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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Generator Storage

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djt

08-22-2007 10:17:43




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What is the best way to store a generator so it is ready when a storm hits? Is it better to drain gas or leave gas in and run every so often? Thanks for you help.
DJ




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Joseph Smyly

08-24-2007 17:11:47




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
I took a Briggs & Stratton class this summer in Wisconsin. This topic came up in class. They recommended that either (1) fill the tank full and add a stabilizer or (2) run it dry. Even with a stabilizer, I think that you are pushing your luck keeping gasoline more than six months - less if it is a warm season.

In warm weather you get more condensation and the water will corrode parts. Also, the gas eventually breaks down into various nasty distillates - due to all of the additives that are added now-a-days. This is what gums up your carb.

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bill mar

08-24-2007 17:10:02




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
converting to natural gas or propane is a surefire way to avoid gasoline going bad on you.very simple conversion on the small engines. here is a link

http://www.uscarburetion.com/



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kwright

08-24-2007 16:53:34




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
This is the routine I've used for ten years without a problem. In fact, as I write this, my home is being powered from my backup generator due to an overnight storm that took the power out. It's been running 18 hours now, without any problems, only one top-off of fuel.

Anyway...

I use Sta-bil in the fuel - always, as well as premium octane fuel. I've always used Mobil 1 oil, changing the oil and filter every other year.

I keep the fuel tank full when stored. Twice a year, Spring & Fall, I remove the fuel (use it in the cars), and replace the fuel with fresh. During the Spring & Fall fuel rotation, I also start the unit and run it for 10 minutes or so. During the 10 minutes of run time, I plug a drill into the unit and lock the trigger on to put a bit of a load on the electrical system.

This twice-a-year system works fine for me, the generator always starts within two pulls, even if it hasn't been run since the last fuel rotation.

I cover the unit, which is stored in the garage, with a gas grill cover - fits perfect.

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MarkB_MI

08-24-2007 03:50:10




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
I prefer to run my generator dry when I'm done using it. I only use it once a year at the most, and it might go a couple of years between uses. I don't know how long Stabil works, but sooner or later you're going to have problems if gas is left in the carb. If I happen to have a lot of fuel in the tank when I'm done, I'll just shut off the fuel and run the carburetor dry. But I prefer to run the tank completely dry.

I also give the fuel a healthy dose of Marvel Mystery Oil before I run it dry; the MMO seems to keep the valves from sticking which is a problem if the generator sits for very long.

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soundguy

08-23-2007 08:38:45




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
The best bet is to run it often, and keep the fuel fresh.

Soundguy



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Bus Driver

08-22-2007 17:29:00




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
I have one that was stored for over 10 years, started and ran fine. I ran ALL the gas out of it, stored it with fuel system dry. Changed the oil. Put a few drops of the engine oil in the spark plug hole and reinstalled the plug. Put cardboard box over the unit to help keep dust off it. That was it.



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JT

08-22-2007 16:54:36




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
Fill it up with gas, start and run it at least once a month for 5-10 minutes, do not use Stabil, that stuff costs a lot of people a lot of money, because it does not work all the time. I use Sea foam in my generator, use a non alchohol gas, and run it every 30-45 days. you need to put a drill on it at least every 90 days, becasue the generator may quit putting out electricity if it sits for a while and does not get any use, then you will have to flash it to get it charging again. As Buickanddeere suggested, get AV gas, then you need not worry about if the gas gets bad.

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kmiller

08-22-2007 19:31:18




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to JT, 08-22-2007 16:54:36  
Strange, I've had very good luck since I started using Sta-Bil in all my equipment. Before that, I was rebuilding carbs all the time, since I started using it I haven't had any problems in the least 3 or 4 years. Even so, you should still run it every month or so UNDER LOAD, to make sure it still works when you need it. Only keep enough fuel in it to run for 30 mins or so, then run it dry. The Sta-Bil will keep it from messing up the carb with the rest of the gas in the bowl, it won't all run out.

The same goes for mowers, edgers, weed eaters, anything with a gas motor - run it every month or so with fresh gas and you'll be fine.

Good luck!
Kerry

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Vern-MI

08-23-2007 12:48:06




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to kmiller, 08-22-2007 19:31:18  
I've had problems with Stabil. It seemed to plug everything up with a tan colored muck. Maybe it was the Mobil gas that I used. I have switched to Berryman's.



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JT

08-24-2007 13:29:29




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to Vern-MI, 08-23-2007 12:48:06  
Vern
Precisely what we find in these carbs that use Stabil. It leaves a substance that looks like tapioca, kinda of a brown goo. I use either Sea Foam or Briggs and Stratton stabilzer.



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Gerald J.

08-22-2007 13:59:29




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
I prefer it run dry after shutting off the fuel. Some would say the gas tank should be full so as the atmosphere heats and cools there is minimum space for air to vent and be inhaled so to minimize the addition of water from condensation.

I think it would be best to mix in Stabil and run the generator (under load if possible) to warm it up to normal operating temperature, then shut off the fuel valve and run it dry. There will always be a drop in the jets and that's where you want the Stabil.

A generator used for emergency and critical back up is run a half hour a week at hospitals and Emergency Operating Centers year round. Then the Stabil and running it dry isn't so critical, but its the industry accepted standard procedure to improve the odds of the generator working when needed.

Gerald J.

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buickanddeere

08-22-2007 10:52:07




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
I shut the gas off and run the carb dry. The other generator is used once a year for camping. It's filled with Av gas. Doesn't go stale and leave varnish or gum.



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GeneMO

08-22-2007 12:08:55




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to buickanddeere, 08-22-2007 10:52:07  
Will a Brigg and Straton run on AV gas OK?


Gene



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buickanddeere

08-22-2007 17:22:41




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to GeneMO, 08-22-2007 12:08:55  
Just fine. 100LL is overkill for octane but it's often the only stuff at the pumps. 80 LL aircraft is approx 89 pump octane and is fine if you can find the product. Amazing thing is 100LL around here costs within a few cents of 94 octane pump gas. And nothing extra is required to dump in with it so it keeps. For reasons unknown. We have three JD two cylinders with starting engines. They all prefer the 100LL ??? The one engine in particular is touchy on pump gas but a sweetheart on 100LL ?

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Mike M

08-22-2007 10:29:34




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 Re: Generator Storage in reply to djt, 08-22-2007 10:17:43  
The best ones are LP or natural gas then it doesn't go bad sitting.

If it has a drain to get it all out this may be ok otherwise use stabil and run it once in awhile and maybe every year or so if not used drain the gas and refill with fresh.



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