Best Way To Store Your Generator!

Best Way To Store Your Generator!
Here's a video for the folks who aren't sure how to properly store their generator if it won't be used for while. The method shown in this video by Donyboy73 will ensure that it will start no matter how long it's been sitting for!
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #honda #generator

[@donyboy73]

watch my video on how to easily fix a generator that runs and dies after a few minutes here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJfLYZWDratobNk

[@johnny1556]

Donyboy73 thanks for the info, can I do the same to my leaf blower?

[@donyboy73]

@@johnny1556 yes I dump gas out and run it dry

[@thomaspugh6052]

Purchased my gas generator in 2004, live in Florida, and stored it in my garage, completely covered when not in use. I run it for 20 minutes every couple of months, never removed the gas or added gas additives ever. Started on first or second pull each time. I purchased a new generator October of 2022 and gave my 17 year old generator to my daughter for her use.

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

That's good advice if you're not going to run the generator and just store it or any gas equipment. What I tell my customers is to add Seafoam to the fuel and then run the engine to allow the Seafoam to witk through the carburetor and engine, then turn the fuel valve off until the engine starts to die. Once or twice a month go start the generator, power washer, or other equipment that is used ...except maybe your lawn mowers..trimmers..tillers..( I recommend to follow your advice on those types of equipment for storage winterization) , but on generators that you may need in the event of a power outage or storm, make sure that equipment is ready.

[@Banditt42]

Seafoam is garbage

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks for the lesson. After decades of doing differently, I have gotten to the point where I no longer store gas between seasons. At the end of the winter my snowblower gas tank is completely emptied and the remaining fuel goes into the car. The same happens with my outboard motor at the end of boating season.

[@daneandkath]

Always ran dry, but didn’t choke at the end !! Will do that now !! As always, learn something every time you post !! Thank You !,

[@Fusilier0]

I turn off the fuel and run my generators dry every time I run them. I haven’t pulled the choke out but only because it never struck me to do so before. I’ll add this step to my routine. Thanks.

[@CFProton]

I run the carb dry on my generator, I fill the gas tank with premium fuel mixed with marine stabilizer and I hook up a trickle charger for the battery of my electric start too. Thanks for another great tip. 😊

[@waynestefinashen239]

If your premium fuel is not ethanol free you still may have issues with ethanol breakdown in the fuel tank and the left over fuel in the carb which deteriorates at a faster rate due to the low volume. Much of the premium fuels sold here in Canada have 5% ethanol in them and we only buy and test for ethanol our 91 Octane from our local Canadian Tire gas bar. So far every test has shown 0 ethanol and they even have a tag on the pump "NO ETHANOL"

[@CFProton]

@@waynestefinashen239 . . . been using ethanol fuel for 11 years in my generator and the Stabile seems to work with no issues in that timeframe.

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@CFProton Your very luck 95% of the small engine business world wide is attributed to ethanol in gasoline. Are you sure your premium fuel has ethanol in it? It may be that this is no ethanol fuel you have been using all along.

[@philliphall5198]

I drain tank and start and run it dry and dies Then keep gas in containers

[@tatermater2613]

5 year old predator. non ethanol fuel with stabilizer, run until warm under load once a month, in the spring drain the fuel to use in mowers and refresh with new non ethanol fuel and stabilizer. never had any issues with this method

[@LuMaxQFPV]

I purchased my Honda EG650 Generator in June, 1985. In June 2005, on it's 20th birthday, I put it in a high desert storage facility, and didn't visit it for 18 years, 7 months!!! I just opened up that storage unit a couple weeks ago. Like a time capsule! Pulled out my cherished little generator, 38 years and 7 months old now!!! ...put fuel in it, opened the fuel valve and gave it a moment to fill the bowl, flipped on the choke, and she started on first pull. I always do your routine or similar: Final run before extended no use, I put Sta-bil and some gas in the tank. Run it till warm, turn off the fuel, play with the choke and governor arm to get all the fuel sucked out of the bowl. Drain the tank, strainer, and carb bowl. And then I always make sure to pull the starter rope till the piston is at the beginning of the compression stroke, both valves closed, because this keeps insects and dust and moisture from getting into the cylinder. There is something very magical about seeing an old friend fire up as if no time has passed! LOL. Great channel, new subscriber.

[@Leonardokite]

I never knew about using the choke to further empty the carb bowel. Thanks for the education!

[@peterbrault6880]

Very helpful tips. Thanks

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Dony, thanks to you, I ran all my machines dry of fuel and coated the deck of both mowers in oil as you advised in one of the videos.

[@tomfillmore9710]

Thanks for sharing very helpful advice have a great day

[@ronwatson4902]

Yessir that's great advice for any gas powered equipment. If you don't run it dry you'll wish you had next time you try to start it. Thank Dony!

[@philliphall5198]

Every one in America needs to test there generators today before the big storm hits This is the year they will be needed

[@michellatour150]

Shell 91 is ethanol free in Canada, I still treat it with Stabil Marine 360 and, store my two generators fueled up 'ready to run' (try filling up the gas in the dark during a power failure!). I drain the gas out (put in car) and replace it with a fresh batch every 6 months, been my problem free method for the past 25+ years.

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

What I do with mine is run it once a month for 1/2 hr-45 min so that the same fuel doesn’t sit in the carb & start to evaporate. 11 years old and no problems…used it for 2 weeks during Hurricane Sandy…

[@curtcmiller]

Good info, easy to understand, I’m surprised at how long it ran with the tank off.

[@trumpzilla4193]

Another fantastic tip and explanation....

[@KING4aday46]

Great info. I strongly believe in the gas corrosion. I had such a problem when I left gas in a car and it destroyed the tank.

[@tonym6920]

That’s exactly what I do. I usually run mine once a month or so to keep the guts of the machine lubricated. I use K100 stabilizer, works great. Thanks for the vid! 👍👍

[@murraymacneill2545]

All very good suggestions to follow. I also drain my gas tank through the fuel line. You just never know how long you might not use the generator for, and that gas can foul over time, even with stabilizers.

[@richardross7219]

Good video. I always add Marvel Mystery Oil to my gas. It prevents corrosion in the fuel system and removes carbon from the combustion chamber. I run my generator completely out of gas(may require siphoning). Any gas left will have MMO in it so that it only becomes a sticky liquid. This rinses through when fresh gas is added. BTW, my generators are old and do not have that convenient drain screw on the carbs. I do an oil change before putting it away. Good Luck, Rick

[@TKM1951]

Excellent

[@kevinhitt719]

I have always run all my equipment out of gas but never heard of the choke trick I'll have to try that it looks much easier than pulling the bowl like I always do when storing for long periods at a time.

[@oantech4252]

Install a motorcycle 2-way gas petcock with a reserve selection. There is an adapter on a3azon that adapts the cap threads on a quart container of ATF to a 1/4 rubber hose. Attach the hose to the reserve port. With the engine running, switch to reserve and give the container a gentle squeeze injecting ATF into the carb until it stalls out. For start-up, drain the bowl of ATF at the bowl's drain plug. Switch to fuel-on from the tank filled with fresh fuel and start it up. It may smoke a bit at first, but all the parts are preserved from that caustic ethanol.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Well done Donyboy the only thing we would add is to use NO ETHANOL fuel and run the unit once per month then run the carb dry and drain like you have shown. Fresh fuel should be added after 6 months since pump fuel may have deteriorated in that time in the tank. Alternatively we suggest our customers start out with the canned alkylate fuel like Aspen or Kinetix about 5 litres and just let it sit since these fuels have a shelf life of 2 years once opened. Actually just fired up a snowblower after 3 years and started first pull on choke and ran fine. We do not suggest the engineered fuels like TrueFuel there have been customers with issues but some with none but why take the chance.

[@ek8137]

SEAFOAM too! It has saved my butt more than a few times when forgetting to run out the gas - always seems to be my chainsaw that I forget about lol

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

What are your thoughts on fogging spray and putting a little two stroke oil in ethanol free gas to fill up metal tanks for seasonal storage? I ask because a few of my machines were free from rusted tanks and ethanol affected carbs. Thanks regardless of if you have time to answer.

[@MKrebs-kl7ud]

Just inherited a Honda EM6500, emptied the old gas, ran fresh ethanol- free gas with stabilizer through it. I am planning on changing the oil since it’s probably original to when the genny was purchased in 2021. Is this necessary if the oil looks clean? Also, does it matter if the “new” oil bottle has a date of Feb 2021 on it?? Your channel is definitely my favorite!!

[@gl35]

I have heard a recommendation to put a little automatic transmission fluid into the carburetor when storing. What do you think?

[@kenbrown2808]

I store mine by getting confident and wheeling it into the garage. of course, I always use ethanol free fuel (since having trouble with ethanol when it was newer) and it never sits idle for more than a month.

[@daivernon7346]

Finally a true way without using non-sense fuel stabilizers which spoil the quality of the fuel left in tank

[@pryme2013]

My HF 4500w looks identical to this Honda. It’s been perfect too for many years.

[@brianw6645]

I've read that you can add automatic transmission fluid to the fuel lines and filling the carburetor for long term storage. What are your thoughts on this method?

[@ianbutler1983]

Todd at Project Farm tested long-term gasoline storage. He found that non-ethanol is essential. Fuel stabilizer helped, but not enough to recommend ethanol gasoline. Non-ethanol with stabilizer was best.

[@Vicmon]

I have a generac generator 4000xl. Model# 09777-1 . I need the valve spring retainer. . can't find any . They do however sell a valve kit . I don't really want to take the head off ,buy the kit $40 plus I would have to buy the lapping tool, lapping paste,spring compressor, not to mention the work that has to be done . When all I need is the $3 retainer. Hopefully I can find an alternative to the kit. I'm about to try making a retainer with washers

[@sempreame]

Dear DonyBoy - Greetings from Rio. Please, give me a little hand on my 2 stroke small engine. The thing is, everything is brand new, but it seams that the cluch only engages with high RPM. I hoped it should engage way before. Can the cluch spring be replacede for a weaker one? So that it engages with lower RPM? Thanks for any help.

[@Wyliedawg]

I use no-ethanol fuel (Shell 91) w/Sta-Bil and run the unit under load for about an hour every 4 weeks with minimal fresh fuel in the tank each time. It's also stored (but NOT run!!) indoors to prevent any freeze-up. Keeps the battery charged and the unit ready to go 12 months of the year. As @DonyBoy73 recommends I run it dry every time and it's never failed to start since new 5 years ago.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Just found out our local Shell 91 now has ethanol in it and our local Sunoco apparently sells under the Sunoco brand but is an independent dealer and buys whatever is the cheapest. The 94 no ethanol tested at 5% on one of our customers lawnmowers so he contacted Sunoco who told him that gas bar was not a Sunoco dealer. Wow hard to believe but our customer now goes to Canadian Tire 91 no ethanol and we have been testing it for going on 9 years now at Eliminator Performance.

[@user-xg7qp8tb4e]

I have a similar Honda Generator. Mine is a an older EM 5000 SX with electric start. I inadvertently hooked the battery up wrong and blew a fuse for the DC Circuit. The electric start won't work now when I turn it to start, but will if I jump it at the solenoid. There is supposed to be a fuse for the DC circuit in a fuse box pictured in a manual. I can't locate the fuse box. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@barrypettit3668]

Excellent video Don. I already do this and use premium fuel. Does the carb bowl being dry cause any issues? Can you spray something in the empty bowl? Keep up the great work.

[@GYPSY400]

No, just run it dry and follow the video. If there is no fuel, there is no fuel to go bad.

[@GaryT1952]

What about FI Honda generators donyboy73?

[@danielrobert7181]

If your viewers wonder why it would be less critical to let fuel stand in the tank than in the carb, that’s because ethanol (now added in all pump fuels sold in Canada) chemically reacts with aluminium to create a gel that will clog the carb. The tank itself is usually made of steel or plastic which doesn’t react with that additive. And if one chooses to leave gas in the tank, better fill it to the brim as ethanol already in there added with more contained in « stabilizers » absorbs water (moisture) contained in air and fouls fuel quite rapidly. Regards !

[@davidquinn6161]

Some Canadian brands do not have ethanol in their premium fuels. Petro Canada is one. I contacted them and verified that their premium fuel does not have ethanol. I've been using that in my small engines for several years. Never had any problem starting any of them after several months of storage. Haven't used any fuel stabilizer although that's probably a good idea.

[@barrypettit3668]

@@davidquinn6161 Shell premium also is ethanol free.

[@martindesmarais7158]

Shell seems to be the only one, just looked at Petro web site n that is clearly written that ALL their products contain ethanol

[@Peter-.H]

@@barrypettit3668 absolutely. Shell premium, Costco premium and even Canadian Tire premium fuel are ethanol free in Canada. Cheers 🍻

[@davidquinn6161]

@@martindesmarais7158 This was quite few years ago that I asked Petro. I'll switch to Shell for my small engines.Thanks for the update.

[@JohnR9965]

Could be debated. I have never once drained any of my lawn equipment, snow blowers, log splitters, de thatchers, aerators and generators not once in over 30 years. But I do run them at least once a month in the off-season and run a 93 octane with Startron fuel stabilizer year round. Never had a issue thankfully from a no start.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Now that works perfectly we suggest that to all our customers as an option to using no ethanol fuel with k100S+ stabilizer and not running it monthly which has also worked for us at 6 month periods of storage only.

[@DefensorFortis]

So will the rubber gaskets dry out because there's no fuel keeping them lubricated? Or can you spray them down with the silicone especially around the bowl gasket and the float needle? Maybe you can spray some silicone lubricant into the carburetor over the winter keep that lubricated?

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

I don’t think the gaskets will dry out. Think about it…you buy a brand new carb…it’s been sitting in a warehouse in a box for who knows how long yet you bolt it up & it works fine right? I would not worry about draining carbs; do it if you can….

[@GYPSY400]

The ethanol in the gas will dry out the rubber long before air will

[@100vg]

If I'm not wrong, I believe this goes for pretty much any small engine. Have you done one for a 2-stroke chainsaw? And does all the bar oil need to be drained? Is it OK to store a chainsaw upside down to keep the bar oil tank from draining? Some just drain like a sieve, whether in use or not. Also, what about devices that cannot take a gas shutoff valve? Empty the tank and then run them until they stop? Thanks in advance, Don.

[@JHruby]

Chainsaws should be emptied of fuel and then started and run until they die. Chainsaws do not have a float bowl so there is no way to empty the fuel in the carb other than to run it. You do not need to empty bar oil on a chainsaw but since many of them leak it's off in a good idea.

[@100vg]

@@JHruby Thank you!

[@georgedavall9449]

Dr. Don! Small engine Master! 😃 Good tips. I have to leave our portable Genny ready to go 24/7/365, so I routinely start it up and run it for 10-15 minutes, every three weeks or so. I run a circular saw or other high amp tool while it is running, to maintain the field coil. I keep the tank real close to full, and have stabilized Non E 93 Octane gas in it. So far it has worked alright. Any suggestions would be welcome? Thanks for great content Sir! Cheers

[@waynestefinashen239]

Right on Dr. Don. At Eliminator Performance we suggest exactly the same thing and suggest our customers set up a log book for monthly running of their generator or put a tag on the unit with monthly start times. Since pump fuel can break down even if non ethanol after 6 months we suggest that our customers increase the running time of the generator as the months progress and have fresh fuel on hand to top up the fuel tank. The only other alternative that we suggest is using a canned alkylate fuel like Aspen or Kinetix which has a 2 year shelf life once opened. Around $40 Cdn for 5 litres and install it in an empty fuel tank with a clean carb and run it for 5 minutes or less then let it sit but mark the expiry date on a tag and start it up again at that time running for a longer period of time and add another 5 litres of the canned alkylate fuel. We actually have a single stage snowblower that was filled with Aspen 2 50:1 mix that sat for 3 years and it just fired up first pull on choke and runs fine.

[@georgedavall9449]

@@waynestefinashen239 Hey Wayne, thanks for reply and great comment! All good points, and I try to keep up with a ‘Log,’ but fail lots of times! It always starts up and runs OK. It’s a 5500 Running watts Generac portable Generator. I would NOT rec’d one of them. The canned fuels are great, but eeeexpensive! I use them from time to time in my saws, and especially when storing them, but to fill a 7 gallon tank, yikes! I will get fresh gas, as needed, and keep the tank topped off. I figure adding some ‘fresh gas’ to the tank will help it. Two local shops advocate Seafoam, over StaBil 360. I have 360 in the tank, and have used Seafoam on other engines. I just recently saw on the can that Seafoam claims their product can stabilize gas for “up to two years.” So I may switch to using Seafoam exclusively. I know it helps in the chainsaws. Take care!

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@georgedavall9449 Just about all our customers store their chainsaws with the alkylate fuel we sell $10 per can but this is not the engineered fuel. The best Generac generator is the natural gas ones that run and test themselves once per month. Our next door neighbour sells and installs them just waiting on a used one from him when a customer wants to upgrade to a larger generator.

[@mikemccarthy6939]

@@georgedavall9449just watched a video on sea foam it’s trash use sta - bil 360 it works after 19 months no gel in carb good stuff

[@Tifford1]

What's are your top two choices for propane generators in the 4,000 to 5,000 watt range?

[@PeterLawton]

What are your priorities? Price? Reliability? Easy ordering of parts? THD? Honda inverter generators are excellent for all but price. For low prices, you have to pick what to sacrifice. Harbor Freight has some low cost generators lots of people like, and that works for them. There are quite a few dual fuel generators out there, but most gas generators can also be converted to propane. I bought that kind of kit for my Honda EU2200i.

[@philliphall5198]

Well I hoping they check there generators in Texas again They will need them for sure We’re iced over

[@whatnowok]

Man, I wish I would’ve known ahead of time now my Duramax 10,000 generator fires up but then seconds later stalls pause it won’t stay running the shut off flow is fine but the screw where the ball is is not flowing

[@billsmith1770]

on engines w/fuel pumps (riding mowers) is it harmful to the pump to run the engine till it quits , with the fuel valve closed ?

[@waynestefinashen239]

No it should not hurt it but if you use NO ETHANOL fuel you should not have to run your carb dry and if you want to start it once per month called exercising the machine you should have no issues either. Here at Eliminator we use ethanol free fuel and K100S+ stabilizer and have no issues starting equipment after 6 months with fuel valve open and carb filled all along.

[@pittwo]

Any tips on a generator with a battery? Should the battery be disconnected?

[@philliphall5198]

Yes and no But I use same battery for riding mower and I keep it in the house and charge it 30 minutes every two months

[@dirtydon8661]

I pull the bowl screw and spray a little WD40 in bowl.

[@bigpardner]

So how will you start the generator with no fuel in the carburetor? How much pulling will it take?

[@donyboy73]

by turning the fuel valve back to on position

[@bigpardner]

@@donyboy73 Just the force of gravity will fill the carburetor with all the fuel it needs. all the way up to the jets ?

[@mikeo1567]

Before i do this procedure yearly, I also drain the gas tank and replace with new Ethanol free gas. Dump the old stuff in my truck.

[@steveboyer4137]

What I do is drain the gas for other use and put about a cup of Aspen in it...Then run it for about 5 minutes...Never had a problem in the last 6 years.

[@kajzersoze8051]

I always use ethanol free fuel and never drain anything. Never any issues.

[@bigpardner]

I have always done that with lawn tractor and snow blower with no starting problems after sitting all cold or warm seasons depending.. The generator, Champion, is a new item so I will soon find out.

[@jakestezinar7694]

Hi Dony..This is off topic but it’s about snowblower. I have a new craftsman snowblower. Bought it February this year. Used it twice and the gear selector cable broke. Contacted MTD. They sent me a new. I notice that’s it’s near impossible to get it into reverse. Seems like the torsion spring is to hard. Any ideas. I know it will brake again..

[@waynestefinashen239]

Jake you will need to stand it on its end in the maintenance position and pull the access panel on the bottom. Check that the hex shifter shaft is well lubricated with a low temperature grease and you may need to make an adjustment to the linkage to shift it properly in reverse. The tension on the cable may also have been too tight and should be able to back it off slightly.

[@jakestezinar7694]

I checked it. It’s lubricated..when I try to grab the linkage and move it. It’s slides well until it gets to the reverse position. I think the torsion spring might be an issue or they should put a metal rod instead of the cable and remove the torsion spring.

[@jakestezinar7694]

@@waynestefinashen239 I checked. It’s all good.

[@AtomicFallout757]

Ethanol fuel is unfortunate. I've let non-ethanol fuel sit in in the carburetors of some of my equipment for as long as all winter (about 6 months) and they start up like they had ran the day before.

[@steamboatwillie935]

Hey Don, are you aware Honda is ending Lawn Mower Production? They will be permanently closing their facility & consolidating with another Plant. The Plant remaining open, builds Side by side ATV'S. Lawn Mower's and small Engines are done after 2023. Due to harsh E.P.A regulations. Just heard this the other Day.

[@jason620362]

Doesn’t this model have auto choke?

[@donyboy73]

no but the new ones do

[@jason620362]

0:23that is the vacuum mechanism pulling the choke (on the top of the carburetor

[@jason620362]

@@donyboy73 don’t pull the choke Just pull start it

[@jameshedrick605]

That reminds me. I need to drain the fuel out of my generators

[@appleztooranges]

I’ll do this to my Honda snowblower. We don’t get much snow anymore thanks to global warming.

[@andyhamilton8940]

They changed the name now to scare more people. It’s called “Global Climate Change” this now includes drought, hurricanes, snow storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and forest fires. Funny how our enemies don’t give a crap about this. They keep using coal and oil to over power us.

[@jamesparlane9289]

You may as well boil the jug rather than wasting power. I think you should get rid of all fuel and empty the tank too. You can't do this with the Mars rover as it has a plutonium reactor on board. Yes they use nukes in space.

[@Tommyr]

I do the same thing on my snow blower.