I rarely use my generator more that a couple times a year and I don’t believe in starting it if it sits for long periods of time.
One of the problems with carburated engines that sit for long periods of time, the fuel inside the carb bowl evaporates and leaves behind a residue that can foul the float, valve, and jets. To reduce / eliminate this problem, simply drain the fuel from the carb bowl before placing the generator in storage mode. I installed a fuel shutoff valve in the fuel line that feeds the carb. When I’m finished running the generator and don’t think I’ll be using it again in the foreseeable future, rather than shutting the generator off, I turn off the two circuit breakers on the side of the generator, then close the fuel valve and let it run out of gas. This burns most of the fuel out of the carb, and eliminates the residue from sitting for months on end.
IMPORTANT – I used a good quality metal valve from Amazon. The cheap plastic valves won’t seal and the generator fuel pump can push fuel through it and leak. The cheap plastic valves are OK for gravity feed systems like my lawn mower and snow blower. I do the same thing on them, before placing in storage, run the motor and shut the fuel valve off so it runs out of gas.
Great idea! I did the same exact thing. Works great..because Onan doesn’t make the Carbs serviceable and a new one from Cummins is about $500! (Although I buy OEM on Ebay for $200-$250)
Follow this tip people!
So when you cut off the ball valve and run all the fuel out of your carb. It’s ok to let the generator sit for 6 months or so without operating it every month?
IMHO, Yes.. Mine gets stored this way twice a year. about 6 months in Ohio, then when we go to AZ for the winter, about 5 months in AZ. Before storing, I run the genny for about 20 minutes under load. I then turn the gas valve OFF and allow the genny to run out of gas. It then sits for 5 or 6 month unless I need it for an emergency.
Good to know. Thank you very much.