Hitachi E43 Troubleshooting guide

Model
Modèle
Modelo E43 • E60 • E71 Generator
Génératrice
Generador
WARNING
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Improper and unsafe use of this generator can result in death or serious bodily injury!
This manual contains important information about product safety. Please read and understand
this manual before operating the generator. Please keep this manual available for other users
and owners before they use the generator. This manual should be stored in safe place.
AVERTISSEMENT
RÈGLES DE SÉCURITÉ ET MODE D’EMPLOI
L’utilisation Incorrecte et dangereuse de cette génératrice peut entraîner la mort ou des
blessures graves!
Ce mode d’emploi contient des informations importantes concernant la sécurité de ce produit.
Prière de le lire pour comprendre ce manuel avant d’utiliser la génératrice. Maintenir ce mode
d’emploi à la disposition des autres utilisateurs et propriétaires avant qu’ils utilisent la
génératrice. Il doit être conservé dans un endroit sûr.
ADVERTENCIA
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD Y MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
¡El uso Incorrecto y seguro de este generador puede ocasionar la muerte o una lesión corporal
grave!
En este manual se incluye información importante acerca de la seguridad del producto. Le
rogamos leer y comprender este manual antes de operar el generador. Le rogamos poner este
manual a disposición de otros usuarios y propietarios antes de que utilicen el generador. Este
manual se debe guardar en un lugar seguro.

PAGE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ................3
MEANINGS OF SIGNAL WORDS ........................3
SAFETY.....................................................................3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING GENERATORS........................................3
GROUNDING THE GENERATOR .........................4
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPT (GFCI)...5
REPLACEMENT PARTS ........................................5
USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD........................5
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ........................6
NAME OF PARTS..................................................6
PAGE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................7
TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ................................7
ASSEMBLY............................................................7
APPLICATIONS .....................................................8
PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATION .................8
CONTROL PANEL ...............................................10
OPERATION ........................................................11
MAINTENANCE ..................................................13
SERVICE AND REPAIRS .....................................17
CONTENTS
English
PÁGINA
INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE
SOBRE SEGURIDAD...........................................33
SIGNIFICADO DE LAS PALABRAS DE SEÑALIZACIÓN
.....33
SEGURIDAD ...........................................................33
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTES PARA EL
USO DE LOS GENERADORES
......................................33
CONEXIÓN A TIERRA DEL GENERADOR .........34
INTERRUPTOR DE CIRCUITO CON PROTECCIÓN CONTRA
PÉRDIDA A TIERRA (GFCI)
........................................35
PIEZAS DE REPUESTO.......................................35
UTILICE EL CABLE PROLONGADOR ADECUADO
........35
OPERACIÓN Y MANTENIMIENTO .......................36
DESIGNACIÓN DE LAS PARTES .......................36
PÁGINA
ESPECIFICACIONES ...........................................37
TRANSPORTE / ALMACENAMIENTO ...............37
MONTAJE ...........................................................37
APLICACIONES ...................................................38
PREPARATIVOS PREVIOS A LA OPERACIÓN
......38
PANEL DE CONTROL .........................................40
OPERACIÓN .......................................................41
MANTENIMIENTO ..............................................43
SERVICIO DE MANTENIMIENTO Y REPARACIONES
........47
ÍNDICE
Español
PAGE
INFORMATIONS IMPORTANTES DE SÉCURITÉ ..18
SIGNIFICATION DES MOTS D’AVERTISSEMENT ..18
SÉCURITÉ ...............................................................18
CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES POUR
L’EMPLOI DES GÉNÉRATRICES
..............................18
MISE À LA TERRE DE LA GÉNÉRATRICE .........19
DISJONCTEUR DE FUITE À LA TERRE (GFCI)
.........20
PIÈCES DE RECHANGE ......................................20
EMPLOYER UN CORDON DE RALLONGE APPROPRIÉ
...20
FONCTIONNEMENT ET ENTRETIEN....................21
DÉSIGNATION DES PIÈCES...............................21
PAGE
SPÉCIFICATIONS ................................................22
TRANSPORT / ENTREPOSAGE..........................22
ASSEMBLAGE ....................................................22
APPLICATIONS ...................................................23
PRÉPARATIFS AVANT LE FONCTIONNEMENT
.......23
PANNEAU DE COMMANDE ..............................25
FONCTIONNEMENT ..........................................26
ENTRETIEN ........................................................28
SERVICE APRÈS-VENTE ET RÉPARATIONS.....32
TABLE DES MATIERES
Français

3
English
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read and understand all of the safety precautions, warnings and operating instructions in the Instruction
Manual before operating or maintaining this generator.
Most accidents that result from generator operation and maintenance are caused by the failure to observe
basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be avoided by recognizing a potentially hazardous
situation before it occurs, and by observing appropriate safety procedures.
Basic safety precautions are outlined in the ‘‘SAFETY’’ section of this Instruction Manual and in the sections
which contain the operation and maintenance instructions.
Hazards that must be avoided to prevent bodily injury or machine damage are identified by WARNINGS on the
generator and in this Instruction Manual.
NEVER use this generator in a manner that has not been specifically recommended by HITACHI.
WARNING:
MEANINGS OF SIGNAL WORDS
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situations which, if ignored, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situations which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury, or may cause machine damage.
NOTE emphasizes essential information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING GENERATORS
READ ALL OF THE WARNINGS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
OPERATING OR MAINTAINING THIS GENERATOR:
SAFETY
Read and understand all instructions. Familiarity and proper training are required for the safe
operation of generators. A generator operated improperly or by untrained personnel can be
dangerous. Become familiar with all of the generator's controls, output receptacles and
connections. Know how to stop generator in case of emergency. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electrical shock, property damage, and/or serious
personal injury or death. Do not operate the generator unless it is fully assembled.
WARNING: CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas.
Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
If you run the generator in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed the air you
breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust gas. To keep exhaust from building
up, provide adequate ventilation. Do not operate the generator in a room, cave, or tunnel
unless professionally installed exhaust hoses are used.
WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS
The generator produces enough electrical power to cause serious shock or electrocution if
misused. Using a generator or an electrical device in wet conditions — near water, on wet
grass, in damp areas, in rain or snow — could result in electrocution. Keep the generator dry
at all times.
This generator is not designed to be stored outdoors unprotected from the weather.
Moisture or ice can cause a malfunction or short in electrical components, which could result
in electrocution. Test GFCI outlets and accessories before each use.
Check all electrical components on the control panel before each use.
Do not connect this generator to any building’s electrical system unless a licensed electrician
has installed an isolation switch. Failure to do so can result in property damage or death.
NOTE: All HITACHI generators come with a Honda engine owner’s manual. The Honda manual overrides this
manual on all engine topics.

4
English
WARNING: FIRE & BURN HAZARDS
The exhaust system gets hot enough to ignite some materials. Keep generator at least 3 feet
(1 meter) away from buildings and other equipment during or immediately after operation.
Never enclose generator in any structure. Keep all flammable materials away from the
generator.
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for some time after the
engine stops. Do not touch the muffler while the engine is running or hot.
Allow the engine and the muffler to cool before storing. See storing instructions on page 7 of
this manual.
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. Always stop the engine and allow the muffler
to cool before refueling. Never refuel while smoking or in the vicinity of an open flame or
sparks. Never smoke near the generator.
Always check for spilled fuel or fuel leaks. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped up
before starting the generator. When operating or transporting the generator, be sure that it
is kept upright. If the unit tilts, fuel may leak from the carburetor or fuel tank.
1. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS.
Never place your hands, fingers or other body parts near the generator's moving parts.
Never insert your fingers or other objects into the housing's ventilator. Such an action invites the danger of
injuries or electric shocks.
2. NEVER USE GENERATOR FOR APPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED.
Never use generator for applications other than those specified in the Instruction Manual.
3. ALWAYS KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
Avoid injuries by not cluttering the work areas.
4. NEVER PERMIT CHILDREN OR OTHERS TO LOITER NEAR THE WORK AREA.
Keep all people (especially children) away from the work area.
5. ALWAYS WEAR PROPER APPAREL WHEN WORKING WITH THE TOOL.
Never wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewelry which may get caught in the
moving parts. Always wear non-slip footwear, preferably with steel toes.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
6. When servicing this generator, use only authorized replacement parts.
7. Never operate the generator when you are tired, after you have taken any medications, or have consumed
any alcoholic beverages.
GROUNDING THE GENERATOR
Grounding the generator helps prevent electric shock from a ground fault condition. To ground the generator
you will need a ground wire and grounding stake. These are not supplied with the generator. The ground wire
should be a #8, stranded-copper wire. The grounding point should be copper or brass.
1. Locate the ground plug below the generator control panel (shown in Fig.1).
2. Attach a ground wire to the ground plug.
3. Drive the grounding point into the ground.
4. Attach the ground wire to the grounding point.
The generator should be grounded to a good ground source in compliance
with National Electric Codes standards and local regulations. In some areas,
generators are required to be registered with local utility companies.
WARNING: Use only grounded extension cords. Use only three wire or
double-insulated power tools.
WARNING: Do not use metal pipe that is being used to carry
combustible materials or gasses for the grounding point.
TO SELECT 240V
120V/240V AC
120V POWER
GROUND PLUG
Fig.1

5
English
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPT (GFCI)
On HITACHI generator models (E43, E60, E71), all 20 Amp receptacles are protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI). The GFCI shuts off the power to the receptacle when
it senses small imbalances caused by current leakage to the ground.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
Repairs should be conducted only by a Hitachi authorized service center.
USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD
Use only three-wire extension cords that have three-prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles
that accept your tool’s or appliance’s plug. Replace or repair damaged cord.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy
enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. Be sure to choose a cord that will supply enough voltage to
operate your tool or appliance. The tables below indicate appropriate guage for extension cords and the
voltage drop caused by the use of extension cords, given different electrical loads.
CAUTION: Each GFCI should be tested for proper operation every time the
generator is used.
TO TEST A GFCI:
Start the generator. Turn the idle control switch (Fig.10-H) off. (See page10 for control
panel layout information.) Push in the TEST button on the receptacle. The RESET button
will pop out. Power is now off at the receptacle. If the RESET button does not pop out, the
GFCI is not working.
Do not run generator until the problem can be corrected. To restore power to receptacle,
push the RESET button in. If the RESET button pops out during operation, stop the
generator and check the generator and equipment for defects.
MINIMUM GAGE FOR CORD SETS
Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet (Meter)
120V 0 – 25 26 – 50 51 – 100 101 – 150
(0 – 7.6) (7.9 – 15.2) (15.5 – 30.5) (30.8 – 45.7)
240V 0 – 50 51 – 100 101 – 200 201 – 300
(0 – 15.2) (15.5 – 30.5) (30.8 – 61.0) (61.3 – 91.5)
Ampere Rating AWG
More Not More
Than Than
0 – 10 16 16 14 14
10 – 13 16 16 14 12
13 – 16 14 14 12 12
16 – 25 12 12 12 10
25 – 30 10 10 10 Not Recommended
WARNING: Avoid electrical shock hazard. Never use this generator with a damaged or frayed electrical
cord or extension cord.
Inspect all electrical cords regularly. Never use in or near water or in any environment where
electric shock is possible.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
AND
MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO
OTHER USERS
AND
OWNERS OF THIS GENERATOR!
Fig.2

6
English
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
NAME OF PARTS
MODEL E43 / MODEL E60 / MODEL E71
HOOK COMP
FUELTANK CAP
FUEL GAUGE
CHOKE LOD
FUEL VALVE LEVER
AIR CLEANER
RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE
STAND
MAIN BREAKER
ENGINE SWITCH
IDLE CONTROL SWITCH
WHEEL
OIL FILLER CAP/DIP STICK
OIL DRAIN BOLT
NOTE: The information contained in this Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in the safe operation
and maintenance of the generator. Some illustrations in this Instruction Manual may show details or
attachments that differ from those on your own generator.
Fig.3

7
English
Model E43 E60 E71
GENERATOR
Rated AC Voltage V 120 / 240 120 / 240 120 / 240
Rated AC Current Amp 31.7 / 15.9 41.7 / 20.8 50.0 / 25.0
Rated AC Output VA 3800 5000 6000
Max Output VA 4300 6000 7100
Phase Single Single Single
Frequency Hz 60 60 60
ENGINE
Model GX240 GX340 GX390
Max Output bhp(kW) / 3600r/min 8 (5.9) 11 (8.1) 13 (9.6)
Fuel tank Capacity Gallons (Liters) 5 (18.9) 5 (18.9) 5 (18.9)
Recommended Fuel Unleaded Gasoline (86 Octane or higher)
Oil Capacity Quarts(Liters) 1.16 (1.1) 1.16 (1.1) 1.16 (1.1)
Recommended Oil SAE 10W-30 API SJ or SL
Spark Plug BPR6ES (NGK) or W20EPR-U(DENSO)
GENERAL
Starting system Recoil Recoil Recoil
Oil alert system Yes Yes Yes
Auto idol system Yes Yes Yes
Dimensions in. (mm) 26.0 x21.7 x20.7 (660 x550 x525 )
(Include Accessory) L xW xH 42.3 x29.4 x29.0 (1075 x746 x737 )
Dry weight lb (kg) 157 (71) 181 (82) 201 (91)
(Include Accessory) ( 198 (90) ) ( 223 (101) ) ( 243 (110) )
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSPORTING / STORAGE
ASSEMBLY
Transporting
Storage
Make sure that the generator storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust. Store the generator in dry,
well-ventilated area.
UNPACKING
After opening the lid of carton.
1. Remove all packaging material.
2. Remove Manual set (generator Instruction Manual, engine Owner’s Manual and spark plug wrench).
3. Remove separate accessory box.
4. Remove generator from the open carton.
CAUTION: Units are heavy. Observe safe lifting procedures when transporting.
Before transporting generator, it is important to turn off both the engine switch and the fuel
petcock. Keep generator level at all times to prevent fuel spillage. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel
may ignite.
CAUTION: The generator is too heavy to be lifted by one person. Obtain assistance from others before
you try to move it. Otherwise, Serious injury can result from attempting to lift too heavy an
object.
WARNING: Contact with a hot engine or exhaust system can cause serious burns or fire.
Let the engine and muffler cool before transporting the generator.
WARNING: Contact with a hot engine or exhaust system can cause serious burns or fires.
Let the engine and muffler cool before storing the generator.
NOTE: Install the wheel kit before adding gasoline or engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. If you are
installing accessories after running the generator, be sure that the gas tank is empty, and that the
fuel petcock is turned to the off position, that is, horizontal to the ground. Be sure that the oil is
drained from the engine.

8
English
LONG BOLT
HOOK STAY
LONG BOLT
HANDLE COMP
HANDLE STAY
SHORT BOLT
STAND
SHAFT COMP WASHER
WHEEL
R-PIN
SHORT BOLT
HOOK STAY
LONG BOLT
HOOK COMP
HANDLE COMP (RIGHT) STAND – 2pcs
HANDLE COMP (LEFT) SHAFT COMP
HANDLE STAY – 2pcs WHEEL – 2pcs
HOOK COMP WASHER – 2pcs
HOOK STAY – 2pcs R-PIN –2pcs
LONG BOLT (M8-L18) –8pcs SHORT BOLT (M8-L14) –10pcs
ACCESSORY BOX
Check all contents.
ASSEMBLING THE WHEEL KIT
Tools Required ; 12mm wrench
1. Install the two WHEELS on the SHAFT COMP using the WASHERS and R-PINS.
A WASHER should make a convex side a WHEEL side • • • WHEEL assembly
2. Install the WHEEL assembly on the generator using the four M8 x L14mm SHORT-BOLTS.
3. Install the two STANDS on the under frame using the six M8 x L14mm SHORT-BOLTS.
ASSEMBLING HANDLE KIT
Tools Required ; 12mm wrench
1. Install the HANDLE COMP (RIGHT and LEFT) on the
generator upper frame using the HANDLE STAY and
the four M8 x L18mm LONG-BOLTS.
ASSEMBLING HOOK COMP KIT
Tools Required ; 12mm wrench
1. Position the HOOK COMP at the generator’s balance
point as shown Fig.5
2. Fit the end tabs of the HOOK STAY through the HOOK
COMP slots, and bolt the HOOK STAY to the HOOK
COMP using the four M8 x L18mm LONG-BOLTS and
tighten securely.
APPLICATIONS
Power source of electric appliances and tools.
PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATION
Before starting the generator, check the oil and fuel levels. Test the GFCI outlets as directed on page5 of this
manual. Be sure that the air cleaner is functioning. Follow the guidelines below when adding oil and fuel.
Fig.4
WARNING: HITACHI electronic controlled products should not be used with portable generators.
Irregular generator power could cause these products to fail.
Regarding other manufacturer's products, please contact the manufacturer to see if it is safe
to use the electronic controlled products with portable generators.
HOOK COMP
HANDLE
10.7 13.0 in
(270 330 mm)
Fig.5
LONG BOLT
NUT
HANDLE STAY
HANDLE COMP

9
English
ENGINE OIL
NOTE: There is no oil in the engine crankcase when the generator is shipped. You must add oil before
starting the engine. Check the oil level before each use with the generator on a level surface and the
engine stopped.
Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and
service life. Non-detergent and 2-stroke oils will damage the engine
and are not recommended. Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or
exceeds the requirements for API service classification SJ or SL.
Always check the API SERVICE label on the oil container to be sure
it includes the letters SJ or SL. SAE 10W- 30 is recommended for
general, all-temperature use. Other viscosities shown in Fig.6 may
be used when the average temperature in your area is within the
indicated range.
CHECKING THE OIL (Fig.7 AND 8)
1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
2. Check the oil level by inserting the dipstick into the filler neck
without screwing it in.
3. If the test shows no oil markings, the oil is low.
4. If the level is low, add the recommended oil to the upper mark on
the dipstick.
FUEL
HITACHI Model Quarts Liters
E43 1.16 1.10
E60 1.16 1.10
E71 1.16 1.10
OIL CAPACITY
HITACHI Model Gallons Liters
E43 5.0 18.9
E60 5.0 18.9
E71 5.0 18.9
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
NOTE: If the oil level is too low, the oil alert
system will shutdown the engine and
prevent engine from restarting.
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and its vapor is explosive. To prevent fire or explosion, follow the
guidelines below:
• Keep fuel out of the reach of children.
• Refuel the generator in well-ventilated area. Do not refuel while engine is running or hot. Disconnect all
electrical loads and shut off the engine before refueling.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel vapors to expand. If you overfill the tank, fuel can
overflow onto the hot engine. This can cause fire or explosion. After refueling, tightly close the fuel tank cap.
• Do not spill fuel. Fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If fuel spills, make sure that the area is dry before starting
the engine.
• Never smoke in the refueling area. Never allow open flames or sparks in area.
• Store fuel in an approved container. Store fuel in a well ventilated area free of open flames or sparks.
Check the fuel gauge located on the top of the generator near the
fuel tank and refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to
avoid spilling fuel. Do not fill above the shoulder of the fuel strainer
(Fig.9).
Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
The Honda engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline.
Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits
and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated
gasoline. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
Always keep the fuel strainer in place while refueling.
FUEL STRAINER
UPPER LEVEL
(STRAINER SHOULDER)
Fig.7
Fig.8
Fig.9
Fig.6

10
English
OXYGENENATED FUELS
Some conventional gasolines are blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively
referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use
oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirements. Before
using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/provinces required this information to be
posted on the pump. The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates:
Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name “Gasohol.”
MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.
Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by
volume as long as it also contains co solvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline
containing more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also
damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the generator or your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.
NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing
more than the percentages of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under warranty.
Refer to Fig.10 on page10 for layout of generator
control panels.
ENGINE ON/OFF SWITCH
The engine switch (A) must be in the on position
to start. To stop the engine, place switch in the off
position. See the section titled “OPERATION”
beginning on page11 of this manual for complete
starting and stopping instructions.
MAIN BREAKER
The main breaker (B) protects the alternator.
Overloading the generator will trip the main circuit
breaker. A short circuit in an electrical device
being powered can also trip the main circuit
breaker. If the main breaker trips, disconnect the
electrical loads from all receptacles. Push the
circuit breaker switch to the on position. If the
main breaker turns to the off position when no
electrical loads are connected, see a service
technician.
Fig.10 : CONTROL PANEL LAYOUTS
A. Engine On/Off Switch
B. Main Breaker
C. Individual Thermal Breakers
D. GFCI Duplex Receptacles (120V)
E. Twist-Lock Receptacles (120V/240V)
F. Twist-Lock Receptacles (120V)
G. Voltage Selector Switch
H. Idle Control Switch
CONTROL PANEL
DCCHAB
G
C
D
C
F
D
E
G
E
F
DCCCHAB
F
C
F
D
G
E
DCCCHAB
F
Fig.10
E43
E60
E71