Generator Storage [With or Without Gas?]

I recommend storing your generator with gasoline in it for convenience's sake, if for nothing else. However, make sure to keep your tank full, use ethanol-free gas that is treated with a stabilizer, and shut off your generator properly before storage to remove gasoline from the carburetor. You can do this by closing the fuel shutoff valve and letting the generator stall on its own, or turning the engine start switch to "off", turning off the fuel valve, and then manually draining the carburetor bowl.
Recommended Gasoline Additives (either/or, but I prefer SeaFoam)
SeaFoam: amzn.to/2x0N1IZ
Stabil: amzn.to/39CdzNP

[@clavenscales3196]

This is great info. I personally use the last 2 tips you provided. In addition, I also have a reminder set in my phone to run my generator once a month. I have so many relatives that have quality generators and when the freeze hit in Houston they wouldn’t even start.

[@user-kb4vn8cv6g]

I purchased a Durostar generator. It is the first generator I have owned. I will need to store my generator for 6 months over the winter (summer home.) My first thought was to store it using Stabil (as we do with our lawn mowers and lawn tractors.) However, Duromax says to drain the tank, drain the carburetor, and lube the spark plug chamber. I want to follow the manufacturer's instructions, but doing it as you do in this video would make my life 100% easier. Undecided.

[@TOURMANBOB]

Crucial to drain the float bowl with the drain hose attached on most of the gennie's carburetors. Otherwise the tiny amount of gas left over even after running it dry can go bad quickly defeating everything else you have done. I own five generators...one Honda EU6500 for home backup, 3 Champion 2000 watt inverters, and one 3400 inverter (long story). I also keep 10 gallons of gas stored with Stabil in it for one year after which I put it all in my cars and replace it with 87 octane regular gas (which includes ethanol). Never had a problem in 20 years...... ALL gas destined for any of my myriad of small motors gets Stabil in it right off the bat.....

[@kfitzpat9]

Very well articulated and thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@orlypalomar]

Thank you for your video. Just got a new generator and learning from past experiences with our first genset in the 90's (which died of neglect), and your video validated that 2 out of 3 things I'm doing are actually correct. I've also started using non-ethanol fuel and shutting down the genset through the petcock. One thing I'm still on the fence about is adding a fuel stabilizer.... what with tons of mixed reviews on their effectiveness. I am now considering having my genset converted to dual-fuel. It's much easier to maintain LPG/propane for long-term and emergency-use only generators, as they never go bad.

[@gibblespascack1418]

I follow the owner's manual for my Generac XL5500 unit. The manual says: run the gas out of the generator, change the oil and filter, pull the spark plug and put in one squirt of oil, pull cord 2 times and replace the spark plug. Then pull the cord until the motor valves close. Then store the generator in a clean, cool, dry space. Put a cover over it. To start it up, fresh stabilized gas is put in(6 gallons), the fuel on/off valve is turned to on. The choke is put to full, and one pull it starts up. This unit is needed once in ~4-5 years. This unit is now 25 years old and still starts on the first pull. As for fuel, I have 27 gal of non-ethanol stabilized gas which is rotated every 6 months. Also, if there is an emergency, I have 2 oil filter, 1 air filter and enough oil for 2 changes in storage. Only tip, is to real the product manual...

[@DJSabo]

Just invested a good bit of $ in a generator setup after going through Ian last year, so I'm researching how to best take care of the equipment. Thanks for the info, I'll be using all those tips.

[@robertaylesstock4960]

Excellent advice. Thank you.👌

[@Magnabee97]

I just bought a generator so this is good info I need. Thanks.

[@rayhoffelt]

Totally agree, but due to the hassle of storing gasoline and not having a gen set fail to start when needed I added a conversion kit so I can run gasoline, propane or natural gas. The natural gas configuration is used in the even of a power outage at home, gasoline if I need to take the gen set to another location for temporary power and propane as a fall back position. Yes orifice change is required between the LPG and Natural gas. Great Video and suggestions. Nothing is worse than a gen set that won't work when needed.

[@kraven6484]

Great Stuff my Man!!

[@danielamsterdam9083]

Great vid, thanks man.

[@solden49]

Awesome video.

[@donnieparrish3312]

sounds like good advice i just got a generator and i been using the power switch so thanks for the advice.

[@davidmetcalf1093]

Great information, Thanks.

[@dimalranasinghe8152]

I doing this for long time and I don’t have any problems with my Small Engines.

[@davidmorgan6367]

Thanks for the info

[@asinheaven]

Best advice ever

[@kj55]

Thanks for video, I just got one do the the past storms on the east coast, and thus gave me some great info on how to protect my gen. Thansk

[@dannyrafael3334]

Pro tip: you can watch series on flixzone. Been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@ayaantravis8210]

@Danny Rafael Yup, I've been watching on flixzone for since november myself :)

[@thudang3710]

Thank you

[@thepoopsoup]

Good video, one last thing fill as full as possible and put a piece of saran wrap under the gas cap because it's vented

[@stuartgoldstein3967]

Hi. I just purchased a new Generac stand alone generator with electronic fuel injection. I'm wondering if storage over the winter, in a climate like Long Island's,

[@0016af]

How do I prevent sm. amounts of rust from occurring in my generator gas tank, all at the bottom of the tank. I have painfully sanded them out. Should I rub a bit of motor oil onto the bottom of the tank for a 7 - 8 month storage time? Or other ideas , thanks.

[@thetopnacci]

Would you feel safe leaving trufuel without any additional Sea foam or stable for longer than a month?

[@alanj7306]

I still think it’s better to store with a smaller amount of fuel with additives run through the last tank (that way it’s already in the fuel lines, close the gas valve as you said. Then when ready to start, add new fuel before starting back up. This ensures that it’s 80%+ fresh gas and also no seals have dried out. I’m This has always worked great 👍 for me.

[@hersonlamolli6276]

Hi, have two five gallon of gasoline and I don't know which one is regular or premium. Could I put premium until it finishes.

[@vyger6336]

I bought a brand new Generac and put it in my shed to store it.I haven't used it since i bought it.. Can I store it without oil in it until I use it or should i put oil in it and turn the engine over a few times to coat the cylnder ??

[@brianw6645]

Some people recommend putting automatic transmission fluid in the fuel lines and carb before long-term storage. What are your thoughts on that method?

[@shingod700]

If I completely drain the fuel tank and carburetor after usage, should I put something in the fuel tank to prevent rust like silica packet

[@jimmoss9584]

Yep.

[@barretthamilton2565]

I got a generator 2 years ago due to a power outage from a tornado that ran through our area. I left a small amount of gas in it and didn't do any kind of treatment or maintenance. What should my 1st steps be? I also have a 5 Gallon Gas can, the gas was only used for the generator so it is also 2 years old. I want to get this running tonight and addressed as we have an ice storm that will be here tomorrow. Any help would be appreciated, my hopes are is that I can add an additive now and save it, but I am damn sure no expert. Help?

[@MaDGriZz78]

Why keep fuel in the generator if the third step is to switch the fuel tank off? The only thing I can see is for convenience of not having to add fuel in an emergency. I've always added a fuel stabilizer first and ran it dry( choking it to dry as much as possible ) with no issues. Just curious

[@Arctic513]

Ethanol free gas is hard to get in Houston. Wish it were more readily available.

[@kenyachaney6855]

we just bought a portable generac & I live in Houston too. something tells me we are going to have black outs this summer, because there is more buildings, houses, apartments & offices that are new so that means more electricity that would be used this year thenlast year & plus the freeze we had & im watching this video & others so I can have long life with my generation

[@Severris]

All Buc-Ee's around Houston I have been to have ethanol free fuel. Another excuse to drive to one.

[@akielschmidt8984]

@@Severris thanks. I dont know where to find the gas in houston as well. luckily I have a buckeys here in baytown.

[@isultan2010]

Thanks for this Just ordered my first generator. Can you store it in the garage filled? I plan to use it monthly to keep it ready to go.

[@HomeBatteryBank]

Awesome! Yes, just mix Seafoam in with the gas and you'll be good for a year officially (according to the claim on their bottle). 1oz per gallon of gas. Personally, I've stored mine for 2 years with Seafoam mixed in and it still worked perfectly. After that, I drain (or pump) it into a gas can and pour it into my car and then refill the generator with fresh fuel. Remember to run the generator for a few minutes after you add the Seafoam so that it can get into the carburetor and fuel lines before storage.

[@digitalmixer]

I have a ai yamaha sc2300i generator 2300 1800 blue it's surging can you show me please how to fix

[@boonecountygenerators3052]

If you are storing gasoline for emergency use, whether it's in your generator or in fuel cans, I recommend labeling the container with the date purchased and whether or not you have added stabilizer. Just a piece of masking tape and a sharpie will do. Then when it's a couple years old, use the gasoline in vehicles or lawn equipment and replace it with fresh fuel. If it's not labeled with the purchase date, you won't know how old it is.

[@stuartgoldstein3967]

will be done any differently

[@joebrown9621]

Ethanol free is the way to go.. way less head aches.. it will even evaporate completely leave no residue admittedly I'll use ethanol free only at the start and ending of winter in my snow blower as snow days can be fewer or far apart.. in the heart of winter straight 10%E cheap 87 as it's used up more frequently.. For my Generator only ethanol free as its used just for back power.. after a few months the flash point is reduced so I'll suck it out and put fresh fuel.. dump the old gas in my car

[@drumdude46]

Hello. I have the WEN 3800. Love it. and am learning about all the little 'tricks of the trade' as it were, to do with these smaller engines. One thing i'm still not too clear on; Do i ( or...'should i) be doing the 'stabilizer additive'...even IF...i'm using the unit on a regular basis ( starting and using say, at least once a month...or even maybe...some 'days in a row'...then repeating at least monthly...so she's being "Used'...and not just sitting for a year) Or do i only need to be concerned about 'additive'...if i know i'm planning on 'hibernating' the Unit, for some months straight? thanks for any info!

[@Arctic513]

Seafoam won’t hurt you either way

[@johnd1727]

I have had the same Honda EU10i Generator for 18+ years and have never used any additives or stabiliser - NEVER until recently. Worldwide it seems fuel quality has deteriorated enormously. Small engines are very intolerant of bad fuel. Do not buy fuel for your generator or lawnmower that you will not use in a few weeks. Use a stabiliser - there are many brands. They are all very expensive but you only use around a teaspoon for 2 litres. Frequency of generator use is not the issue so much as the age of the fuel. Tip - for storing your generator : Remove most of the fuel then start it and let it run until it quits. The engine has run out of fuel but there will still be a small amount in the carburettor bowl. Take the front cover off and look for the carburettor bowl. On the bottom of the bowl there will be a securing nut - alongside that there will be a small metal pipe with a screw inside it. Loosening that screw allows the fuel in the bowl to drain to the ground. Re-tighten the screw. Remove the spark plug. Drop a teaspoon of oil in the cylinder. Replace the spark plug. Pull the engine over several times (start sw OFF). Next pull the starter cord gently untill you feel the engine about to turn over - the piston will be at the top of the cylinder and the teaspoon of oil will be distributed. When using the generator next refuel and start as usual - a tiny amount of smoke will blow out the exhaust and then clear in seconds - that is that tiny amount of oil you put in. If treated well, small 2 and 4 stroke engines - the engines themselves - will last forever. Minor hiccups like the carburettor or ignition coil need rare attention and there are some excellent videos on KZbin to guide you to a really cheap fix if that happens.

[@meauxjeaux431]

@@johnd1727 GREAT ADVICEJOHN !

[@dianarodriguez9783]

Yeah I’m going to run it until the tank is empty. Seems like alot to worry about to leave gas is.

[@hardtruth2039]

I only use ethanol free gas and 1oz of seafoam per gallon of gas for storage. I don’t care for stabil.

[@varvodic27]

Fantastic video where can I buy ethanol free fuel

[@HomeBatteryBank]

www.pure-gas.org/ 👍 Thanks for the comment!

[@stairclimber6440]

What about loss of residual magnetism? I agree with turning off the fuel valve annually and run it dry for long term storage but if you turn off the fuel valve everytime you want your generator to stop running won't you eventually cause your generator's coils to lose their magnetism?

[@solden49]

Only if you run it out with a load on it over and over.

[@texan4jesuschrist559]

Hi, would it be safe to let the generator run out of gas completely for long time storage?

[@HomeBatteryBank]

I'd recommend just draining the fuel completely and pouring it into your car's gas tank if you're going to remove all of the fuel from the tank and whatnot. I generally just use gas that has been treated with Seafoam (1oz per gallon of gas) and leave gas in the tank itself (it will last for 2 years). I close the fuel valve right below the tank and either run the generator until it stalls out, or I just turn the generator off and drain the carb bowl. I do like getting gas out of the carb before storing though. It allows the float needle to relax and won't deform it over time with the constant pressure of having a full carb bowl.

[@texan4jesuschrist559]

@@HomeBatteryBank awesome, thanks for your reply. I will take your advice and run with it. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@demetriosa7646]

@@HomeBatteryBankI had a question. I just watched your video on proper gas containers storage and off gassing. I separate my own ethanol from gas by a beer Carboy by adding water food coloring and gas. 4:1. In doing my separation once the ethanol is extracted the gasoline floating on top of the water is usually crystal clear. I ran a batch for a friend today who had purchased gas 2 weeks ago but was using a wine cork in the nozzle to seal it. When I separated his gas I was able to extract the ethanol but his gas stayed cloudy on top of the water and didn’t become crystal clear. Do you think the improper storage caused oxidation and do u think the gas is still good? Any info or thoughts would be appreciated!

[@garyclark980]

I had a generator for 14 years which I stored dry when not in use, I sold it to neighbor 3 years ago to buy an electric start generator. The original spark plug is still in it and the carburetor has never been touched. After 17 years it still starts with the first pull, I guess I don’t agree with the video only time will tell.

[@chriscox5568]

Wrong ! If you plan on storing gas in your tank make sure it's 100% fresh ethanol free, that means it doesn't have any water in it. Make sure to put fuel stabilizer in your gas cans first so the stabilizer will mix completely in the fuel as you fill up at the pumps. Fill your tank totally full to the top accept about 3/8" from the fill spout. If you leave any air void in your tank it will sweat and your gas tank will rust over time. Make sure to cut off your gas flow at the cut-off below your tank and drain your fuel line and carburetor bowl. Then get some Lucas upper cylinder lubricant and after draining your carb bowl take the Lucas and squeeze it into the carburetor till you see it pushing out through all the little holes and spaces and in the bowl of the carburetor. Storing your generator over time the gas will turn into a type of crusty lacquer and will gum up your carburetor and even make everything in it rust causing your generator to fail to run properly or to even start without having to be fully broken down and cleaned out and even a new carb kit installed. The Lucas will push out all the gas and lubricate the entire carburetor seals and all from harm. When you want to use your generator just drain the carburetors bowl then open the fuel tank valve and crank your generator. It will smoke for a few seconds then clear up. Also when storing your generator remove your spark plugs and put about 2-3 table spoons of Lucas in on top of your pistons and with the generator in the off position slowly pull the starter rope 3-4 times to coat the inside of your engines piston wall and the top of the piston itself to keep everything lubed and keep the pistons from seizing up from long term storage. You should also if you have electric start disconnect your battery terminals to keep from draining your battery and shortening its life or better yet put a battery tender on it.

[@francisvazquez13]

Ethanol free all the way.

[@HomeBatteryBank]

Agreed!

[@Griggs58]

Drain it and put ATF in it. Simple as.

[@Antiqueexcavator]

What if your generator has a five gallon tank? How do you get the ATF into the carb?