Should I let my generator run out of gas to store it?
Timbo813 asked:
I have a Honda EU3000 Generator. I bought the generator for the yearly hurricane season after losing power for a week in 2004. I’ve only needed it a few times since. Because we haven’t lost power in over a year, the generator went unused. It wouldn’t start a couple of weeks ago, so I had to take it to the shop, where they cleaned the carburetor that was clogged from old gas.
I have a Honda EU3000 Generator. I bought the generator for the yearly hurricane season after losing power for a week in 2004. I’ve only needed it a few times since. Because we haven’t lost power in over a year, the generator went unused. It wouldn’t start a couple of weeks ago, so I had to take it to the shop, where they cleaned the carburetor that was clogged from old gas.
I know I can put “stabilizer” or other type gas treatments in before I store it again for the winter, but would it be better to run it till it ran out of gas and just store it like that? I’ve read a couple of forums that recommend much more mechanical stuff that I really want to do, such as draining parts of the carb, removing spark plug, etc.
My goal is to start it up every 3 months or so. So any advice on the best way to store it in between those months is appreciated.
Alden
February 26th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Houston
Turn the fuel off and run it out of fuel. You can either store the generator with a full tank or bone dry – not half a tank as it will make condesation.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Hyo
It’s best to completely drain the tank and run the generator until all the gas is burned up. Stale gas is the least of your problems, a gummed up carburetor may be the result of leaving gas all winter. You can get a real cheap hand syphon to do the trick:
Alternatively, drain all but a cup of gasoline, as=dd the stabilizer and run it until empty. This will prevent carburetor gum up.
March 1st, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Dawne
You should run the generator at least once every three months, more frequently if possible. Place it under load to ensure everything works properly. This will prevent fuel from gumming up the carburetor and give you an opportunity to perform repairs if needed prior to an emergency.
I always mix fuel stabilizer in gas cans when they are filled. The fuel is good for about a year after which time I’ll use whatever is left in my car. When finished running the engine, unplug everything and let the engine run for a few minutes to help it cool down. Then turn off the gas supply and let it run dry. I’ve never had a problem.
You should check the engine oil level daily prior to starting the engine or whenever refuelling. It should be changed after 25 hours operating time or at least once per season. I change the oil at the end of the season prior to storage. Synthetic oil is preferred, and all things considered really isn’t much of an added expense given the benefits.
Some engine manufacturers recommend you drain the fuel tank and carburetor prior to storage. Remove the spark plug and put a small amount of oil in the cylinder, then pull the starter cord to coat the walls with oil. Replace the spark plug and slowly pull the starter until you feel extra tension corresponding to the compression stroke. This will ensure the valves are fully closed. I think this is rather extreme for only 3 months, but if the engine will not be used for a year or two it may be a good procedure.
Don’t tip the engine in order to drain gasoline from the tank. It could cause oil to flow to the upper part of the engine, through the intake valve, out the carburetor, and through the air filter. It can also flow through the exhaust valve and fill the muffler. Neither of these is a good thing. Keep the engine in its normal operating position whenever possible.
Read through my home generator page for other information.
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Beverlee
as the first guy said, shut the supply off and run the float bowl dry, then siphon or tip the rest out of the tank.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Jasmin
Its always best to run em out, but when you use it just put a 1/2 a gallan in at a time so you wont have to run it forever or just sifine out the gas. Remember its best to buy the high octane gas for small motors like that