Generator usage and storage

This guide is to help you safely and comfortably use the generator. It describes the preparations, operations, and storage.

Using EF2000iS gasoline generator

Photo of a gasoline generator
caution mark

Basic startup
troubleshooting

Using gasoline generators

The following uses the EF2000iS as an example.

Photo of a gasoline generator

Cautions on use of
the generator

  • Do not use the generator inside where exhaust gas could accumulate.
  • Do not use the generator in areas with poor ventilation even if outside.

The generator releases exhaust gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur. It is very dangerous.

For safe use of the generator

01Before using the gasoline generator

This describes the preparations and precautions before use.

EF2000iS

The handling method may vary depending on the model.
For details, see the manual for the corresponding model.

  1. 1. Changing the frequency

    Photo of the EF2000iS

    Photo of the EF2000iS Frequency Selector Switch

    Set the frequency change switch to match the frequency of your electrical device.

  2. 2. Refueling with gasoline

    Photo of removing the fuel tank cap

    Photo of gasoline to the red level

    Photo of refueling the fuel tank with gasoline

    Remove the fuel tank cap and add gasoline to the red level.
    After refueling, firmly tighten the fuel tank cap.

    Use regular automotive gasoline. Refuel the engine when it is off.

  3. 3. Inspecting and replenishing the engine oil

    Photo of removing the rear oil plug cover

    Photo of removing the oil plug

    Photo of attaching the oil plug cover

    Place the generator horizontally, and remove the rear oil plug cover.
    Remove the oil plug and check whether the engine oil reaches the line (mouth of the oil inlet).
    If there is not enough oil, use an oil jug, etc., to add new oil up to the line.
    After checking/refilling the oil, firmly attach the oil plug, and then attach the oil plug cover.

    The generator is not shipped with engine oil. It must be purchased and added separately.
    Recommended oil: 4-stroke engine oil API classification SE or higher, SAE10W-30 or 10W-40

Before using the engine, thoroughly read this manual. Use the engine correctly.

  • Do not use the engine near flame sources, flammable objects, or dangerous objects.
  • Use it at least 1 m away from buildings and other machines.
  • Use the generator in a flat surface.
  • Do not use the generator in areas exposed to rain or water. There is a risk of electric shock.
  • The muffler area is hot during use and immediately after use. Do not touch it directly.

Cautions on use of
the generator

  • Do not use the generator inside where exhaust gas could accumulate.
  • Do not use the generator in areas with poor ventilation even if outside.

The generator releases exhaust gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur. It is very dangerous.

For safe use of the generator

02Operating the gasoline generator

The following describes the operations and precautions for the gasoline generator.

EF2000iS

The handling method may vary depending on the model.
For details, see the manual for the corresponding model.

  1. 1. Starting the engine

    • Photo of turning the fuel tank cap knob to ON

      STEP.1

      Turn the fuel tank cap knob to ON.

    • Photo of turning the fuel cock to ON

      STEP.2

      Turn the fuel cock to ON.

    • Photo of setting the economy switch to OFF

      STEP.3

      Set the economy switch to OFF.

    • Photo of choke knob

      STEP.4

      Pull the choke knob to put the generator in the start position.

    • Photo of setting the engine switch to ON

      STEP.5

      Set the engine switch to ON.

    • Photo of gently pulling the recoil starter handle

      STEP.6

      Gently pull the recoil until starter handle gets heavy, and then pull harder to start the engine. Hold down the generator with your hand (handle) to prevent the generator from tipping over. When letting the recoil starter handle return to its original position, do so slowly.

    • Photo of choke knob

      STEP.7

      When the engine rotation stabilizes, return the choke knob to its original position, and let the engine warm up in the drive position.

    • Photo of the output lamp lit

      STEP.8

      Confirm that the output lamp is lit.

    When starting the engine for the first time after purchase, you must pull the recoil starter handle several times to supply all parts of the drive system with fuel.
    If the engine does not start even if you pull the recoil starter handle several times, pull the handle after returning the choke knob to its original position.

  2. 2. Connecting electrical devices

    • Photo of setting the economy switch to ON

      STEP.1

      Set the economy switch to ON.
      * If you need to use electrical devices that require a lot of power to start, such as compressors, submersible pumps, etc., then set the economy switch to OFF.

    • Photo of plugging the electrical device into the outlet

      STEP.2

      Confirm that the power switch of the electrical device is set to OFF, and then plug the electrical device into the outlet.
      Turn on the power switch of the electrical device. Use the generator at or below its rated output.
      (E.g.) The rated output of the EF2000iS is 1.6 kVA (1600 W)

  3. 3. Stopping the engine

    • Photo of unplugging the electrical device from the outlet

      STEP.1

      Turn the electrical device off and unplug it from the outlet.

    • Photo of setting the engine switch to STOP

      STEP.2

      Set the engine switch to STOP to stop the engine.

    • Photo of turning the engine cock to the OFF position

      STEP.3

      Turn the engine cock to the OFF position.

    • Photo of turning the fuel tank cap knob to OFF

      STEP.4

      Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, turn the fuel tank cap knob to OFF.

Before using the engine, thoroughly read this manual. Use the engine correctly.

  • Do not use the engine near flame sources, flammable objects, or dangerous objects.
  • Use it at least 1 m away from buildings and other machines.
  • Use the generator in a flat surface.
  • Do not use the generator in areas exposed to rain or water. There is a risk of electric shock.
  • The muffler area is hot during use and immediately after use. Do not touch it directly.

Cautions on use of
the generator

  • Do not use the generator inside where exhaust gas could accumulate.
  • Do not use the generator in areas with poor ventilation even if outside.

The generator releases exhaust gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur. It is very dangerous.

For safe use of the generator

03Storing the gasoline generator

This describes the storage method and precautions for the gasoline generator.
If more than 3 months will elapse before the generator is used again, store it as follows.

EF2000iS

The handling method may vary depending on the model.
For details, see the manual for the corresponding model.

    • Photo of removing the fuel tank cap and strainer

      STEP.1

      Remove the fuel tank cap and strainer.

    • Photo of Using a commercial pump to remove the fuel

      STEP.2

      Use a commercial pump to remove the fuel. Once the fuel is removed, attach the strainer and fuel tank cap.

    • Photo of turning the fuel tank cap knob to ON

      STEP.3

      Turn the fuel tank cap knob to ON.

    • Photo of turning the fuel cock to ON

      STEP.4

      Turn the fuel cock to ON.

    • Photo of Setting the engine switch to ON

      STEP.5

      Set the engine switch to ON.

    • Photo of pulling the recoil starter handle

      STEP.6

      Pull the recoil starter handle to start the engine. Let the engine run briefly to burn off the remaining gasoline in the line. The engine will stop when the gasoline is depleted.

    • Photo of removing the screw on the back cover

      STEP.7

      Remove the screw on the back cover.

    • Photo of pulling the back cover outward to remove it

      STEP.8

      Pull the back cover outward to remove it.

    • Photo of loosening the drain screw with a Phillips screwdriver

      STEP.9

      Place a container below the carburetor drain pipe and loosen the drain screw with a Phillips screwdriver to release the gasoline in the carburetor. After releasing the gasoline, tighten the drain screw.

    • Photo of attaching the back cover

      STEP.10

      Attach the back cover.

    • Photo of tightening the screws スクリュを締め付ける写真

      STEP.11

      Tighten the screws.

    • Photo of setting the engine switch to STOP

      STEP.12

      Set the engine switch to STOP and the fuel cock to OFF.

    • Photo of turning the fuel tank cap knob to OFF

      STEP.13

      Turn the fuel tank cap knob to OFF.

    • Photo of the generator placed in a well-ventilated area

      STEP.14

      Confirm that the engine has sufficiently cooled, and then clean each part by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not wash the generator with water. Store the generator inside in a well ventilated area with low humidity.

    If the generator is stored for an extended period of time with gasoline in the carburetor, the gasoline will degrade, and the engine may not start.

Before using the engine, thoroughly read this manual. Use the engine correctly.

  • Do not use the engine near flame sources, flammable objects, or dangerous objects.
  • Use it at least 1 m away from buildings and other machines.
  • Use the generator in a flat surface.
  • Do not use the generator in areas exposed to rain or water. There is a risk of electric shock.
  • The muffler area is hot during use and immediately after use. Do not touch it directly.

Basic startup troubleshooting

The following covers common issues occurring immediately after purchase. For other issues, refer to the FAQ page.

Check01

Is the engine switch set to ON?

The engine will not start if the engine switch is in the STOP position.

* Some models have an AC switch, but this is not related to engine startup.
The AC switch is for starting or stopping the supply of electric power from the generator to devices through the outlet. It is not used to start the generator.

Check02

Does the engine have the specified amount of engine oil?

The Earth POWER series of generators has an oil warning device to protect the engine from damage. The oil warning device automatically stops the engine if the engine oil falls below the specified level, and it prevents restarting of the engine. You can restart the engine once the engine oil is at the specified level.

The engine oil amount varies by model. Refer to the manual.

Check03

Is the fuel cock set to ON?

Even if there is gasoline in the engine, if the fuel cock is OFF (closed), gasoline will not flow.

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