Content Source: Polaris Power® P5500 and P6500 Owner’s Manual (9931064 R02) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning the Generator

WARNING
Never pour water directly onto the generator or wash it with water. Contact with water could result in severe shock or electrocution. Keep generator dry and away from all sources of moisture.
To clean the generator, wipe down with a dry shop rag. Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing.
If an informational or graphic label becomes illegible or comes off, contact your POLARIS dealer to procure a replacement. Replacement safety labels are provided by POLARIS at no charge.

Storage Preparation

WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive and can cause serious injury. Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Only handle fuel outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.
Long-term storage of the generator will require some additional preventative measures to guard against deterioration. If fuel is kept in the generator, run the engine for at least 30 minutes each month to ensure an easy start during the next operation. Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust.
  1. If the generator will be stored with fuel, add fuel stabilizer. See Stabilizing the Fuel.
  2. If the generator will be stored dry of fuel, drain all fuel and fog the engine prior to storage. See Draining the Fuel and Fogging the Engine.
  3. Change engine oil. See Oil Change.
  4. Remove battery and store in cool, dry location. Use a battery trickle charger to maintain battery charge.
  5. Clean exterior of the generator with a clean, dry cloth.
    WARNING
    Do not pour water directly on to the generator or wash it with water.
  6. Turn fuel valve switch to OFF.

Accessing the Fuel Tank

  1. Remove the fuel tank cap .
  2. Remove debris as needed.
  3. When maintenance is complete, re-install the fuel tank strainer into the fuel tank.
  4. Securely tighten the fuel tank cap.

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Stabilizing the Fuel

WARNING
A hot engine or exhaust system can cause severe burns and ignite flammable material. Ensure adequate time for cooling before storage or transportation.
This procedure applies if keeping gasoline in fuel tank during storage. Drain the carburetor bowl prior to any storage period longer than 30 days. See Lubricants and Fluids for suitable fuel stabilizer.
  1. Access the fuel tank.
  2. Add a suitable fuel stabilizer.

Draining the Fuel

WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive and can cause serious injury or death. Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately. Do not spill fuel when draining the fuel tank. Spilled fuel is a fire hazard, causes environmental damage, and can cause damage to paint and plastic. Wipe up spills immediately.
Perform this procedure if fuel will NOT be kept in the fuel tank during storage or before transportation.

Gas Tank

  1. Access the fuel tank and remove the gas cap .
  2. Empty fuel tank into an approved gasoline container. Polaris recommends using a commercially available gasoline hand pump to empty the tank. Do not use an electric pump.
  3. Re-install gas cap onto the tank and securely tighten.
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Fuel Valve

  1. Access the fuel drain valve behind the control panel.
  2. Turn fuel valve switch to ON and then remove the fuel valve drain screw .
  3. Drain the gasoline from the valve and into a suitable container.
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Carburetor

  1. Access the carburetor behind the air box near the front of the generator.
  2. Remove the carburetor drain screw .
  3. Drain the gasoline from the carburetor into a suitable container.
  4. Re-install drain screw.
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Fogging the Engine

  1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  2. Remove the spark plug cap .
  3. Using the provided park plug wrench, remove the spark plug.
  4. Spray Polaris fogging oil into the cylinder. Crank the engine several revolutions to distribute the oil and then reinstall the spark plug.

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  1. Ensure that the spark plug sealing washer is in good condition and hand-tighten the spark plug to prevent cross-threading.
  2. Using a spark plug wrench, carefully tighten the spark plug. Torque the spark plug to specification, see Spark Plug Inspection.
  3. Slowly pull the starter grip until resistance is felt. At this point, the piston is coming up on its compression stroke and both the intake and exhaust valves are closed. Storing the engine in this position will help protect it from internal corrosion.
  4. Re-install the spark plug cap .
  5. Cover the generator and store indoors, in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Polaris Fogging Oil
(12 oz aerosol can)
Part Number: 2870791

Battery Storage

Recharge the battery once a month or use a trickle charger to maintain battery charge. See Battery Storage for additional instruction.

Storage Precautions

NOTICE
Do not store the generator outdoors in the cold weather when not in use.
  • Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any flame-operated appliance (i.e., furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer). Avoid areas containing a spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
  • Be sure storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust.
  • Place generator on a level surface. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
  • With the engine and exhaust system cooled, cover the generator to prevent dust contamination. Do not use a plastic sheet as a dust cover. Nonporous covers trap moisture around the generator, promoting rust and corrosion.
  • Position fuel tank cap vent lever to OFF to reduce leakage possibilities.

Removal from Storage

NOTICE
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
  1. Re-install battery. See Battery Installation.
  2. Perform all steps in the Pre-Operation Inspection. See Pre-Operation Inspection.
  3. If fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill tank with fresh gasoline. See Refueling. If gasoline is stored in a container, ensure the gasoline is fresh. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

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