MQP20P STANDBY GENERATOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #1 (11/28/11) — PAGE 25
INSPECTION/SETUP
COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE/SUMMER COOLANT)
Perkins recommends antifreeze/summer coolant, for use in
their engines, which can be purchased in concentrate (and
mixed with 50% demineralized water) or pre-diluted. See the
Perkins Engine Owner’s Manual for further details.
The engine coolant capacity is 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters).
OPERATION IN FREEZING WEATHER
When operating in freezing weather, be certain the proper
amount of antifreeze (Table 10) has been added.
CLEANING THE RADIATOR
The engine may overheat if the radiator fins become
overloaded with dust or debris. Periodically clean the
radiator fins with compressed air. Cleaning inside the
machine is dangerous, so clean only with the engine turned
off and the negative battery terminal disconnected.
AIR CLEANER
Periodic cleaning/replacement is necessary. Inspect it in
accordance with the Perkins Engine Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
If adding coolant/antifreeze mix to the
radiator, do not remove the radiator cap
until the unit has completely cooled. The
possibility of hot coolant exists which can
cause severe burns.
Table 10. Anti-Freeze Operating Temperatures
Vol %
Anti-
Freeze
Freezing Point Boiling Point
°C °F °C °F
50 -37 -34 108 226
NOTICE
When the antifreeze is mixed with water, the antifreeze
mixing ratio must be less than 50%.
FAN BELT TENSION
A slack fan belt may contribute to overheating, or to
insufficient charging of the battery. Inspect the fan belt for
damage and wear and adjust it in accordance with the
Perkins Engine Owner’s Manual.
The fan belt tension is proper if the fan belt bends 10 to
15 mm (Figure 12) when depressed with the thumb as
shown below.
Figure 12. Fan Belt Tension
BATTERY
This unit is of negative ground. DO NOT connect in reverse.
Always maintain battery fluid level between the specified
marks. DO NOT over fill. Battery life will be shortened if
the fluid level is not properly maintained. Add only distilled
water when replenishment is necessary.
Check to see whether the battery cables are loose. Poor
contact may result in poor starting or malfunction. Always
keep the terminals firmly tightened. Coat the terminals with
an approved battery terminal treatment compound. Replace
battery with only recommended type battery.
The battery is sufficiently charged if the specific gravity
of the battery fluid is 1.28 (at 68° F). If the specific gravity
should fall to 1.245 or lower, the battery is dead and needs
to be recharged or replaced.
Before charging the battery with an external electric source,
be sure to disconnect the battery cables.
CAUTION
NEVER place hands near the belts or fan
while the generator is running.
