Your last generator Maintenance Run

[dragoneggs]

It's not a ground wire, it's a neutral conductor.

Maybe so but it is a green wire and labeled as a ground wire and the instructions call it a ground wire. Who am I to believe?

 

[buickanddeere]

Maybe so but it is a green wire and labeled as a ground wire and the instructions call it a ground wire. Who am I to believe?

Uncommon to see that. However some electronic timers and sensors for lights . They no longer require a neutral for reference , the system ground is acceptable.
Probably because it's a signal reference rather than a load . Could be less electrical noise on the ground instead of the load carrying neutral ?
Still the cable should not be in a place to be slammed by the door.

 

[dragoneggs]

Uncommon to see that. However some electronic timers and sensors for lights . They no longer require a neutral for reference , the system ground is acceptable.
Probably because it's a signal reference rather than a load . Could be less electrical noise on the ground instead of the load carrying neutral ?
Still the cable should not be in a place to be slammed by the door.

Roger that on the wiring routing. Will fix that at some point when I get the proper fitting. In the meantime I will leave the door open.

 

[JPRambo]

I ran the Troybilt 5550/8550, I bought after Hurricane Charlie went thru town in 2004 this weekend. We were without power for 10 days. Had a little trouble starting it (7 or 8 pulls) and ran it 5 or 6 minutes. Turned off fuel and let it die. Maybe a year since late run.

 

[nikdfish]

Not a maintenance run per se, but related. I replaced the gas line from tank to valve the other day on the Champion 7k duel fuel, adding in a brass "T" with another length of fuel line attached for ease of draining the tank before storage in the walk out basement between uses. The line is currently terminated in a clamped plug, but I have a 1/4" brass shutoff valve coming in so the process can be accomplished tool free.

Nick

 

[3930dave]

I ran the Troybilt 5550/8550, I bought after Hurricane Charlie went thru town in 2004 this weekend. We were without power for 10 days. Had a little trouble starting it (7 or 8 pulls) and ran it 5 or 6 minutes. Turned off fuel and let it die. Maybe a year since late run.

Not a bad startup, after one year. Some people on here have gone for longer at a stretch, but 10 days would have paid for that gen right there, IMO.

I got chatting with a guy in an auto-parts store recently, about the really well-worn NGK small engine plug he had in his hand...... big wind storm took down a 60' tree on his property - that took out the power line to his house. He had to put his son to work bailing out the basement sump by hand, as his generator wouldn't start at all....

It's nice to have all ModCons running, but Winter heat and water in general are at the top of my list.....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Not a maintenance run per se, but related. I replaced the gas line from tank to valve the other day on the Champion 7k duel fuel, adding in a brass "T" with another length of fuel line attached for ease of draining the tank before storage in the walk out basement between uses. The line is currently terminated in a clamped plug, but I have a 1/4" brass shutoff valve coming in so the process can be accomplished tool free.

Nick

Useful addition, esp. for in-house storage.

If you have a minute Nick, can you post a pic of that valve before you install it, and a PN ?

Rgds, D.

 

[nikdfish]

I ordered via Amazon,

1/4" Brass Barb x Barb Ball Valve, LEAD Free: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
It is not specifically listed for fuel use, but the family of products typically has a stainless ball & ptfe seal, which should be OK. I'll know more when it comes in. If not suitable, I can use it on some other project.

Nick

 

[3930dave]

I ordered via Amazon,
View attachment 461044
1/4" Brass Barb x Barb Ball Valve, LEAD Free: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
It is not specifically listed for fuel use, but the family of products typically has a stainless ball & ptfe seal, which should be OK. I'll know more when it comes in. If not suitable, I can use it on some other project.

Nick

Looks like a good choice - I like the large hi-viz handle.

Unless we hear otherwise from you, I'm going to assume that is working fine.

Rgds, D.

 

[JPRambo]

Not a bad startup, after one year. Some people on here have gone for longer at a stretch, but 10 days would have paid for that gen right there, IMO.

I got chatting with a guy in an auto-parts store recently, about the really well-worn NGK small engine plug he had in his hand...... big wind storm took down a 60' tree on his property - that took out the power line to his house. He had to put his son to work bailing out the basement sump by hand, as his generator wouldn't start at all....

It's nice to have all ModCons running, but Winter heat and water in general are at the top of my list.....

Rgds, D.

Yah It did a good job. The gen were great for well pumps. And with propane water heater and stove we were the place to go for showers for the neighbor/friends.