Smokin' deal on 10,000watt generator $649 (Today only)

[Deere Dude]

That is a common issue - part of why I've gone to just stabilizing the gasoline, tank full, in things that won't sit longer than 1 year.

If you can reliably drain all the fuel, that will work - but in my case I want my generators to start ASAP (no stumbling around in the dark fueling), and extra steps/carb mods re. draining don't appeal to my lazy side.

Rgds, D.

Every time I drain all the fuel out it seems I always have a devil of a time starting them again. Now I use stabilizer and it works great for restarting later.

 

[3930dave]

Every time I drain all the fuel out it seems I always have a devil of a time starting them again. Now I use stabilizer and it works great for restarting later.

I went this route, after I had to service a stuck float/seat on my old Briggs generator. I used to run it dry, but the tough thing with many carbs is getting all the fuel out. Some people have have good luck with dry storage - variables at play - carb types, primer design, regional fuel formulations, and any mods people have done. Some people have added fuel bowl drains, but that is something I prefer not to do.

I wouldn't by choice leave my stuff sitting idle and wet stored for something like 5 years, but based on good success with my street bike (MC) I shifted everything else to wet storage too and with Stabil I'm quite comfortable going up to 1 year of idle storage.

As others have posted here, I use Stabil all the time, even in season, in my small engines. I don't use my equipment commercially, so for the relatively small amount of gasoline I go through, I gladly just spend a little bit extra on Stabil so I don't have to rely on my less-than-perfect memory to dose properly before storage.

Rgds, D.

 

[Sodo]

I'm frequently amazed how reliably eqpt starts after being stored drained. Usually starting on the first pull. There's something to be said about gasoline needing to be shaken/stirred after motionless storage. I give the eqpt a shake before filling the carb and vroom. Thats one reason fuel injected engines have less trouble- they run the pump for a moment to exchange the gas (back to the tank).

I've never used stabil, never had trouble with gas from the last season at all. I have over 50 engines. If last years gas was a problem I'd be getting a spanking (many) every spring if it was "the gas". Problems are likely something else. I don't buy no-name gas though, maybe that's how it works out for me. :confused3: I can see how having Stabil in the gas could add a measure of safety especially if the eqpt went more than a couple seasons unused. Easy for that to happen.

I do understand the guy who doesn't want to drain carbs. I've drained more than my share and may get tired of it someday. But it works so dang good and that first pull/kick/crank in the spring is satisfying. I've added drains to carbs its worthwhile if you use it. I don't think just running it 'til it quits gets you the benefit that draining gets you.

Also draining is too much for most people - many aren't sure if they'd strip the plug or if it has to be frikkin' tight, or just snug. Or how to evaluate the washer/seal/gasket. Or which screw is the drain. It sound simple but there's lots of little details to successful small engine maintenance that you take for granted but another guy doesn't know.

 

[3930dave]

I've never used stabil, never had trouble with gas from the last season at all. I have over 50 engines. If last years gas was a problem I'd be getting a spanking (many) every spring if it was "the gas". Problems are likely something else. I don't buy no-name gas though, maybe that's how it works out for me. :confused3:

If you are totally draining the carbs, then you are less likely to have an issue. It's mostly the residual gas in the carb that the form problem causing deposits.

Correct on the added carb-drains: aside from my laziness (modify/maintain/use), they add another point of failure to an engine. Externally exposed seals don't seem to live long, at least around here.

If my lawnmower gets sidelined by a fuel leak, then my grass grows a bit longer than it should. There are times of the year here when a generator down during an outage means a flooded basement - that reason alone keeps me away from carb drains. I can change drain seals, but I will stay with Thoreau on this one... but you're right, for a capable and prepared small-engine guy (less lazy than me ) it's not a big deal.

I've seen enough storage revival accounts on here that I also now believe fuel formulation matters - meaning regional, not brand. If you drove down the coast and bought a few 5 gallon cans of what ultrarunner has to use in the Bay area, your storage results might be different.

Curious - does your gas contain ethanol ? Also, check out Stabil 360 protection if you haven't seen it - one of the reasons I use it is to protect the inside top of metal gas tanks.

Rgds, D.

 

[Sodo]

There are certainly problems but it also could be 95% "internet". I use Shell & Safeway gas simply because they're "on my route". The pumps are labeled "up to 10% ethanol". I don't buy the no-name stations for filling my gas cans because that's the only time I had trouble. I went there specifically for "non-ethanol" then all my carbs gummed up within 3 months. One time. I have a hunch those with gas problems are getting their problems from the no-names, and that's why they need the additives.

I tellya ....... something does NOT stack up about this ethanol thing. Ethanol has been around for 30 years and every forum of old guys believes it was Obamas doing. How does that utter lack of logic come in? Other that being "manufactured news". But it was everywhere a couple years ago. And now its gone, vaporized. Nothing changed with the gas, whats up with that? Well its gone because it costed money/maintenance to keep putting the fake news out there and nobody's paying for that work anymore so you don't see it anymore. Interesting huh? Follow the money.

I guess we'll see what happens to that issue next but probably will just fade away unnoticed. Point being it was a mountain made of a molehill and now its a molehill again so just carry on... ? This is my prediction. .

 

[Soundguy]

the difference is that everything non ethanol compatible finally rotted away and was fixed or repalced. fuel lines, seals, orings.. etc. only takes one season of your mower, chainsaw, weedeater, etc, not starting, to get everything with new gas lines and carbs rebuilt.. etc.

 

[Sodo]

Ok for 30 years it was all trouble and everyone just hunkered down and got'er done just in time to make America great again!

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

OK I guess thats feasible.

 

[Soundguy]

you could expound on that opinion instead of making it intentionally vague. ( or maybee you can't.... )

 

[Gary Cotz]

OMG! Duramax 10,000 Dual fuel gen for $400 on eBay right now... w/ free shipping! 2 left

 

[muddstopper]

dont bother looking, I just bought both of them:laughing: