|
Posted by HugeBob on January 13, 2007, 4:42 pm
Hi Pete,
Which generator did you go with? I've had several estimates that swung
at the extremes: low and high.
Pete C. wrote:
> anthonymmfalcone@yahoo.com wrote:
> >
> > Hi Readers,
> >
> > I live in New York State and just bought a brand new Briggs&Stratton
> > 5500W generator to be used in the rare event of emergency backup (i.e.
> > ice storm and no power for days). I've yet to add oil or gasoline,
> > but I have the containers ready and am comfortable doing it by
> > flashlight if needed. I would like to do as little maintenance as
> > possible on the generator (within reason) without jeapordizing it.
> > What's better for the engine: leave it dry and empty until needed
> > (maybe months or years!), or add oil and gas (and gas stabilizer) and
> > run every couple of months? It's kept under a tarp in the garage, but
> > the garage does get humid during wet weather.
> >
> > All advice greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Regards,
> > -Tony
>
> Put oil in it, preferably Mobile 1 synthetic or equiv.
>
> Hang a tag and a pencil on a string on the generator where you can note
> the fuel fill date and each test run date.
>
> Fill the fuel tank full (minimize air space for condensation) with gas
> with Sta-Bil added.
>
> Run the generator under load (a portable 1,500W heater is sufficient)
> for about 30 min each month. At the end of the 30 min unplug the load
> and after a couple minutes turn off the fuel valve. Let the generator
> run the remaining few minutes with no load to cool off and then run the
> carb. dry so it won't gum up. Top off the fuel as needed to keep the
> tank full. Note the test date on the service tag.
>
> Every 12 months, drain the generator tank into a gas can and put the gas
> in your car to use it up (the Sta-Bil insures it's perfectly fine).
> Refill the generator tank with fresh gas and Sta-Bil. Note the fuel
> change date on your service tag.
>
> Unless you have reliable gas sources during an outage (you'll use 3/4-1
> gal per hour of run time) you should keep a couple 5 gal gas cans full
> of gas with Sta-Bil as well and keep them on the same annual rotation
> schedule as the generators tank.
>
> Yes, it sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't, and it helps
> insure the generator will be ready to go when you need it.
>
> Pete C.
| 
Yahoo! 
Google 
Windows Live 
del.icio.us 
digg 
Netscape 
XML Sitemap