Cold Weather Operation - Craftsman 580.323300 Owner's Manual

COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below
40°F [4°C] combined with high humidity), your
Craftsman generator may experience icing of the
carburetor and/or the crankcase breather system. To
reduce this problem, you need to perform the following:
1. Make sure generator has clean, fresh fuel.
2. Open fuel valve (turn valve to open position).
3. Use SAE 5W-30 oil (synthetic preferred, see page 6).
4. Check oil level daily or after every eight (8) hours
of operation.
5. Change oil every 24 hours of operation.
6. Shelter unit from elements.
in an emergency, use the original shipping carton as a
temporary shelter:
7. Cut off all carton flaps.
8. Cut out one long side of carton to expose muffler
side of unit as shown. Ensure a minimum of two
feet clearance between open side of carton and
nearest object.
Wind
Muffler side exposed. Your unit may differ in
appearance from that shown above.
9. Cut appropriate slots to access receptacles of unit.
10. Start unit, then place carton over it.
NOTE: Remove carton when temperature is above
40°F [4°C].
For a more permanent shelter, build a structure that
will enclose three sides and the top of the generator.
7. Make sure entire muffler-side of generator is
exposed, as shown previously.
8. Ensure a minimum of two feet clearance between
open side of structure and nearest object.
9. Face exposed end away from wind and elements.
10. Structure should hold enough heat created by the
generator to prevent icing problem.
11. Start and run engine outdoors.
12. DO NOT start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
13. DO NOT enclose generator any more than shown.
14. Remove shelter when temperatures are above
40°F [4°C].
15. Turn engine OFF and let cool two (2) minutes
before refueling.
DANGER
Operate generator ONLY outdoors,
Keep at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of
generator for adequate ventilation,
DO NOT operate generator inside any building or
enclosure, including the generator compartment of a
recreational vehicle (RV),
Remove generator from shelter when temperature is
above 40°F [4°C].