Since then I did get a regular 5500w generator that I have never used
in 6 years. It is still in the box.

I'm not sure if it's true or not - I once heard that after years of
un-use - the magnets field magnets ? can lose their
magnetic-ness or sumpthin'
http://www.engineersedge.com/motors/...d_flashing.htm
So your unused engine might still work fine but the generator won't.
John T.

Al he has to do is drop his pants to flash the generator and shock it back into working again. ?(?)?

* Actually that's not amusing . I fired mine up one day when the power
went out , only to discover no output . The residual magnetic field had
dissipated , leaving me without power . I did figure out how to flash
the field and get it running again - IIRC it was with some help right
here . Now I fire it up at least every couple of months to refresh it .
* Snag


The other thing that I heard about the test-running - is put some
electrical load on the generator - for the magnetic-ness ..
I test my Honda 5000 for 10 - 15 minutes, every 4 or 5 months or so
with a couple portable heaters plugged in 1200 - 1500 watts each
The one time I neglected the test-run for 6 or 7 months -
the engine "hunted" up & down for several minutes ..
John T.