Did I buy the wrong generator?

[Gizmo2]

We should be able to get volume discounts.

I usually wind up with at least two of just about everything I need. Nothing is ever at the same place you are when you need it, is it?

That's me alright. But my wife drew the line when I wanted the second tractor. I even told her the second tractor could be hers (sort of).

 

[TripleR]

That's me alright. But my wife drew the line when I wanted the second tractor. I even told her the second tractor could be hers (sort of).

We were down at the barn talking to a friend who farms one of our properties when he commented on how nice our newly acquired L5030 HSTC was when my wife first referred to "her" BX2660.:thumbsup:

She runs the 5030 when I am on the 8540, but for now seems content to let me believe the 5030 is mine.:laughing:

 

[TimberXX]

A second tractor would never fly with mt wife. I sold her on it because the attachments reduce the total amount of single purpose equipment.

 

[oldboyscout]

The advice I see here about fuel shutoff and maintenance is very good. Only run hi octane with an additive in it. Run it dry every time you use it. keep the oil clean and consider synthetic.
I think that sort of stuff is more important than who made the engine.

 

[JB4310]

The advice I see here about fuel shutoff and maintenance is very good. Only run hi octane with an additive in it. Run it dry every time you use it. keep the oil clean and consider synthetic.
I think that sort of stuff is more important than who made the engine.

OK we need a poll. Who runs carb empty and who leaves it full?

I'm surprised, it sounds like from the responses most of you are running them dry. I've had my share of carb troubles, but I leave them full of treated fuel. Take a machine out of storage and dump whatever fuel is in the tank, put fresh fuel in and start it.

Sometimes I still have carb issues but nothing ever fails to start.

I've been doing it this way for ever, so I'm not going to be easy to convince otherwise, but I'm not so stubborn as to not learn new ways.

Is there truly a "right" answer ? What are the manufacturers saying ?

JB

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Only run hi octane with an additive in it.

Old Boyscout,

#1 - Why burn Premium? If the engine is designed for 87 octane, then as far as I know there is no advantage to higher octane.

#2 - What additive to the fuel & Why? Stabil? (I've NEVER used it and never had a problem).

I'm really just curious, but I was trained as an engineer and I do nothing without solid reasoning and multiple references to back it up.

Thanks,
David

 

[oldboyscout]

yeah I've always thought that running them dry would definitely leave a coat of shellac on everything. I've just been following some collected wisdom about it.
Maybe running them dry is more about getting rid of the fuel so you don't use stale fuel.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

OK we need a poll. Who runs carb empty and who leaves it full?

Is there truly a "right" answer? What are the manufacturers saying ?

JB

JB,

My JD LX266 I never use additive, and I never run the carbs dry. I park it in Oct, and it starts up again every spring.

My JD STX30 with a Kohler 12.5 engine (I'm sure that is not original engine) has some crazy carb issue that floods the motor completely and I MUST shut off the gas and let it run dry.

My Poulan leafblower had not run in maybe 2 or 3 years and it started right up after a few pulls, and the gas in that can is also over 1 year old.

My Stihl Farmboss I was specifically told to run dry by the dealer, but I think it may have gas in it from when LstInThot borrowed it to use on my walnut trees a couple weeks ago (I think I will try to start it and see if I can run it dry).

My Toro walk behind I never do anything to. it starts every spring.

My buddies generator he told me to run the carb dry.

That is my personal experience.

Be well,
David

 

[JB4310]

JB,

My JD LX266 I never use additive, and I never run the carbs dry. I park it in Oct, and it starts up again every spring.

My JD STX30 with a Kohler 12.5 engine (I'm sure that is not original engine) has some crazy carb issue that floods the motor completely and I MUST shut off the gas and let it run dry.

My Poulan leafblower had not run in maybe 2 or 3 years and it started right up after a few pulls, and the gas in that can is also over 1 year old.

My Stihl Farmboss I was specifically told to run dry by the dealer, but I think it may have gas in it from when LstInThot borrowed it to use on my walnut trees a couple weeks ago (I think I will try to start it and see if I can run it dry).

My Toro walk behind I never do anything to. it starts every spring.

My buddies generator he told me to run the carb dry.

That is my personal experience.

Be well,
David

The 2 strokes are not an issue, the fuel will go bad, but never had the carb problems like with the 4 strokes.
Not sure if that's due to the oil in the fuel or the carbs simpler design ??

Stabil is the standard fuel additive, for better or worse, it's definitely not a cure all. I would say you have been pretty lucky with your lack of carb/ fuel related issues with your equipment, especially using no additive/ stabiliser.

Not sure why we would treat a gennys carb different than any other stored power equipment.

JB

 

[IslandTractor]

yeah I've always thought that running them dry would definitely leave a coat of shellac on everything. I've just been following some collected wisdom about it.
Maybe running them dry is more about getting rid of the fuel so you don't use stale fuel.

I think the exact opposite is true. When you leave fuel in the carburetor it will eventually evaporate leaving behind the "solids" which we call shellac or whatever gums up the carb jets.

FWIW, I am in the shut off fuel and let it run to clear the carb before long term storage. I also use regular gas with Stabil and recycle one year old fuel into my car (well diluted).