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Section 3 — Maintenance
Commercial-Industrial-Residential Portable Generator System
3.7 GENERAL
The generator should be started at least once every seven days and be
allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done and you must
store the unit for more than 30 days, use the following information as a
guide to prepare it for storage.
DANGER! NEVER store engine with fuel in tank
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas
where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes
dryer or other gas appliance.
3.8 LONG TERM STORAGE
It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel
system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during storage.
Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels (called gasohol,
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which leads to separation
and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in
storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:
• Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.
DANGER! Drain fuel into approved container
outdoors, away from open flame. Be sure engine is
cool. Do not smoke.
• Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
• While engine is still warm, drain oil from crankcase. Refill with
recommended grade.
• Remove spark plugs and pour about 1/2 ounce
(15 ml) of engine oil into the cylinders. Cover spark plug hole with
rag. Press the “Start” button and allow engine to crank for 2
seconds. Then press the “Stop” button.
CAUTION! Avoid spray from spark plug holes
when cranking engine.
• Install and tighten spark plugs. Do not connect spark plug wires.
• Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots
and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
• Store the unit in a clean, dry place.
3.9 OTHER STORAGE TIPS:
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt
in your gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel
system.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection
from dust and dirt.
BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
• If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to be stored
for some time, use a commercially available fuel stabilizer added to
the gasoline to increase the life of the gasoline.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain
moisture.
DANGER! NEVER cover your generator while
engine and exhaust area are warm.
STORAGE
