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Gas generator

1K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  A J 
#1 ·
First let me say just joined and great site for info here. Now my question: I was give a gasoline powered generator by my inlaws when they moved and have been starting it up once a month or so just to keep it in "running order." Any comments on how frequent you think this needs to be done or how long to run it once I start it? Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Main thing is to start & run it for about 5 minutes. Then put it under electrical load for another 5-10 minutes. If its a 240VAC generator you want to put it under a 240V load. Option is a 120V load under each leg.
There are two sections is the reason for this. The gasoline engine & the generator. You don't want to load down the engine when its cold. That is the reason for warming it up before applying the electrical load.
 
#4 ·
Just started my generators up yesterday, warmed them up for 5 min (per directions) and then plugged in a dual florescent 40watt fixture into each and let them run for about 45 min. Meant to run them for 15 minutes with load but got side tracked. I do this every two months and they always start easy and run without problems (so far). I change the oil in the 5500 once a year and change the oil in the Honda more often as it actually gets used quite a bit. Honda is the eu2000i and I really want to get the companion so I can plug them together.
 
#9 ·
I have 2 of the EU2000i's and have been using them for more than 10-12 years.

I don't exercise mine (except when we need power), but I store them without gas in the carburetor bowl and with fresh oil.

I do however take good care of them.
1) I only burn 100% gas in them with a 1oz/gal of SeaFoam gas stabilizer. (visit pure-gas dot org to find a station that sells zero ethanol gas)
2) After I use one of them, I drain the gas from the tank and carb bowl and then run it until it dies (to eliminate any varnish buildup).
3) I alternate which one I use each year.

Last year we used one of them 12 hours/day for 5 days during a power outage, (oil changed at the end). It burned less than 10 gallons of gasoline!

Hope this helps,
AJ

ps: I only burn non ethanol gas in all my small engines (snowblower, mower, snowmobile, chainsaw, weed eater ...), it has essentially eliminated my need to clean carburetors every couple years.
 
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