Starting a new small generator?
Posted by fixitmonkey@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 16 comments
I'm moving to a house more remote (by UK standards) where the power supply has a higher risk of failure. I'd like to have a generator on standby in case of power cut to keep the fridge and heating system running in case of power cut (It's an oil heating system so there won't be a big electrical requirement).
I will have a supply of petrol (gasoline) to power a generator in the short term and that will be replaced regularly as it will power the garden tools. My main question is starting the generator. I'm used to older generators that needed to be run regularly or faced carburetor issues etc. If I buy a new generator and leave it in the box (no fuel in the system to go bad) can I simply unpack, add fuel, bleed the lines then run the generator or is it harder than that? Surely generators are expected to sit on the shelf for years while they go from manufacturer to shop etc.
Enigma_xplorer@reddit
I actually doubt very much they are designed to sit on the shelf for years. It's more realistically months from raw materials in China to sale. That's how just in time inventory works. No one wants to outlay capital for stuff thats going to sit around for years. They've got bills to pay, bills that need to be paid with the proceeds from the sale of that generator.
Now I can see why you would think that it could sit more or less indefinitely but that really isnt true. If you've ever seen engines or machinery that have been properly "mothballed" They are typically hosed down internally and externally with some kind of fogging oil, capped, sealed in nitrogen purged plastic (not just wrapped, sealed and possibly even double bagged), with moisture absorbers and humidity indicators. In the box it is still more or less left open to the elements and rust will start to form in places you really don't want it. Occasionally running it will prevent that from happening. Plus as has been mentioned, you don't know if it even works. Also I would hate to open it to find a mouse has made a nest in it.
The other thing to consider is the break in. Most of these cheap generators are FILLED with machining debris out of the box. I will typically flush out the crankcase with fresh oil before I even start it. Then I will run it a few hours and change the oil again as the machined parts wear in and create even more metal filings. Personally I will run it a few more hours and change the oil yet again just to be safe. After that it's probably safe to revert to the recommended oil change interval. Might be wise to get that out of the way before you really need it.
Vicente_Neto2002@reddit
Make sure the gas is fresh and spark plug's tight. Little things can stop it from firing up.
_Kiritsugu_@reddit
If you're open to options beyond gas, something like the Bluetti Apex 300 might be worth a look. No fuel issues, no maintenance, and it can sis idle for months without a problem. But yeah, for gas generators, as long as there's no fuel in it, storing it in the box should be fine. Just add fuel and oil when needed and you're good to go.
Clean-Development-90@reddit
Get a dual fuel generator, can run on propane or petrol. Petrol degrades over time and could wreck your generator if months go by between needing it.
I have generator backup, a big tank of propane. In the event of an outage, I can wheel the generator onto my patio, link it to an inlet, which leads to my consumer unit, and a changeover switch enables the to switch from grid to generator and carry on like nothing happened. It’s only 3.5kw, but plenty to run (gas) central heating, sockets and lights. Would just have to avoid using the oven/ hob/ kettle.
In a prolonged outage I could cook using microwave, air fryer, bbq or gas camping stove.
It’s starts first time, every time, even right out of the box - just make sure you’ve added oil, they often ship without oil.
Longjumping-Army-172@reddit
I just bought a new small generator in May following an extensive blackout. Here's what I've learned during my research and after my purchase:
First, that generator in the box will likely require some assembly...at least attaching the wheels and pull handle. There's also the possibility of added packaging to remove before you fire it up. That's not something you want to be doing when the power actually goes out. They also ship with no oil in the crank case (but usually come with a bottle). Doing this set up at go-time will cost you about an hour when you have other things needing done.
As others have pointed out, you want to both test the equipment AND make sure you know how to run it BEFORE you need it. Just last week it was 90 degrees out, and I was running a new propane heater. It gave me a chance to learn about it, make sure it worked properly and burn off coatings that could cause fumes if I was to use it "new from the box" in my house.
I'm not sure about in your country, but here in the US, you generally have 30 days to return a defective product to the retailer for a refund or replacement. After that, it's up to the manufacturer to determine if and how they will honor a warranty.
Generators require a break-in period. Generac (the brand that I purchased) and others suggest an oil change after five hours of run time. The common advice is to run the first five hours (with a load) on petroleum based oil (the new generator will likely ship with a bottle), then change the oil. Being as you're in the UK, I'd suggest changing it with 5-W30 synthetic oil. It can handle a wider variety of climate conditions.
Generac also suggests storing the tank completely full. This reduces the volume of air in the tank (air contains moisture), which reduces the amount of condensation...water...that gets into the tank.
It's also suggested that you run the generator for 30 minutes to an hour every month, and do maintenance at the beginning and end of winter.
So, your idea of just leaving it in the box is a no-go.
Here in the US, the government decided that it was a good idea to pollute our gasoline with ethanol (and alcohol made from corn or canola). This is bad for small engines. We have the option to buy ethanol-free gasoline (at a premium) that's better for your generator. I'd look into your ethanol situation, and go ethanol-free if it's a thing there. In any case, treat with a stabilizer such as Stabil Storage.
Most of the generators I've messed with gave a fuel shutoff valve/petcock. If you turn it off and let the generator die from lack of fuel, it empties your carburetor of gasoline, greatly reducing issues.
My advice: do your break-in, run it every month (with appliances hooked up) and store it with the tank topped off. Your generator should run fine when you need it!
Also, go to r/generator. Those guys know their stuff. Also plenty of stuff on YouTube.
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
You can, but you need to know it runs too. Probably best you know how to look after it when used little.
Buy a honda, eu1000 or 2000 if you want a small one. If you can afford it, they are expensive.
Fuel up and start every 3 to 6 months, put it under a load for a bit, rather than idle, drain tank put it away.
Get spare OEM carb rebuild kits. Including the diaphragm.
99% of any issues you will have will be dirt in the carb, old fuel gumming things up, or either a dried out or swollen diaphragm. Basically a little 2 cm square bit of plastic in the carb, learn how to strip a carb and rebuild, there are you tube videos on this, easy to do and no specialist tools needed.
Ethanol in the fuel is the big problem of little used engines devices, if you can get Ethanol free , use it, also a little fuel line as a replacement too, buy Tygon brand fuel lines only, but even that will harden after use.
And a couple of replacement spark plugs, real non eBay bought NGKs, there are loads of fake NGKs flooding the UK market.
Electronic_Scale1385@reddit
I would highly recommend starting it and keeping the battery connected to a battery tender if it has electric start. I have a 12kw generator that is both but its tough to pull start.
Paranormal_Lemon@reddit
Use ethanol free gas and only add a small amount when you do periodic starts so you can just burn it all off.
Exciting_Turn_9559@reddit
I would recommend a dual fuel generator that runs on propane and gas, and run it strictly on propane as much as possible.
Hot_Annual6360@reddit
Ok, I have a normal gasoline generator, I have had it turned off for about 25 years, with gasoline and oil from 25 years ago, when I tried to start it, it would not start, but, I remembered a prepper trick, put a little gas in the air intake (if you have, normal butane gas from the kitchen or lighters, cold starters are also sold) you will not believe it, it starts the first time.
Fit_Acanthisitta_475@reddit
How long is the outrage and how much power do you needs? You may get way with battery power station
humidsputh@reddit
A new generator can usually be easily started new out of the box, but I personally want to break in a new generator.
Most small generators/engines will create a lot of small metal shavings as surfaces wear in. I personally want all that crap out of my generator before I have to rely on it for an extended period.
RedOctobyr@reddit
I also want to know that the generator WORKS. An extended outage (and when you're also maybe out of warranty) is not the time to find out it was defective out of the box.
I am going to assume you don't have ethanol in your gasoline. I would still add fuel stabilizer. Break in the engine, and test it, as suggested. Add an inline fuel shutoff valve ($10) to the line from the tank to the carb.
Warm up the engine and change the oil, which may have metal shavings in it.
Siphon the gas out of the tank. Run it until it stalls, hopefully with the line from the tank at the lowest position (like tilt the generator a bit if needed) to get most of the gas out of the tank. Close the fuel shutoff valve, try to start the engine until it stalls again. You can then remove the carb bowl, wipe it dry, and reinstall it.
This puts you pretty much back-to-new, in terms of getting gas out of the fuel system. But now you know the generator works, and the engine had some break-in time.
GooseGosselin@reddit
I'm not an expert, but I believe the issue you are referring to is a rotting diaphragm in the carburettor. Most engines don't use that system anymore. Highly recommend testing it before you need it though. After, you simply run the tank dry and drain the fuel from the carburettor and it can be stored indefinitely, my little Honda EU2200i has a little valve and drain tube to make it simple. I have a tri-fuel as well that I only run on natural gas so I can forgo draining the carb.
Overall-Tailor8949@reddit
When you do use it, run the tank dry so no fuel is left in the lines when you're finished.
Alaskanarrowusa@reddit
Just make sure to add fresh oil and fuel when the time comes, and you should be good to go. It’s not like the old finicky models your granddad had to tinker with every time