Generator storage: what do i use ?
#1
06-06-19, 02:58 PM
Generator storage: what do i use ?
We had to use our 5000 generac-generator- this last week for 12 hours .took us 30 minutes to get it started WAS FRESH GAS also. I drain the tank, when i get done with it 2- 10 years apart before i use it again.I just want it to start quicker and stay running. What would you put in the tank? so when fresh gas is put in it it would start a whole lot quicker. I'm 75 pullin that ropes a bummer- tips replies i read them all and thank you bob s in Michigan
#2
06-06-19, 03:49 PM
Member
I use Sta-bil Marine fuel stabilizer. Thing is, if you don't set it tuned up and run it for a few mins monthly, good luck. I heard that some older generac models had starting issues. You don't need much sta-bil... I put 1/4 oz in my 2 gal gas can every time I get gas in it, and I can leave it in my mower or snow blower off season and it starts right up. Don't know if you have gas without ethanol, but that may help.
#4
06-06-19, 05:30 PM
Group Moderator
After you get done draining the tank...... run the generator until it stalls.
This uses up what's left in the carburetor.
I rent generators. I never remove the gas. I use SeaFoam instead of StaBil. I turn the fuel valve off and run the generator until it stalls. Leaving the fuel in the carb causes it to gum up. The fresh fuel "can" loosen up the gum but not always. The carb on a generator is critical to good operation and stable power delivery.
This uses up what's left in the carburetor.
I rent generators. I never remove the gas. I use SeaFoam instead of StaBil. I turn the fuel valve off and run the generator until it stalls. Leaving the fuel in the carb causes it to gum up. The fresh fuel "can" loosen up the gum but not always. The carb on a generator is critical to good operation and stable power delivery.
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#5
06-06-19, 10:13 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Even running it until it stalls leaves some residual gas in the carb. Many carbs have a drain screw so that you can drain the last bit out. I highly recommend doing that or carb problems are likely. I also agree with using non-ethanol gas and a stabilizer and keeping the tank either full or empty and the vent closed if it has gas in it.
bsa_bob2
voted this post useful.
#6
06-07-19, 04:14 AM
Super Moderator
I would also recommend no-ethanol gas which here is our top grade premium fuel.
It is more costly than the other grades but well worth the price.
Stabilizer added in whatever amount the mfr recommends could also not hurt.
It is more costly than the other grades but well worth the price.
Stabilizer added in whatever amount the mfr recommends could also not hurt.
#7
06-07-19, 04:15 AM
The engine on a portable generator is only half of the device. What good is a portable generator if the engine starts but doesn't generate electricity when needed? The generator is a electro-mechanical device that should be tested (under load) periodically as well as the engine. Usually there are brushes (can stick in position) and voltage regulation that must operate to produce power. Insulation on wiring in the voltage regulator is high on the menu for mice. My suggestion is to test 4 times a year and prior to any bad storm forcast.
#8
06-07-19, 05:22 AM
I use Star Tron in my equipment fuel (genny, snowblower, lawnmower) I don't drain it off season but run them off season every month, the genny I run every 2 weeks or so usually.
#9
06-07-19, 07:41 AM
Group Moderator
Fuel stabilizers can only do so much. Gasoline will still deteriorate over time and the lighter volatile components of the fuel evaporate away making it more difficult to ignite. So, for really long term storage the only thing you can do is remove absolutely all fuel from the tank, fuel lines and carburetor. Avgas (aviation fuel) is a much higher grade of gasoline and has a much longer shelf life but I wouldn't even trust it in storage past two years.
#10
06-07-19, 11:13 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Good points above, I guess it depends on how long you intend to have it in storage. If it's possible to crank it up every other month or so, that's the best. If that's not likely to happen, it still should be cranked up once a year at least in order for the field to retain it's polarity. It may keep polarity after a few years, but it may not. It's possible to flash the field to regain polarity if it loses it, but that's not what you want to have to deal with in an emergency when you need the generator. Fuel won't keep indefinitely either, but if you have it sealed, vent closed, tank full, and non-ethanol fuel with stabilizer in a cool dark place, you can get away with a year.
#11
06-07-19, 02:27 PM
bought zero ethanol gas today~ and seafoam, Going to run it abit morein this next phase of "setting"around, as it does.Should get good resultsouta sight outa mind they say ; no more. thanks all for the great tips bob s:
#12
06-07-19, 02:34 PM
yes cheese i was wondering why many lights and such were going off and on, I thought i had done some damage to this generator.Once the street light came back on ,Everything was back to normal ~NO DAMAGED CIRCUITS- perfectly fine once power came back on.thanks all bob s
#13
06-08-19, 07:55 AM
So the Generator motor is not giving a steady voltage?,When i say lights were flickering off and on---in the house- in the garage- the generator was flickering-while running in.Even my shop 100 feet away was flickering bit. not serious but I did not no if i was going to have to repair a number of different circuits.It ran kinda "****ty" but then smoothed right out.
#14
06-08-19, 09:55 AM
Group Moderator
Specifically which generator do you have?
With most traditional type generators the voltage and frequency the generator produces is controlled by the engine's rpm's. If the engine is surging or not running smoothly it can cause the electricity produced to vary in voltage and frequency causing lights to pulse. I find this most noticeable with old fashioned incandescent light bulbs.
With most traditional type generators the voltage and frequency the generator produces is controlled by the engine's rpm's. If the engine is surging or not running smoothly it can cause the electricity produced to vary in voltage and frequency causing lights to pulse. I find this most noticeable with old fashioned incandescent light bulbs.
#15
06-08-19, 10:09 AM
Super Moderator
I can't stress enough that whenever you test run it that you put it under a substantial load.......75% of max if possible.
And, operate it for enough time that it gets good and warmed up.
Once you get the unit running good by doing this you will be getting the best service from it as possible.
Here, the test frequency for generators that are required by law is a minimum of monthly and it must be under load.
Our hospital is required to do it weekly under load also.
And, operate it for enough time that it gets good and warmed up.
Once you get the unit running good by doing this you will be getting the best service from it as possible.
Here, the test frequency for generators that are required by law is a minimum of monthly and it must be under load.
Our hospital is required to do it weekly under load also.
#16
06-09-19, 07:39 AM
Could there be a spark, ignition or timing issue here?
I have 1/16" hole drilled in air cleaner to spray starting fluid in. Even if gasoline is issue, engine should still kick.
Mine uses natural gas as fuel so starting fluid is added help.
I have 1/16" hole drilled in air cleaner to spray starting fluid in. Even if gasoline is issue, engine should still kick.
Mine uses natural gas as fuel so starting fluid is added help.
Last edited by doughess; 06-09-19 at 08:10 AM.
#17
06-09-19, 08:21 AM
I have a Generac 5500 i bought ...used 3 -4 times since the the big scare--When the world was going to shut down because of not having the right data to change EVERYTHING electrical..........or something like this. remember the general public thought they were going to lose everything from pc's.
My generator was sporadic in its running smoothly ~till the crud and build up finally cleaned out -went way......i woke up 2 hours later and it was running great and all the side impulses~~ i blinking lights had to call it.were all done .Its as you say and i now understand.thank you all for helping me out. Taking better care of the Gas i use now.Put a little seafoam in it also.
My generator was sporadic in its running smoothly ~till the crud and build up finally cleaned out -went way......i woke up 2 hours later and it was running great and all the side impulses~~ i blinking lights had to call it.were all done .Its as you say and i now understand.thank you all for helping me out. Taking better care of the Gas i use now.Put a little seafoam in it also.
