These Frequently Asked Questions are a supplement to the Owner's Manual and Safety Instructions. Please review the
Owner's Manual for safety warnings and precautions, and assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning
procedures.
It depends on how many devices you want to power and their power needs. For more details, see our
Generator Selector
Initial Preparation for Both Electronic and Manual Start
- Perform preventative maintenance, disconnect all electrical plugs, and add oil to engine crankcase. Open
fuel valve (underneath the fuel tank) and fill the fuel tank with the appropriate fuel (i.e.,
fuel-stabilizer treated gasoline; connecting your LP tank; connecting to your NG source) and turn the
Fuel Selector Switch to the respective fuel. Push the Engine / Battery Switch to RUN.
If you’re starting the generator remotely:
- Ensure the battery is fully charged, then slowly press the 2X button on your remote control twice.
- Let the engine run for 60 seconds and then plug in your devices.
If you’re starting the generator electronically:
- Ensure the battery is fully charged, then slowly press the ENGINE START STOP button twice.
- Let the engine run for 60 seconds and then plug in your devices.
If you’re starting the generator manually:
- Pull the Starter rope until there is some resistance.
- Let the rope retract and then pull the rope quickly.
- Repeat rope pulling process as necessary until the engine starts.
- Let the engine run for 60 seconds, then plug in your devices.
The Generator should be connected to a ½” NPT natural gas supply connection. Additionally, the supply pressure
should be between 5-9 WC (1.2-2.24 Kpa) and can supply a flow rate up to 125000 BTU/hr. The Generator should
not be connected to a commercial gas supply, or any supply that generates
higher than the recommended supply
pressure. Such higher pressures may require natural gas distribution system modification by your utility.
We offer a
25 ft. Natural Gas Hose
Kit to connect the Generator to a natural gas supply. This kit provides a ½”
NPT x ½” flare adapter to connect from your ½” natural gas shutoff valve to the threaded end of the supply hose.
The other end of the hose has a quick-connect fitting to make the connection to your generator. Refer to the
connection diagram in the Natural Gas Hose Kit for specific installation guidelines.
During the initial start, and any time the Generator is disconnected and reconnected to natural gas, it may take
multiple attempts to start the Generator as it purges the air in the supply hose. If you continue to experience
issues with starting the Generator, consult the troubleshooting guide in your Owner’s Manual.
When running your 13,000 Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator on LP, we recommend a 40 lb. tank or larger. Smaller
LP tanks are more likely to develop frost on the tank, which may result in reduced performance. Also, larger LP
tanks will provide longer runtime.
The Tri-Fuel Portable Generator includes an LPG/Propane attachment kit. Connect the regulator end of the LP
attachment kit to an LP tank and connect the quick-connect end to the LP/NG Inlet on the Generator. Place the
tank as far away from the generator as the hose allows (and no less than 5 feet) and away from engine exhaust.
Do not place the tank above the generator.
To start the Generator, select Propane on the Fuel Selector Switch on the generator control panel. Slowly open
the valve on the LP tank, then follow the procedure for manual, electric, or remote starting.
If your generator is running, however you notice some issues such as (but not limited to) the RPM going
up-and-down or the engine making revving noises, there are maintenance tasks you can perform. Confirm all parts
of the generator (see manual for components / controls detail) are clean and in good working order, paying
special attention to the carburetor and throttle / governor linkage (connected to the carburetor). Clean any
debris from the governor spring, air intake and cooling areas. If the unit has been stored with fuel but without
a
fuel stabilizer, the carburetor may
need to be cleaned. Ensure the generator has fresh fuel in the fuel tank
and that the spark plug is in good condition. If problems persist, call our generator customer service at
888-866-5797.
Generators with a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor can shut down the generator if carbon monoxide accumulates. Always
ensure you are running the generator outside and away from enclosed spaces, also be sure the exhaust is not
pointed into the wind; using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a poison you cannot see or smell. NEVER use inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors and windows are
open. The carbon monoxide sensor is an additional layer of protection only.
Do not use the generator in any area
or situation that will allow carbon monoxide to accumulate (e.g., enclosed, poorly circulated areas). See manual
for further details.
Some generators will shut down if the oil level is low because they are equipped with a low oil level shutdown
mechanism to prevent damage. Check the oil level and if it is low, change and refill with fresh oil according to
the owner’s manual.
Another cause of a portable generator shutting down may be that it is overloaded. Most devices have a power
rating on them indicating how many amps they will draw. Add up the number of amps for all devices you are trying
to power, and make sure this number does not exceed the maximum amps the generator can provide. See product
manual for further details.
If you plan to store your generator for a few months, you should add a
fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline in
the
fuel tank. Be sure to turn off the fuel supply at the fuel tank and drain any fuel from the carburetor (see
manual for further details). It is a good idea to take care of any upcoming maintenance items, such as oil
change, air filter cleaning and spark plug check/replacement. If you think your generator might be in storage
for more than a few months, it is advisable to drain the fuel from the fuel tank as well.
Generally, operating a generator at an altitude over 3,000 feet requires installation of a high-altitude kit. A
high-altitude kit changes the amount of fuel delivered to the engine to maintain the optimal air/fuel ratio.
Operating a generator at high altitude without a high-altitude kit installed may make it difficult to start the
generator. The generator may also run roughly, not start high-powered loads, or cause the spark plug and/or
spark arrestor not to function properly, requiring more frequent maintenance or replacement. If the generator
that you purchased from Harbor Freight did not come with a high-altitude kit, Harbor Freight offers it as a
service part. Please call 1-800-444-3353 for assistance.
Installation of a high-altitude kit involves modification of the generator’s fuel system and should be performed
by a qualified mechanic. Improper installation of a high-altitude kit can lead to fuel leakage and present a
fire