Powerhorse 83171 User manual

M83171A.1
Owner’s Manual
Instructions for Installation/Set-up, Operation, Servicing, & Storage
Portable, Outdoor Use-Only, Gasoline Generator
Item #83171 –3,700 Watt Continuous (4,500 Watt Surge) Capacity
Can be used to power individual appliances plugged directly into the generator’s outlets, or as a back-up
connection to a building’s power supply (via a professionally installed UL-listed transfer switch).
WARNING
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using the generator! Failure to properly set up, operate, and
maintain this generator could result in serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock,
fire/explosion, or burns. In particular, be aware of the followinghazards:
CO Poisoning
Generators give off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it.
• ONLY run generator OUTDOORS and AWAY from building air intakes. NEVER run generator inside any enclosed or semi-enclosed
spaces, including homes, basements, garages, sheds, boxes, RVs, boats or pick-up truck beds. These spaces can trap poisonous
gases, EVEN if you run a fan or open windows.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms inside nearby structures/buildings (battery-operated, or plug-in with battery backup).
Electric shock / Electrocution
• High voltage electricity from generator can kill. DO NOT operate in wet locations. Be sure generator is properly grounded. Use only
UL-listed, outdoor-rated grounded extension cords of proper size.
• NEVER plug the generator directly into a wall outlet. ANY connection to a building’s electrical system MUST ISOLATE THE
GENERATOR FROM UTILITY POWER via a UL-listed transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Otherwise, back feed from
the generator into the power grid could kill utility workers.
Fire / Explosion
• DO NOT overload generator (per rated capacity), and OPERATE ONLY in an area with adequate cooling ventilation so engine does
not overheat. Exhaust can be extremely hot. Keep muffler at least 7 feet from all combustible objects.
• All fuels are flammable. Never fuel a running or hot engine. Never pump fuel directly into generator at gas station –use approved
container to transfer fuel. Ensure there are no fuel leaks, and keep sources of sparks and flames away.
• ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher rated “ABC” nearby.
STOP!
CHOOSE THE RIGHT GENERATOR FOR YOUR NEEDS. See the “Power Load Planning & Management” section of this manual to
determine your power load requirements and then compare to the generator’s rated capacity.
INSPECT COMPONENTS: Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged. See the “Unpacking & Delivery
Inspection” section for instructions on whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.
ARRANGE FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION of a transfer switch if you will be connecting the generator to your building’s
electrical system. See the “Installation/Initial Set-Up” section for more information about this requirement.
ADD ENGINE OIL: Engine is shipped without oil. See engine section of this manual for instructions on capacity and viscosity
recommendations.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems, or Parts Orders
Call Powerhorse Product Support 1-866-443-2576
ITEM NUMBER: 83171
SERIAL NUMBER:

2
Hazard Signal Word Definitions

Table of Contents
3
Hazard Signal Word Definitions .................................................................................................................. 2
About Your Generator..................................................................................................................................4
Specifications ...............................................................................................................................................6
Safety Label Locations ................................................................................................................................7
Machine Component Identification.............................................................................................................9
Installation / Initial Set-Up:
1. Unpacking & Delivery Inspection.......................................................................................................... 11
2. Planning the Power Load ..................................................................................................................... 11
3. Set-up as a BUILDING BACK-UP or PORTABLE Power Source.........................................................14
4. Selecting a Suitable Site.......................................................................................................................16
5. Grounding the Generator .....................................................................................................................18
Operation:
1.General Safety Rules for Operation .............................................................................................19
2.Preparing for Operation ..............................................................................................................22
3.Starting the Engine...............................................................................................................................25
4.Checking Generator Output ................................................................................................................. 26
5.Connecting Loads......................................................................................................................27
6.Stopping the Engine..................................................................................................................27
7.Storage & Exercise ...................................................................................................................28
Maintenance & Repair................................................................................................................................ 30
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................... 35
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation ........................................................................36
Engine Operation..............................................................................................................................40
Exploded Views........................................................................................................................................... 46
Warranty.......................................................................................................................................................52

4
About Your Generator
Thank you for purchasing your Powerhorse portable generator!
About Your Generator
This engine-driven, portable inverter generator is designed to provide up to 4,500 Watts of
electrical power (3,700 watts continuous, 4,500 watts surge).
It can supply power:
1. As a portable power source. You can plug appliances directly into the generator’s electrical
outlets.
2. As a back-up, standby power source for a building. A licensed electrician can connect the
generator to your building’s electrical system via the installation of an UL-listed transfer switch.
(See the “Installation & Initial Set-up” section of this manual to learn more about specific
requirements and precautions relating to wiring the generator to your building’s electrical system.)
You must select a generator adequately sized for your power needs. You need to determine the
power needs of all the appliances/tools you wish to power at the same time and choose a generator
rated to provide at least that power level. See the “Planning the Power Load” section of this manual to
determine your specific power load requirements and then compare them to this generator’s rated
capacity. You must not overload the generator. Overloading will cause damage to the generator and
attached electrical devices, and may also result infire.
Be sure to read about site selection and grounding requirements for running this generator. More
detailed information can be found in the “Installation & Initial Set-up, Steps 4 & 5” of thismanual.
Contact Powerhorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576 with questions about optional
accessories or to order parts.
Read this Manual
WARNING
Improper use or maintenance of this generator can result in serious injury or death from carbon
monoxide poisoning, electric shock/electrocution, fire/explosion, or burns.
Read this manual completely before using the generator and follow all instructions and safety
rules.
You must follow all instructions and safety precautions presented throughout this manual. A summary of
important safety information can be found at the end of the manual. Keep this manual for reference and
review.

5
Proper preparation, operation, and maintenance will result in operator safety, as well as best
performance and long life of the generator. For detailed engine operation and maintenance information,
always refer to the engine section of this manual.
Powerhorse is constantly improving its products. The specifications outlined herein are subject to
change without prior notice or obligation. The purchaser and/or user shall assume liability for any
modification and/or alterations of this equipment from original design and manufacture.
Before using, the user shall determine the suitability of this product for its intended use and assumes
liability therein.
Contact Powerhorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576 for any questions about the appropriate
use of this generator.
Warranty Registration
Please fill in the warranty registration information and have it on hand when you call in on a warranty
claim or replacement parts.
ATTENTION:
All Rental Companies and Private Owners who loan this equipment to
others!
All persons to whom you rent/loan this generator must have access to and read this manual. Keep this
owner’s manual with the generator at all times and advise all persons who will operate the machine to
read it. You must also provide personal instruction on how to safely operate the generator and remain
available to answer any questions a renter/borrower mighthave.
About Your Generator (cont’d)

6
Specifications
Item Number
#83171
Maximum Output
4,500 Watts (W)
Continuous Output
3,700 Watts (W)
Voltage
120/240 Volt (V)
Phase
Single Phase
Frequency
60 Hertz (Hz)
Power Factor
1.0 p.f.
Run Time at 25% Load
15 Hours
Engine
224cc
Engine Speed
3600 RPM
Fuel Type
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
3.7 gallons (14L)
Oil Capacity
0.63 US quarts (0.6 L)
Starting Method
Recoil Start
120/240 Volt Receptacles
2 –20 Amp 120V duplex (NEMA 5-20R)
1 –30 Amp 120V locking (NEMA L5-30R)
1 –30 Amp 120/240V locking (NEMA L14-30R)
12 Volt Receptacles
1 –8 Amp 12V
AC Circuit Breakers
2 –30 Amp (A) thermal, push to reset
1 –20 Amp (A) thermal, push to reset
DC Circuit Breakers
1 –8 Amp (A) thermal, push to reset
Dimensions
Length
21.06in.
Width
20.47in.
Height
21.46in.
Dry Weight
90.4 lbs.

7
Safety Label Locations
14
Ref. #
Part #
Description
Qty.
1
801767
Recoil Decal
1
2
793048
Air Filter Decal
1
3
795119
Choke Decal
1
4
795135
Starting Instruction Decal
1
5
795126
Shock/Fire Decal
1
6
795124
Ethanol Decal
1
7
795127
CPSC Decal
1
8
795123
Fire & Overheating Warning
1
9
782633
Low Oil Decal
1
10
801881
4500W Nameplate
1
11
790852
Burn Warning Decal
2
12
801766
Powerhorse Tank Decal
1
13
782629
Oil Level Decal
1
14
801764
Control Panel Decal
1
15
801765
Branding Decal
1
16
N/A
CARB Decal
1
Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or
not legible, order new labels or unsafe operation couldresult.
To order replacement safety labels, call Powerhorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

8
Safety Label Locations
2
3
15
14
12
16
13
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
1

9
Machine Component Identification
7
9
10
5
8
3
2
6
4
11
1
Reference
Description
Reference
Description
1
Air Cleaner
8
Control Panel
2
Recoil Starter Grip
9
Oil Fill
3
Fuel Valve
10
Oil Drain Plug
4
Gas Tank
11
ON / OFF Switch
5
Gas Cap
6
Vibration Isolation Mount
7
Muffler
REFERENCE GUIDE
Reference 1 –Air Cleaner
Filter element that removes particles from incoming air. See the engine section of
this manual for maintenance and replacement.
Reference 2 –Recoil Starter Grip
Grasp firmly when manually starting engine to engage the engine cranking.
Reference 3 –Fuel Valve
ON / OFF valve to control the fuel flow into the engine. Located on the left side of
the recoil. ALWAYS keep valve closed when the generator is not in use.
Reference 4 –Gas Tank
A large tank that allows for extended run capabilities. ALWAYS allow room for
gasoline expansion by not filling the gas tankcompletely.
Reference 5 –Gas Cap
The gas cap is extra-large, creating a large hole for refilling and has a comfortable
grip.
Reference 6 –Vibration Isolation Mount
The engine and generator head are mounted on rubber mounts that absorb most of
the engine vibration. This feature eliminates the tendency of the machine to “walk”
while engine is running.
Reference 7 - Muffler
An acoustic device installed onto the exhaust system that is designed to reduce
noise. The outlet also includes a spark arrester.
Reference 8 –Control Panel
An electrical device that contains receptacles, switches and other electrical devices.
Reference 9 –Oil Fill
Cap with dipstick for checking oil level. Also provides access port to filloil.
Reference 10 –Oil Drain Plug
Bolt located on the engine crankcase that allows oil to be drained.
Reference 11 –Engine Switch
ON / OFF switch. Switch must be ON for the generator to run, turn the switch OFF to
stop the generator.

10
Machine Component Identification
8
9 12
14
1 3 6 2 11
13 4 5
10
7
Ref. #
Description
Qty.
1
120/240V, 30A Locking Receptacle (NEMA L14-30R)
1
2
120V, 20A Duplex Receptacle (NEMA 5-20R)
2
3
120V, 30A Locking Receptacle (NEMA L5-30R)
1
4
Grounding Post
2
5
Circuit Breaker, 30A
2
6
Circuit Breaker, 20A
1
7
Full Power Switch
1
8
12V DC, 8A Receptacle
1
9
Circuit Breaker, 8A, 12V DC
1
10
Status LED
1
11
Engine Switch
1
12
Eco Throttle
1
13
USB
1
14
Parallel port
3