Generator Question

One of the problems with 10% ethanal gas is long term storage in the metal gas tank rusts. I got rid of a 5KW Coleman (ran 4 hrs. on a 4-Qt tank) for a 4kW Coleman (runs way more than 24 hrs. on a 5-Gal Plastic tank.) because the rust would build up and clog the carb.

I now also have a battery pack type "Generator" that will run a C-Pap for two nights without a recharge. (bought at Harbor Fright and no solar panels)

Ivan
 
A couple of issues here. Ethanol is corrosive. If the hardware it comes in contact with hasn’t been properly considered for this, a chemical reaction will occur. I’m thinking about aluminum and some rubber components. Way back in the late 70’s when we were still using carburetors, nickel plating was considered! I’m with Tom S., manufacturing today should recognize this and design around the effects of the corrosive nature.

Gasoline “sours” —- especially in the presence of yellow metal (brass/bronze). Refiners know this and don’t allow it anywhere in their process. As a general rule, Stabil precludes this slimey souring and greatly increases the shelf life. I have no idea what chemicals are in Sea Foam. It’s been over 50 years since I studied organic chemistry so my thoughts are obviously obsolete!

Tom H.
 
wood714 said:
I asked the sales dude about what gas to use when I bought my new mower last week. He said regular was fine. When I got the manual it said the same. It holds 2 gallons, and I'll add a couple ounces of Sea Foam to each tank.

As far as generators, had mine since 2006 and when I used it for 2 hours last Thursday it was the first time I needed it.

If I did need a generator a lot I'd get a larger portable one over a stand alone whole house sitting on a pad next to my house. I heard those things ain't cheap to run too.
Click to expand...
Whole house units can run on natural gas or propane, making them flexible. Propane is more expensive, but if you compare the cost of running one on natural gas for a few days compared to running one on gasoline for the same period, the natural gas will win, hands down and is much more easier because it doesn't need to be refilled periodically. I'm not sure how a diesel unit would compare. However as you pointed out, the initial cost difference is significant. A whole house unit rated at 24k installed will run around $12k vs an smaller portable that will cost around $800. Even if you have an plug and shut off added to prevent electrical feed back, you are probably looking at under $1400 total. Additionally, a whole house unit will run once a week, which isn't free, and requires maintenance. A portable can be drained, oil changed with a bit squirted into the cylinder for lubrication, and stored for years without any additional cost.

The worst generator story I ever heard was from a doctor I knew who had a whole house and barn unit (36K, IIRC) that used a small block Chevrolet engine powered by natural gas. A short period of time after the warranty expired, it wouldn't start for the scheduled weekly run cycle. Long story short, they found the crankshaft had broken in two on the engine. The company at first denied covering the cost of repair but after a lengthy argument, a settlement was reached in which I believe the parts were covered but not the labor.
 
Have stored ethanol gas with double stabil for over 2 years in plastic cans. Used it in riding mower. Now I just pour stored gas in the car every year or so with no problems. Am giving up on plastic gas cans as just about every one gets a leak in the bottom seam. Had several stored and when checking found 3 cans were half full due to leaks. The metal GI type cans should be good to go if I can find some fuel tank sealer.
 
I use racing fuel and or AV gas in my small gas motors since they have no alcohol. Run the carb dry and get the race gas or AV gas with Stabil added. Friends us this with bikes, 4 wheelers and sno mo's They all start easily when needed.
 
NYlakesider said:
At -20F, to rural people approaching 80YO I want the one on the pad.

Every person I would think has their definition of cheap. It all depends on your life's experience and expectations.
Click to expand...


I keep forgetting about cold weather power outages, and being older. It wasn't fun getting mine out of the shed and rolling it around the front of the house, and I'm far from 80. Was even more less fun dragging it up my shed ramp when I was finished with it.

Up north in tundra weather where power goes out a lot, I would for sure want a whole house powered by natural gas. Never have to fill it up!
 
wood714 said:
I keep forgetting about cold weather power outages, and being older. It wasn't fun getting mine out of the shed and rolling it around the front of the house, and I'm far from 80. Was even more less fun dragging it up my shed ramp when I was finished with it.

Up north in tundra weather where power goes out a lot, I would for sure want a whole house powered by natural gas. Never have to fill it up!
Click to expand...

With increasing age and decreptitude this is the way to go.
 
wood714 said:
I asked the sales dude about what gas to use when I bought my new mower last week. He said regular was fine. When I got the manual it said the same. It holds 2 gallons, and I'll add a couple ounces of Sea Foam to each tank.

As far as generators, had mine since 2006 and when I used it for 2 hours last Thursday it was the first time I needed it.

If I did need a generator a lot I'd get a larger portable one over a stand alone whole house sitting on a pad next to my house. I heard those things ain't cheap to run too.
Click to expand...

Yes, the engines will run fine on ethanol fuel, but the problem is what that fuel does when the engine is not running. I watch a YT guy who specializes in fixing generators, and invariably he has to clean the carbs because of what bad fuel and water has done to them
 
Tom S.;142089936 A whole house unit rated at 24k installed will run around $12k [/QUOTE said:
This past week we got an estimate for a propane 24K for $16,353. We are going to get another estimate this week but we think there won't be much difference in the price. Our power has not been off in years until Helene and it was off for 30 hours and we used our portable gasoline gen. On the chance the power may go off again in our lifetime we might go ahead and get the whole house deal. That's a lot of money but the portable gen. is a lot of trouble for two old people and we are getting more feeble every day. Larry
Click to expand...
 
FWIW and not a advertisement but the “ horrible freight” generators seem to be just fine for the Occasional power outage. Have 3 generators, a 5K contractors job site generator that has fuel shut off at gas tank. Heavy even with casters and Very Loud. A light weight Honda 2.2K thats fine for small apartment. Just about anyone can start the Honda and has a fuel shut off. Bought a “ horrible freight 3K on sale and used it during Helene to power the apartment and land lords house. Ran 3 freezers, 2 refrigerators, some lights and a small window AC unit. Oil change every 60 hours is no big deal. Has started with electric start or 1-2 pulls after sitting for 6 months.
 
I use ethanol free gas with Sta-Bil additive in my Generac 8/10,000 portable. I run it twice monthly for about 15 minutes. I drain the old gas every October and burn that gas in my truck, lawnmower, chainsaw, etc. I refuel with new gas at that time and make sure I have two 5 gallon cans full of fresh fuel before winter starts.
 
I am on oxygen 24 hours a day. We got a whole house Generac on natural gas. It is a wonderful deterrent.
We have only had one 1/2 hour long power outage since we we got it 7 years ago.:rolleyes::D
 
Last edited:
When we built our home in rural Arkansas 30 years ago we had power outages quite frequently. Thunderstorms or even strong winds would knock out the power, and we get ice more than snow and ice is bad for power lines. In recent years the infrastructure seems to be a lot more stable and outages are more rare.

I had portable generator for over 25 years that I used mainly for power outages and I always drained the fuel tank after each use and never had a problem with it. I decided to buy a second one for my shop and used a couple of times the first year but I didn't drain the tank and it sat for a year with ethanol fuel and Stabil. It would not start the next year and I took it to the small engine shop and ended up having to have the carb rebuilt. After that, I drain the tank after every use and it's never given me another problem.
 
Golddollar said:
Amazing how those whole house generators keep the power outages away!
Click to expand...

That's what I said to my whole house generator installer as I handed over a check for a bunch of money. I told him I'd just guaranteed we'd never have another outage. Well, I was wrong. The following August, on a typical Texas blazing summer day, the power went out for two hours. Our generator started up immediately, and we stayed cool and comfortable as it easily powered our 10 tons worth of A/C as well as everything else. It's good to know that it works.
 
Denverd0n said:
Don't know what kind of plastic gas cans you are using, but I have four 20-liter plastic cans from Scepter that are well over 20 years old at this point. Nary a leak from any of them.
Click to expand...

IIRC, bought them at Wally World years ago. They lasted 10 years? Bought a couple more from “ horrible freight” and using the metal GI type cans.
 
I have had today's ethanol gas clot even with stabil in it. I would use unleaded fuel with no ethanol if available.

BTW, I do believe Stabil itself has a shelf life. So if your stabil is getting old and your ethanol gas is also, you run the risk of some real marinara in your tank
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

chief38
GENERAC EMAIL - THOUGH IT WAS A SCAM BUT TURNS OUT TO BE GENUINE - I WILL PLAY
2
Replies
21
Views
2K
prairieviper
prairieviper
chief38
GENERAC AND HOME STANDBY GENERATOR TIPS
2 3
Replies
56
Views
4K
TheHobbyist
TheHobbyist
chief38
Gardening - - a return to the old ways!
Replies
9
Views
851
charlie sherrill
C
redlevel
Hurricane Lilies
Replies
8
Views
505
lkabug
lkabug
Jeff423
Yet another emergency home generator question.
2 3
Replies
54
Views
2K
Mainsail
Mainsail

Latest posts

Back
Top