Generator shot down procedure

[rScotty]

If I know I may not start an engine 3 or 4 times a year then I will run it dry for storage. Things like power washers, chain saws, weed whackers, and the back-up Honda generator all get run dry.

 

[SteveD55]

Do you guys turn off fuel line to let engine to shot down? I know it's recommended for other equipment before long storage. What
about a generator since it's being run often as part of maintenance?

I'm not sure about the newer generators but with the older style like mine, not inverter, it is recommended to start it up every month or two and run it under load for awhile. I use my portable shop air compressor for the load. I've been told it has something to do with the possibility of losing a magnetic field if it sits for too long. I don't keep the tank full unless I have a power outage like we had for 12 hours after last Sunday's storm in Central New York State. Therefore, I don't run it dry. I also only use non-ethanol gas.

 

[fruitcakesa]

After living without a generator for 35+ years, I finally broke down and bought a Champion 5500 inverter genset since it seems we have more power failures these days compared to the past. I do a monthly +- run and then run it dry. Only use non ethanol fuel. Pull starts easily each time. It can be months between power failures.

 

[SteveD55]

After living without a generator for 35+ years, I finally broke down and bought a Champion 5500 inverter genset since it seems we have more power failures these days compared to the past. I do a monthly +- run and then run it dry. Only use non ethanol fuel. Pull starts easily each time. It can be months between power failures.

We're seeing more outages in recent years too. Utility rates keep going up while service goes down. Glad I got a good deal on an older whole house generator from a deceased friend's wife a couple years ago. My friend was meticulous about maintenance and storage of his equipment. Before I bought it, I checked it out with a meter that shows frequency/voltage with and without load and it was good. I already had a manual transfer switch in the 1980's that was installed new, by me with hired contractors, wood pole mounted utility connection. The generator is manual electric start. I am rural and have my own 240V submersible water pump. At 70 years old it's nice to be able to flush the toilet, have safe water, bathe and wash dishes without driving a few miles to fill jugs with spring water. I also don't need to carry out of storage and check fluids, my old 120V portable generator/extension cords to run intermittently for refrigerators and freezers.

 

[dnw64]

I think a lot of the "best practice" will be a result of the use case.

If you may or will be be using the engine (generator, chainsaw, trimmer, etc) in the next few months, your process could well be different than for something that you most likely won't be using for years. For instance one of our employees recently lost power for "long enough" (that's a personal preference) that he got out his generator. Which he hadn't used for over 10 years.

Since I don't have any gasoline powered equipment that I use on any kind of regular basis, I use only non-ethanol fuel and shut the fuel off and run them dry.