Your last generator Maintenance Run

[Jay4200]

I did a maintenance run on one of mine yesterday, and decided to start this thread as a reminder-to-self to do this a little more often.

I had some issues with my old gen last year, detailed in another thread. Part of my corrective action plan (to what was reasonably careful storage in the past) is to run my generators at least every 2-3 months.

I disagree with your basic premise. 'Maintenance' running implies keeping fuel in the gas tank, which I would consider the exact opposite of maintenance.
I put my generator away with clean oil in the sump, and a completely dry fuel system - do the same things with my dirtbikes, mowers, snowblower, garden tractors, etc. I just ran my generator for the first time in 3 years last week. I pulled it out, filled it with gas, one yank on the pull start and it was purring like a kitten.

 

[3930dave]

As I've commented before Jay (probably even in this thread), regional fuel variations can be a big factor. Some folks experience (just to pick one component of fuel) huge problems with ethanol, some people report zero issues.

I went down this (store stabilized and full) road after experiencing carb problems running my generator dry. I bought the generator new, so the problem was not due to anything a previous owner got up to.

One of the things I've enjoyed in this thread is seeing what works well for people in different locations.

Wherever someone lives the key question is, Does your equipment start reliably ? This thread, and others, contain differing practices that achieve the same goal.

I have no particular interest (neither at the start of the thread, nor now) in converting someone to approach I use. If someone is having problems, a thread like this can give them some options to try.

Between regional climate and fuel differences, I can see that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Rgds, D.

 

[90cummins]

I ran my L70 Yanmar with a 3.5kw resistance load for a little over an hour. This is a new engine mated to an old 5kw gen head. When I start it I like to get it thoroughly warmed up.
I recently rebuilt a Honda EU2000i which was given to be because it burned oil so I ran that thru 2 plus tanks of fuel (1.1 gallons) for 20 plus/minus hours running a 1hp blower motor.
I ran it in Eco mode and off Eco mode to ensure I fixed the oil burning problem. That EU2000i is a really nice quiet, thrifty generator.
I would not mind having their new EU7000i!!
90cummins

 

[Cat_Driver]

I ran my 60KW last week for a kids carnival. Powered game booths, food stands, rides, lighting, music DJ, etc.

 

[3930dave]

I ran my L70 Yanmar with a 3.5kw resistance load for a little over an hour. This is a new engine mated to an old 5kw gen head. When I start it I like to get it thoroughly warmed up.
I recently rebuilt a Honda EU2000i which was given to be because it burned oil so I ran that thru 2 plus tanks of fuel (1.1 gallons) for 20 plus/minus hours running a 1hp blower motor.
I ran it in Eco mode and off Eco mode to ensure I fixed the oil burning problem. That EU2000i is a really nice quiet, thrifty generator.
I would not mind having their new EU7000i!!
90cummins

Honda has always had pretty good offerings. Quiet and easy on fuel wins 'em lots of fans. There's a bit more competition now, but they had that end of the market pretty much to themselves for a good stretch.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

I ran my 60KW last week for a kids carnival. Powered game booths, food stands, rides, lighting, music DJ, etc.

A "bit" more work to set up than my loads, but sounds like a lot more fun ! :jester: :clown: :fortuneteller: :magician:

Rgds, D.

 

[DarkBlack]

I ran my 60KW last week for a kids carnival. Powered game booths, food stands, rides, lighting, music DJ, etc.

Some posters on TBN could use that 60kw unit for their house.

 

[3930dave]

Some posters on TBN could use that 60kw unit for their house.

The Must Tow a Garden-Tractor With F450 crowd ?

Rgds, D.

 

[Fi-Q]

I have been working away from home a lot lately and felt behind on my generator maintenance.

I just happen to be home gor 4 days, and yesterday they were calling for a lot of freezing rain. I went un the garage and tried to start the generators. The honda EU1000 started fisrt pull ( this one belong to my brother). The yamaha powered 2800 off brand generator started first pull, but I could not get my 3000/4000 champion to start, the gas in it is from hurrican arthur last summer..... I am flting back to work tomorrow, but I will try to figure this out when I'll be back... Hopefully it is just a ild gas issue.

 

[ultrarunner]

I was given a Champion that I heard run sweet last year... folks were moving and asked if I wanted it.

No go a couple of weeks ago... be interested what you learn.