Your last generator Maintenance Run

[buickanddeere]

Does pairing up two 2000 watt generators give 4000 watts? I mistakenly was hoping that using the parallel connection would give me 240V for my water pumps. Bonk! Yeah, I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to electricity...

Doesn't work that way. Unless a transformer was used. The 120V inverter generates work well for camping or houshds where only 120V is required. A 7200/7500 W Champion Generator works well for more household loads when used with a Generlink transfer switch.

 

[Looking4new]

I changed the oil on my 1 year old genny last weekend and the power went out for 12 hours on Saturday and another 3 hours yesterday. I keep the tank full and shut the gas off and run it out of gas every time I use it. I burn nothing but Shell V Power gas in it as it has no ethanol in it.

 

[3930dave]

Best transfer switch I have found to date for a 7500W and smaller generator is the "Generlink" unit. It plugs in between the meter base and the utility meter. Safe, simple and cost effective. Portable if you move.

Interesting.... thanks for that.

I poked around on their website, but couldn't verify if that unit switches Neutral. Yes/No on that B&D ?

Have you seen pricing ?

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

I changed the oil on my 1 year old genny last weekend and the power went out for 12 hours on Saturday and another 3 hours yesterday. I keep the tank full and shut the gas off and run it out of gas every time I use it. I burn nothing but Shell V Power gas in it as it has no ethanol in it.

I'm seeing a trend in this thread...... changing generator oil seems to correlate with subsequent grid failures !

Cause and Effect ?

Nice to have fresh oil in there, esp. for longer runs.... I know Huntsville was down for a while this weekend.

We are lucking enough to still have Efree to purchase here.

Rgds, D.

 

[Wnc3]

Every Thursday at 2

 

[3930dave]

Every Thursday at 2

Not sure if you are joking, or just really disciplined.....

If it's the latter..... why that day/time ?

Rgds, D.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A generator needs a load to be properly excercised. The alternator needs to get nice and warm to fend off moisure. But where do you put heat in the summer? I use my hot tub (which I usually heat by alternative means) as a load.

 

[3930dave]

A generator needs a load to be properly excercised. The alternator needs to get nice and warm to fend off moisure. But where do you put heat in the summer? I use my hot tub (which I usually heat by alternative means) as a load.

Water is a definitely a great heat sink.

If you have the space, set up a pre-tank for hot water. Powered by a generator (PV array....) you can raise your water temperature, before it hits your main tank.

Rgds, D.

 

[Looking4new]

I know Huntsville was down for a while this weekend.
Rgds, D.

I heard that Burks Falls was out for two days.

 

[Tomtint]

I bought a Rigid 9k generator when we were building the house. Used it for about 2 months during the build. Then planned to keep it as our back up if power went out. I made the mistake of not running it periodically and the carb was gunned up after 2 years... Then we needed it for a 1 week power outage. I got it going with starter fluid and running at 1/4 choke. After we got power back, I had a new carb installed and now I run it dry before storing.