Hercules G-1600 — New Equipment Service and Initial Starting
Operation · engine
For the Hercules G-1600, from the Hercules service manual.
Before you start
- Loose bars, tools and parts could cause serious engine damage or bodily injury.
- Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time.
Procedure
- Visually inspect engine for loose bolts, nuts, and screws.
- Check no loose bars, tools, or parts are on the engine.
- Remove all plugs, caps, covers, and tape from engine, fuel tank, and electrical equipment openings.
- Check electrical system for loose connections and secure mounting.
- Check lubrication of accessories and air cleaner condition.
- Fill cooling system with clean water and rust inhibitor or antifreeze below freezing.
- Remove paper between pulleys and belts; adjust fan belt tension to 3/4 inch deflection per foot of span.
- Drain preservative oil from fuel system and check fuel supply lines.
- Fill fuel tank with gasoline of 85 octane minimum (motor method).
- Drain crankcase, replace oil filter element, and fill to FULL mark; add 1 quart of oil for the filter.
- Tag and disconnect spark plug wires, remove spark plugs, squirt a teaspoon of oil into each hole, and crank until oil pressure reads about 10 psi.
- Reinstall spark plugs and connect cables.
- Close manual choke and open throttle about half way; if below 32°F refer to cold weather starting.
- Do not crank more than 15 seconds at a time; allow starter to cool 1 minute between cranking.
- Turn ignition ON and crank; run several minutes before applying load.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Fan belt deflection approx. 3/4 inch per foot of belt span
- Oil pressure about 10 psi during cranking
Source: Hercules service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.