On 7/15/2013 9:49 AM, Dottie wrote:
I have a generator which I have never used - thank goodness! But I do crank it up every month and make sure it's o.k. I need to buy gas for it -- and I have several 2 1/2 gallon cans. I don't want to use anything larger because they are too heavy to lift. My question is: What is the shelf life of a gallon of gas? I bought StaBil and put that in the last time I added gas. What I will do (and did before) is fill the generator and then fill the empty gas cans. I use the gas for lawn mower too so it will eventually get used even if we don't have a hurricane. Just wondering if I need to add StaBil to all of it -- thanks.
I wire piles of manual transfer switches for my customers who want small
gasoline generators. Many of my customers don't even operate lawn
mowers, so they are completely clueless regarding this stuff. I
typically recommend adding Stabil to the gas, and keeping it for no more
than one year, at which time, dump it in your car. Either siphon it out
of the generator or run it dry if it doesn't have too much in the tank.
I would also recommend killing the generator by turning off the fuel
valve, if it is going to sit idle for several months or longer. By doing
this, the float in the carburetor has less change to get stuck by any
gasoline turning gummy. Here is a guide I send my customers:

Portable gasoline generators

1) fill fuel tank completely. This will prevent condensation from
forming in tank

2) Add fuel stabilizer to fuel (Stabil). This will prevent fuel from
gelling for about one year.

3) New generators, the first oil change MUST be done at aproximately
5-10 hours of run time. Small metal fragments chafe off of the moving
parts during this period. It is essential to remove them from the system
at this interval. Subsequent oil changes are typically done at 100 hours.

4) Charge the generator's battery (if applicable) once a month. They
typically come with a trickle charger for this. Do not leave it plugged
in or it will overcharge

5) When shutting down the generator for a prolonged period of time, do
so by turning the fuel valve to the "off" position, instead of using the
start-off rocker switch. This process will take a few minutes to emply
the carburetor of gasoline, but it prevents the carburetor's float from
getting stuck on a subsequent start up.

6) When running the generator, it must be on a level surface. Most
generators have a "low oil cutoff" switch, which prevents the machine
from damage if the oil level drops too low. If the machine is not on a
level surface, the oil may settle away from the sensor and stall the
machine, or prevent it from starting.

7) When using, warm the machine up for approximately 5 minutes before
switching on electrical loads. You can connect the twist lock cord set,
but leave the generator "main breaker" off, (if applicable), or rocker
switches in "line" position (if applicable) until warm up is complete.

8) When shutting down, even for a refueling: Turn generator main breaker
off (if applicable), or turn all rocker switches to "line" position (if
applicable), let machine cool down for approximately 5 minutes, then
shut down.

9) When running generator in heavy rain, set a plastic card table over
the machine to protect it. Do not block the exhaust outlet

10) Fuel and fuel storage: Keep enough "fresh" gasoline. Typical small
generator burns approximately 1/2 gallon per hour @ 50% . Gasoline with
stabilizer is good for about one year, at which point dump it in your
car and replace it. All new fuel cans sold in the U.S. have an EPA
required mechanism to prevent spillage. Put simply, they don’t work. Be
prepared with a funnel to prevent spillage.

11) Starting a cold machine: Turn on fuel, close choke, turn on any "on"
switches, start machine, after about 30 seconds turn off choke.
Instructions are typically printed on machine

12) Read the manual. Discount all the scary stuff, but pay attention to
the maintenance

Transfer panels, transfer switches, and interlock switches

Transfer panel: This is a sub panel with two main breakers, mechanically
interlocked to prevent both from being turned on simultaneously. One
main breaker is fed from your main service panel. The other main breaker
is fed from your generator.

When using a transfer panel, turn off ALL circuit breakers until
generator is connected andwarmed up. Turn on the "main" breaker from the
generator followed by the rest of the breakers below the mains. Turning
on the lower breakers individually prevents a large surge on the
generator. When shutting down generator, turn off generator main first.

Transfer switches: This is a panel with typically 6 to 12 three position
rocker switches in it. The positions of each switch are, "line", "off",
and "gen". The normal position of the switches should be in is "line".

When using a transfer switch panel, warm up and connect generator cord,
then switch all switches to "gen" position. Never shut down generator
with switches in "gen" position, always turn to line first.

Interlock kit: This is a mechanical device that mounts directly to your
main service panel. This prevents the service main breaker from being
turned on simultaneously with a "generator main" breaker that gets
installed in the panel.

When using an interlock kit, warm up and connect generator cord, turn
off ALL circuit breakers in panel including service "main" breaker. Turn
on generator "main" breaker followed by pre-selected breakers being
careful not to overload your generator. To shut down, first turn off
generator "main" breaker.