator Light ......................... 6
Remove Contents from Carton ....... 8
Assembly ......................................... 8
Battery Cable Connection ............... 9
Add Engine Oil ................................ 9
Fuel ............................................... 10
Section 3 Operation .................... 11
Operation and Use Questions ....... 11
Before Starting Engine .................. 11
Prepare Generator for Use ............ 11
Grounding the Generator When Used
as a Portable ................................. 11
Know Generator Limits .................. 12
Transporting/Tipping of the Unit .... 13
Starting Pull Start Engines ............ 13
Starting Electric Start Engines ...... 13
Generator Shut Down ................... 13
Low Oil Pressure Shutdown System .
13
Section 4 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting ..........................14
Maintenance ..................................14
Maintenance Schedule ..................14
Preventive Maintenance ................14
Engine Maintenance ......................15
Battery Replacement .....................16
Inspect Muffler and Spark Arrester 17
Valve Clearance ............................17
Storage ..........................................17
Troubleshooting .............................19
Notes .............................................20
(000393a)
WARNING
CANCER AND REPRODUCTIVE HARM
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 1
Section 1 Introduction and Safety
Read This Manual Thoroughly
If any section of this manual is not understood,
contact the nearest Independent Authorized
Service Dealer (IASD) or Generac Customer
Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GEN-
ERAC), or visit www.generac.com for start-
ing, operating, and servicing procedures. The
owner is responsible for proper maintenance
and safe use of the unit.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS for future ref-
erence. This manual contains important
instructions that must be followed during
placement, operation, and maintenance of the
unit and its components. Always supply this
manual to any individual that will use this unit,
and instruct them on how to correctly start,
operate, and stop the unit in case of emer-
gency.
The information in this manual is accurate
based on products produced at the time of
publication. The manufacturer reserves the
right to make technical updates, corrections,
and product revisions at any time without
notice.
Safety Rules
The manufacturer cannot anticipate every
possible circumstance that might involve a
hazard. The alerts in this manual, and on tags
and decals affixed to the unit, are not all inclu-
sive. If using a procedure, work method, or
operating technique that the manufacturer
does not specifically recommend, verify that it
is safe for others and does not render the
equipment unsafe.
Throughout this publication, and on tags and
decals affixed to the unit, DANGER, WARN-
ING, CAUTION, and NOTE blocks are used to
alert personnel to special instructions about a
particular operation that may be hazardous if
performed incorrectly or carelessly. Observe
them carefully. Alert definitions are as follows:
NOTE: Notes contain additional information
important to a procedure and will be found
within the regular text of this manual.
These safety alerts cannot eliminate the haz-
ards that they indicate. Common sense and
strict compliance with the special instructions
while performing the action or service are
essential to preventing accidents.
Safety Symbols and Meanings
(000100a)
Consult Manual. Read and understand manual
completely before using product. Failure to
completely understand manual and product
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
(000001)
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
(000002)
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
(000003)
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
DANGER
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is
a poison you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home
or garage, EVEN IF doors
and windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE and
far away from windows,
doors, and vents.
000657
(000103)
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. Carbon monoxide, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000179b)
DANGER

2 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after
the generator has been running, move to
fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as
you could have carbon monoxide poison-
ing.
• For safety reasons, it is recommended that
the maintenance of this equipment be per-
formed by an IASD. Inspect the generator
regularly, and contact the nearest IASD for
parts needing repair or replacement.
Exhaust and Location Hazards
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after
the generator has been running, move to
fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as
you could have carbon monoxide poison-
ing.
• NEVER run a generator indoors or in a
partly enclosed area such as garages.
(000104)
DANGER
Electrocution. Water contact with a power
source, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
(000116)
DANGER
Electrocution. Turn utility and emergency
power supplies to OFF before connecting
power source and load lines. Failure to do so
will result in death or serious injury.
(000146)
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not alter
construction of, installation, or block ventilation for
generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe
operation or damage to the generator.
(000178a)
WARNING
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not operate unit on
uneven surfaces, or areas of excessive moisture, dirt, dust
or corrosive vapors. Doing so could result in death, serious
injury, property and equipment damage. (000250)
(000111)
WARNING
Moving Parts. Keep clothing, hair, and
appendages away from moving parts. Failure
to do so could result in death or serious injury.
(000108)
WARNING
Hot Surfaces. When operating machine, do not
touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from
combustibles during use. Hot surfaces could
result in severe burns or fire.
(000142a)
WARNING
Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the
air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and
could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.
Risk of injury. Do not operate or service this machine
if not fully alert. Fatigue can impair the ability to
operate or service this equipment and could result in
death or serious injury.
(000215a)
WARNING
(000216)
WARNING
Injury and equipment damage. Do not use generator
as a step. Doing so could result in falling, damaged
parts, unsafe equipment operation, and could result
in death or serious injury.
Personal Injury. Fuel lines are pressurized.
Servicing the fuel lines may release high
pressure fuel and could result in death or
serious injury. (000501)
WARNING
000406
(000103)
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. Carbon monoxide, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000179b)
DANGER
(000178a)
WARNING
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
(000146)
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not alter
construction of, installation, or block ventilation for
generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe
operation or damage to the generator.

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 3
• ONLY use outdoors and far away from win-
dows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and in an
area where adequate ventilation is avail-
able and will not accumulate deadly
exhaust gas.
• Using a fan or opening a door will not pro-
vide sufficient ventilation.
• Point muffler exhaust away from people
and occupied buildings.
Electrical Hazards
• The National Electric Code (NEC) requires
the frame and external electrically conduc-
tive parts of the generator be properly con-
nected to an approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of the generator. Consult with a
local electrician for grounding requirements
in the area.
• Once generator has been started outside,
connect electrical loads to extension
cord(s) inside.
Fire Hazards
• Allow at least 5 feet of clearance on all
sides of the generator when operating to
prevent overheating and fire.
• Do not operate the generator if connected
electrical devices overheat, if electrical out-
put is lost, if engine or generator sparks, or
if flames or smoke are observed while unit
is running.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator
at all times.
Standards Index
1. National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 70: The NATIONAL ELECTRIC
CODE (NEC) available from www.nfpa.org
2. National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 5000: BUILDING CONSTRUC-
TION AND SAFETY CODE available from
www.nfpa.org
3. International Building Code available from
www.iccsafe.org
4. Agricultural Wiring Handbook available
from www.rerc.org, Rural Electricity
Resource Council P.O. Box 309 Wilming-
ton, OH 45177-0309
5. ASAE EP-364.2 Installation and Mainte-
nance of Farm Standby Electric Power
available from www.asabe.org, American
Society of Agricultural & Biological Engi-
neers 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI
49085
6. CSA C22.2 100-14 Electric motors and
generators for installation and use, in
accordance with the Rules of the Cana-
dian Electrical Code
7. ANSI/PGMA G300 Safety and Perfor-
mance of Portable Generators. Portable
Generator Manufacturer’s Association,
www.pgmaonline.com
This list is not all inclusive. Check with the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any
local codes or standards which may be appli-
cable to your jurisdiction.
(000144)
DANGER
Electrocution. Contact with bare wires,
terminals, and connections while generator
is running will result in death or serious injury.
(000104)
DANGER
Electrocution. Water contact with a power
source, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
(000145)
DANGER
Electrocution. In the event of electrical accident,
immediately shut power OFF. Use non-conductive
implements to free victim from live conductor. Apply
first aid and get medical help. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000130)
Accidental Start-up. Disconnect the negative battery
cable, then the positive battery cable when working
on unit. Failure to do so could result in death
or serious injury.
WARNING
CAUTION
Equipment damage. Do not power sensitive electronic devices
(computers, televisions, microwaves...) when Idle Control switch is
ON (if equipped). Lower engine rpm operation results in low
voltage/frequency and may damage electronic devices.
(000591)
(000105)
Explosion and Fire. Fuel and vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive. Add fuel in a well
ventilated area. Keep fire and spark away. Failure
to do so will result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
(000166b)
DANGER
Explosion and Fire. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill to
1/2 inch from top of tank to allow for fuel expansion.
Overfilling may cause fuel to spill onto engine causing
fire or explosion, which will result in death or serious
injury.
(000174)
DANGER
Risk of fire. Allow fuel spills to completely dry
before starting engine. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000142a)
WARNING
Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the
air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and
could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.

4 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Section 2 General Information and Setup
Figure 2-1. Features and Controls
Generator Components
Figure 2-2. Control Panel
23
14
17
15
18
11
20
16
25
12
21 22
19
13
24
005823
005822
26
28
27
1 Key Switch Ignition
2 120 Volt AC, 20 Amp GFCI Duplex
Receptacle
3 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking
Receptacle
4 Circuit Breakers (AC)
5 Idle Control
6 Powerbar™
7 Battery Charger Input
8 Hour Meter
9 Fault Indicator Light
10 Fuse
11 Grounding Lug
12 Spark Arrestor
13 Muffler
14 Fuel Cap
15 Recovery Hose
16 Carbon Canister
17 Air Filter
18 Recoil Starter
19 Handle
20 Fuel Gauge
21 Roll Over Valve
22 Fuel Tank
23 Oil Drain
24 Oil Fill/Dipstick
25 Battery
26 Fuel Pump
27 Ignition Keys
28 Battery Charger
005824
6
1
10 7
4
9
2
84
35

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 5
Figure 2-3. Unit Identification Label
Know Your Generator
Replacement owner’s manuals are available
at www.generac.com.
Emissions
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA) (and California Air
Resources Board (CARB), for engines/equip-
ment certified to California standards) requires
this engine/equipment to comply with exhaust
and evaporative emissions standards. Locate
the emissions compliance decal on the engine
to determine applicable standards. See the
included emissions warranty for emissions
warranty information. Follow the maintenance
specifications in this manual to ensure the
engine complies with applicable emissions
standards for the duration of the product’s life.
006474
(000100a)
Consult Manual. Read and understand manual
completely before using product. Failure to
completely understand manual and product
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Product Specifications
Generator Specifications
Rated Power 8.0 kW**
Surge Watts 10 KVA**
Rated AC Voltage 120/240
Rated AC Load (120 Volt / 240 Volt) 66.6 / 33.3 Amps**
Rated Frequency 60 Hz @ 3600 RPM
Phase Single Phase
Unit Weight (Dry) 216.1 lbs. (98 kg)
** Operating Temperature Range: -7 deg. C (20 deg. F) to 40 Deg. C (104 Deg. F). When operated
above 25 deg. C (77 deg. F) there may be a decrease in power.
** Maximum wattage and current are subject to, and limited by, such factors as fuel Btu content, ambi-
ent temperature, altitude, engine condition, etc. Maximum power decreases about 3.5% for each
1,000 feet above sea level; and will also decrease about 1% for each 6° C (10° F) above 16° C (60°
F) ambient temperature.
Engine Specifications
Displacement 459 cc
Spark Plug Part No. 0K20670117
Spark Plug Type F7RTC or Equivalent
Spark Plug Gap 0.028-0.031 inch (0.70-0.80mm)
Gasoline Capacity 30.3 L (8.0 U.S. gallons)
Oil Type See chart in Add Engine Oil.
Oil Capacity 1.0 L (1.05 qt.)
Run Time at 50% Load 9.5 Hours
* Go to www.generac.com or contact an IASD for replacement parts.

6 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Connection Plugs
120 VAC, 20 Amp, GFCI Duplex
Receptacle
The 120 Volt outlet is overload protected by a
20 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker. See Fig-
ure 2-4. Each receptacle will power 120 Volt
AC, single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads
requiring up to 2400 watts (2.4 kW) or 20
Amps of current. Use only high quality, well-
insulated, 3-wire grounded cord sets rated for
125 Volts at 20 Amps (or greater). It also pro-
vides protection with a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter with a press to TEST and RESET
button.
Figure 2-4. 120 VAC, 20 Amp, GFCI Duplex
Receptacle NEMA 5-20R
120/240 VAC, 30 Amp Receptacle
Use a NEMA L14-30 plug with this receptacle
(rotate to lock/unlock). Connect a suitable 4-
wire grounded cord set to plug and desired
load. The cord set should be rated 250 Volts
AC at 30 Amps (or greater). See Figure 2-5.
Use this receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC, 60
Hz, single phase loads requiring up to 3600
watts (3.6 kW) of power at 30 Amps or 240
Volt AC, 60 Hz, single phase loads requiring
up to 7200 watts (7.2 kW) of power at 30
Amps. The outlet is protected by one 30 Amp
2-pole circuit breaker.
Figure 2-5. 120/240 VAC, 30 Amp Receptacle
NEMA L14-30R
Idle Control Switch
This feature improves fuel economy. When
switch is turned ON, the engine will operate at
normal, fast governed engine RPM while pow-
ering an electric load. When the load is
removed, the engine will operate at a reduced
RPM. With this switch turned OFF, the engine
continually operates at normal, fast governed
engine RPM. Always have this switch OFF
when starting /stopping the engine and when
using the portable generator for a back-up
power supply to a house/building, connected
via PIB to a transfer switch.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Idle Control operation
is intended for use with electric tools. Do
not power sensitive electronic devices.
(computers, televisions, microwaves...)
when Idle Control switch is ON.
Hour Meter
The Hour Meter tracks hours of operation for
scheduled maintenance. See Figure 2-6.
• The SVC display will illuminate one hour
before and one hour after each 100 hour
interval providing a two hour window to per-
form service.
When the hour meter is in flash alert mode,
the maintenance message will alternate with
elapsed time in hours and tenths. The hours
will flash four times, then alternate with the
maintenance message four times until the
meter automatically resets.
• 100 hours - SVC — Change oil, oil filter, air
filter, and spark plug. Clean spark arrestor
screen (every 100 hrs).
NOTE: The hour glass icon will flash when the
engine is running. This signifies the meter is
recording hours of operation.
Figure 2-6. Hour Meter
Fault Indicator Light
• If multiple failures have been detected, the
fault light will turn off for 2 seconds between
2 fault codes.
• Once the fault light has flashed all failure
codes, the fault light will turn off for 4 sec-
onds, and then turn on 4 seconds. The unit
will repeat the fault codes again. The unit
will repeat the codes up to 10 times, and
then stay lit.
000203
000204
0000.0
000205

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 7
• Once the fault(s) have been resolved,
reconnect the battery. The ECU will auto-
matically reset and stop flashing fault
codes.
Call Generac Customer Service at 1-888-
GENERAC (1-888-436-3722) for assistance.
NOTE: Verify the unit is turned OFF before
storage to avoid battery power drainage.
There are 3 levels of failures:
1. Level 1 will flash and the generator will
run. There may be a slight impact on per-
formance.
2. Level 2 will flash and the generator will
shut down if multiple errors are detected.
3. Level 3 will shut down the generator.
Fault
Code Fault Code Fault Flash (Seconds)
* = Short Blink - .25 sec – = Long Blink - 1.2 sec
2 TPS Failure ** (2 short blinks)
3 Cylinder Temp. Failure *** (3 short blinks)
4 Air Temp. Failure **** (4 short blinks)
5 System Voltage Low ***** (5 short blinks)
6 System Voltage High ****** (6 short blinks)
7 Cylinder High Temp. ******* (7 short blinks)
8 Barometric Pressure Sensor
Failure
******** (8 short blinks)
9 Oil Pressure Anomaly ********* (9 short blinks)
11 Fuel Injector Failure – * (1 long blink, 1 short blink)
13 Fuel Pump Failure – *** (1 long blink, 3 short blinks)
15 Ignition Failure – ***** (1 long blink, 5 short blinks)
17 ECU Internal Failure – ******* (1 long blink, 7 short blinks)
18 Crankshaft Position Sensor
Failure
– ******** (1 long blink, 8 short blinks)
19 ECU Reset – ********* (1 long blink, 9 short blinks)
22 Engine Overspeed Failure – – ** (2 long blinks, 2 short blinks)
24 Load Stability Sensor Failure – – **** (2 long blinks, 4 short blinks)
27 Stepper Motor Stuck – – ******* (2 long blinks, 7 short blinks)
28 Engine Starting Failure – – ******** (2 long blinks, 8 short blinks)
Low Battery * –

8 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Remove Contents from Carton
1. Open carton completely by cutting each
corner from top to bottom.
2. Remove and verify carton contents prior to
assembly. Carton contents should contain
the following:
3. Call 1-888-GENERAC (1-888-436-3722) with
the unit model and serial number for any
missing carton contents.
4. Record model, serial number, and date of
purchase on front cover of this manual.
Accessories
Assembly
Call 1-888-GENERAC (1-888-436-3722) for
any assembly issues or concerns. Please
have model and serial number available.
The following tools are required to install the
accessory kit.
• Ratchet Wrench (1)
• 8mm Wrench (2)
• 10mm Wrench (1)
• 13mm Wrench (1)
• 8mm Socket (1)
• 12mm Socket (1)
• 13mm Socket (1)
• Needle Nosed Pliers (1)
NOTE: The wheels are not intended for over-
the-road use.
See Figure 2-7.
Install wheels as follows:
1. Slide axle pin (D) through the wheel (C)
and generator frame axle holes.
2. Slide one 5/8" flat washer (B) onto axle
and secure with cotter pin (A). Repeat on
opposite side.
Figure 2-7. Wheel Assembly
See Figure 2-8.
Install frame foot assembly as follows:
1. Slide M8 hex bolts (M) through holes in
frame.
2. Slide frame foot (E) on to hex head bolts
(G).
3. Install locking flange nuts (F) and tighten
with a ratchet, 12mm socket and 13mm
wrench.
Install gasket and control guard as follows:
1. Place gasket (H) and control guard (J) in
place against side panel opening.
2. Loosely install Allen screws (K). Tighten
with 4mm Allen wrench.
Item Qty.
Main Unit 1
Owner’s Manual 1
Product Registration Card 1
Warranty and Emission Sheets 1
Quart SAE Oil 1
Battery Charger 1
Oil Funnel 1
Hardware Bag Qty.
Cotter Pin (A) 2
Washers (B) 2
Never-flat Wheels (C) 2
Axle Pins (D) 2
Frame Foot Assembly (E) 2
Hex Flanged Nuts (M8) (F) 4
Hex Bolts (M8) (G) 4
Gasket (H) 1
Control Guard (J) 1
Allen Screw (4 mm) (K) 4
Handle Assembly (L) (not in hardware
bag)
1
Hex Bolt (M8 x 55 mm (M) 2
Nylon Washer (N) 4
Hex Lock Nut (P) 2
Allen Hex Wrench (4 mm) not shown 1
(000100a)
Consult Manual. Read and understand manual
completely before using product. Failure to
completely understand manual and product
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
A
D
C
B
004543