Gas Powered Generator question

[calmex]

I have run this Ice Cream Store for nigh-on 20 years now, and I NEVER had a generator. I always had a couple of friends who had one, and the few times I really needed one I could always borrow one. The expense of buying my own was always something I found a reason to put off. However, now, one of my friends who had a generator just had it burned out by some fool trying to weld off of it. The other friend is going through some really tough times and appears on the edge of a break-down if not actual flight. He appears to have borrowed from the wrong people, if you get my drift. I did not think he was either than dumb or that desperate but it appears I made a poor judgement on both counts. I am far enough removed that this won't bite me, so that is not a concern. However, his generator probably is no longer something I want to count on.

So, I am going to get a generator. In Costco in nearby Queretaro they have Subaru POWERSTROKE Generator on sale for the stately price of 9,999.00 pesos, or about 830.00 dollars. Since I just happen to have 830.00 dollars, it looks like I should get it. It has 5,000 watts and 6,250 start-up watts which will be enough. Amperage is high enough, and the two generators I used to borrow were both 3,500 and 4,000 watt jobbies. I should point out that when the power goes, I do NOT try to "run the store" off a generator. I simply pack all the Ice Cream into a couple of big 25 square foot deep-freezes that only have 4 amp motors and will keep stuff at REAL COLD for a long time even without power. However, since you have to open them to pack all the Ice Cream in, they gain tempurature and the Generator brings them back down. I also keep the milk, yogurt, cheese and stuff cold by using the generator to periodically bring down the tempurature in the big refrigerator. (I have a couple, but in any serious power outtage, I pack everything into one and there is usually room unless the power goes out just on delivery day -- which really has never happened.) 20 years ago, the electrical power here in SMAGTO was so-so, and it's a lot more reliable these days. It only really goes out now just exactly when you don't need it to, instead of realiably once-a-week whether you want it to or not.

Here's my question (I ramble, you know?): since I never HAD my own generator, I am not sure about care and maintenance. The thing will sit in the corner and hardly ever be used. Maybe once a year. Maybe 4 times a year. Maybe once every 3 years. Should I drain the gas out of it since it's going to just sit? Or, should I leave the gas in and start it up every month or so for a while?

I defer myself to the greater knowledge in this area that many of you will have. It will be a real relief to have a generator on-site so that when the power DOES fail, I don't have to spend my first crucial hour or two (when the Ice Cream is starting to melt) trying to get one in here. However, I also don't want to spend that first hour or two trying to get the darned thing up and running. What is the BEST way to keep the generator "laying in wait" without damaging it through longterm non-use? Or, as I said, I could simply start her up every month and let her run for 5 minutes or so too. Whatever is best. I just don't know myself.

 

[canoeguy]

I had one when I lived in Coastal North Carolina, and we had the occasional hurricane, sometimes power would be out for a week after a serious storm. I bought a Coleman 5000 watt generator, had a ten horsepower Briggs and Stratton motor, five gallon fuel tank, it would run 12 hours on a tank of gas. With it I could run the refrigerator and freezer, TV and fan, and the well pump for water.

I would keep the fuel tank full, and add fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. Sometimes it would sit for two years before it was needed. I would add the fuel stabilizer, run the generator for 30 minutes or so to make sure stabilzed fuel was in the carb, then turn off the fuel supply, letting it burn the fuel that was in the carb bowls and lines. When the generator was needed, I would turn on the fuel, and it would start right up.

I had the generator for nine years, and it was trouble free during that time. I would occasionally take it to the small engine shop for an oil change and tune up before hurricane season.

I don't know if you have ethanol added to your fuel like we do here in Estados Unidos, if you do, try to find some fuel without ethanol. I have had problems with storing fuel in my motorcycle over the winter if it has ethanol, cost me a carb rebuild...

 

[Hovnnes]

I have a Coleman Powermate, purchased reconditioned for $300 at a Home Depot (the 220v capacity & low oil level protection are nice to have!).It lives under an overturned water trough until needed to power a submersible pump to water the livestock out in the middle of nowhere, 2miles from the nearest paved road. Fresh gas is it's friend. Even gas that you've treated with a stabilizer won't be much good after 8 or 9 months and will eventually cause trouble.
For long term storage don't keep gas in the tank. A couple of times a year put some gas in it and run it until the tank is dry (or kill it by turning off the pet cock,don't use the "off" switch) Any gas left in the tank should be treated with a stabilizer.

 

[Rule3]

I live in the "cone of uncertainty", Hurricane ally. Our large generator which will run the whole house but not the air conditioning just sits in the garage until needed.

I always use fuel stabilizer in the gas, and at the end of hurricane season, change the oil and run it dry out of gas. All my extra gas cans I use up in the cars.

Even with Sta Bil in the gas, I see no sense in leaving the tank full. Eventually it's going to go bad. Once the carbs gum up, it's done.

 

[calmex]

Thanks for the replies guys. Now, here's the next question (and a blond question it probably is); draining the tank. Any easy way to do that? I understand from reading the above posts that there should be some way of turning off the fuel supply and burning off the contents of the carburator, but is there normal a "drain spout" for the fuel tank? Or is it siphon time?

Remember; I AM blond.

 

[Pete99004]

To drain tank purchase section of fuel hose about 2 or 3ft. long - turn off fuel petcock - Run genset until it runs out of fuel, remove fuel line from petcock and install purchased fuel line - place other end into a proper fuel container - open fuel petcock and drain tank completely. Once empty - remove purchased line and reinstall original line. Now your ready for next operation - just fill with fuel, turn on fuel petcock, prime engine and start.

 

[Capt Steve]

Calmex, You probably know this but save a couple of pesos for some ear protection because that sucker is going to be loud.

 

[Rugskipper]

I'm not much of an expert in such things, but I think I'd keep 10 gallons of fresh gas in a Jerry can, and every 6 months, pour it in the car and then refill.

 

[FlYFiShErMaN]

pull the fuel line off the bottom of the tank.....also, best way to know for sure the carb is dry, unscrew the bolt on the bottom of the carb bowl, and you will get all of the remaining fuel out of the carb.

 

[calmex]

Calmex, You probably know this but save a couple of pesos for some ear protection because that sucker is going to be loud.

Well, I hope it's quieter than the one I used before several times. It was very loud. We'd usually plant the sucker right in the front entrance of the store and it would take up enough space that actually entering was problematical. Now, if the power is off, we aren't open anyway. I am not opening a fridge and losing product just to sell an Ice Cream cone. Usually the generator sitting there in the front entrance is enough to get the point across.

I am hoping this one will be quiter, but I'll still plant it right in the entrance with the exhaust aimed out the doorway. It can't be any louder than the one I was using, I'll bet on that.

 

[Big Cholla]

CalMex: I have that exact same generator that I power a shop building with that the City doesn't want (for several silly reasons) to provide standard power to. I use it continually and it is a great generator. I use mainly the 220v side, but often use the 110v side too.

For your purposes of providing emergency stand-by power here is what I would do; Buy it and bring it home. Figure out where on your property that you would be placing and running it during an emergency usage. Figure out how you are going to wire it to your freezer/coolers. Start it up and use it for that power for 24 hours BEFORE you have an actual emergency. Got all that done, run it out of fuel from the tank. Disconnect it and put away. Buy two or three 5 gallon gas cans and fill them with gasoline with added stabilizer. As suggested before, every 6 months use that gasoline up in street vehicles and purchase new gas with more stabilizer. On that 6 month date add a gallon of fuel to the generator and use it for power until it runs dry. On every other 6 months date after use and before restoring the generator have the oil changed while it is still warm. This arrangement would last you an easy 20 years more. You might purchase a few small maintenance parts and put them away like; spark plug, filters if any (mine doesn't have any fuel filter), pull rope and handle and gas line from tank to carb. Get on the internet and get the manufacturer to recommend any other small parts for long term maintenance. Mine is electric start, but once the battery went flat, I just use the pull rope. It never fails to start in no more than three pulls.
............ Big Cholla

 

[calmex]

CalMex: I have that exact same generator that I power a shop building with that the City doesn't want (for several silly reasons) to provide standard power to. I use it continually and it is a great generator. I use mainly the 220v side, but often use the 110v side too.

For your purposes of providing emergency stand-by power here is what I would do; Buy it and bring it home. Figure out where on your property that you would be placing and running it during an emergency usage. Figure out how you are going to wire it to your freezer/coolers. Start it up and use it for that power for 24 hours BEFORE you have an actual emergency. Got all that done, run it out of fuel from the tank. Disconnect it and put away. Buy two or three 5 gallon gas cans and fill them with gasoline with added stabilizer. As suggested before, every 6 months use that gasoline up in street vehicles and purchase new gas with more stabilizer. On that 6 month date add a gallon of fuel to the generator and use it for power until it runs dry. On every other 6 months date after use and before restoring the generator have the oil changed while it is still warm. This arrangement would last you an easy 20 years more. You might purchase a few small maintenance parts and put them away like; spark plug, filters if any (mine doesn't have any fuel filter), pull rope and handle and gas line from tank to carb. Get on the internet and get the manufacturer to recommend any other small parts for long term maintenance. Mine is electric start, but once the battery went flat, I just use the pull rope. It never fails to start in more than three pulls.
............ Big Cholla

Okay, Big Cholla, I am going to follow your advice. I like the fact that you are using the same generator, it means you know what I can expect from mine. On a scale of 1 - 10, how loud is it? The one I was using would be a 9/10, but I suspect the muffler was going, or had gone and been replaced by a smaller than needed muffler. I'd just like to know so I can brace myself if need be.
Thanks!

 

[smitret]

winter gas storage

I had one when I lived in Coastal North Carolina, and we had the occasional hurricane, sometimes power would be out for a week after a serious storm. I bought a Coleman 5000 watt generator, had a ten horsepower Briggs and Stratton motor, five gallon fuel tank, it would run 12 hours on a tank of gas. With it I could run the refrigerator and freezer, TV and fan, and the well pump for water.

I would keep the fuel tank full, and add fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. Sometimes it would sit for two years before it was needed. I would add the fuel stabilizer, run the generator for 30 minutes or so to make sure stabilzed fuel was in the carb, then turn off the fuel supply, letting it burn the fuel that was in the carb bowls and lines. When the generator was needed, I would turn on the fuel, and it would start right up.

I had the generator for nine years, and it was trouble free during that time. I would occasionally take it to the small engine shop for an oil change and tune up before hurricane season.

I don't know if you have ethanol added to your fuel like we do here in Estados Unidos, if you do, try to find some fuel without ethanol. I have had problems with storing fuel in my motorcycle over the winter if it has ethanol, cost me a carb rebuild...

My last ride of the year is usually the first weekend in December.
I fill the tank, add Seafoam and run it long enough to get treated gas in the carbs.
Change the oil and remove battery.
Put battery back in spring and start it.
Never had a problem starting.
Good Luck
YMMV

 

[Rule3]

pull the fuel line off the bottom of the tank.....also, best way to know for sure the carb is dry, unscrew the bolt on the bottom of the carb bowl, and you will get all of the remaining fuel out of the carb.

That's how I do it. Mine only has a spring type hose clamp o a pair of pliers to compress it, turn the fuel valve on and drain into gas can.

 

[truckemup97]

Calmex, the Subaru engine is great. I have a smaller one that is very fuel efficient and much quieter than a Briggs. If you are going to run it every once in a while to keep the carb clean, plug it into a load to exercise the generator, too.

 

[m1gunner]

Don't know about availability in your area, but propane is a much better solution to intermittent use on a genset. The fuel never goes bad, burns cleaner, and starts easier. No need to drain fuel, pour fuel, or mess with stabilizers.

Propane powered generators can be bought, or any gasoline powered unit can be converted to run on propane.

One other "tool" to store with your generator (whichever kind you get) is a 110 volt (plug in the wall type) reversible drill. Stick a 1/4 inch (or bigger) allen wrench in it and strap it to the generator frame. This is the quick and easy way to re-flash the magnetic field if it deteriates to the point that the alternator ( it is an alternator, not a DC generator) won't produce any AC power. Just fire up the generator, plug in the drill and pull the trigger. If it doesn't spin, turn the chuck (use the allen wrench as a handle). If it doesn't take off, reverse the direction of spin, all the while holding the trigger wide open.

If you have a commercial walk in cooler, I believe some are belt drive units, those can also be set up to run off a gasoline engine. That doesn't help with lighting, though.

 

[calmex]

Wow! Great comments. Gotta love this forum, you always learn more than you thought you would! Thanks!

 

[Big Cholla]

Okay, Big Cholla, I am going to follow your advice. I like the fact that you are using the same generator, it means you know what I can expect from mine. On a scale of 1 - 10, how loud is it? The one I was using would be a 9/10, but I suspect the muffler was going, or had gone and been replaced by a smaller than needed muffler. I'd just like to know so I can brace myself if need be.
Thanks!

CalMex: I had it running this afternoon. It was sitting outside on a concrete slab. My wife and I had a normal conversation while standing about 10 ft. from it. IMHO, it is about a 6 or a 7. I have have MUCH louder generators prior to this one. I might like to own a real expensive Honda, but this model is a lot of 'bang' for the buck. ....... Big Cholla

 

[enfield]

I've had 2 "properly stored" (empty tank, fogged, oil in cylinder)generators go TU.

You need to run the engine under load for 10-15 minutes once a month. Assuming it's a gas or diesel unit, at the end of the exercise run turn the fuel off and let the generator run dry.

Use a stabilizer in your fuel supply, rotate your fuel supply (use it up regularly, even if you have to use it in your vehicle), and keep enough on hand for several days of running. When the grid goes down you can't buy fuel!

 

[calmex]

Well, here's some more good news. Our Club here in Queretaro as well as the San Miguel Club that is just forming up near Dolores both have had an interest in buying a REAL moving target system. Specifically the one from Action Target. We want something we can rely on to go hand-in-hand with our N.R.A. Action Pistol program we hope to get going full-swing down here. (Obviously, restricted in calibers to .38 Special and the .380 ACP which we will allow. Before you laugh, remember the Glock 25 is available here in .380 ACP, and almost any 9 can be "converted" to .380 using a 9 barrel with a .380 chamber, 9 m.m. lead-in, stout loads and 125 grain bullets seated to 1.050 - 1.070.)

Upon finding out that I was buying a generator, a couple guys who are members in both clubs stepped up to the plate and will be ordering the mover this week. So, we'll have my generator and a mover to run off of it. This will be an excellent way of keeping the generator "in use" at least once-a-month as enfield suggests. AND, we will have a mover! When we get it, and get it up and running, I will try to send some photos of it. But I am most excited to actually have a reason to use the generator for something "practical" other than sitting in the corner waiting for the power to go off.

Thanks for all the great replies!