Hi, this is Chuck Burr, your University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Educator, serving Phelps and Gosper Counties and the surrounding area.
Now that most of us have full power again, it is time to think about that generator again. If you are like me, it is still sitting in the back yard where you left it when the power came back on. You should take a few minutes to do some maintenance so that when you need it again, it will be ready.
The first thing you should do is to start the engine and let it run until it is warm. Next drain the oil and replace it with fresh oil. If the oil has a creamy appearance or contains water, you should let the engine run with fresh oil until it is warm and drain it again. The creamy appearance or noticeable water would indicate condensation has occurred inside the engine and it is best to drain the oil twice to be sure all of the water is removed. Also, if your generator engine has an oil filter, it would be good to replace the filter as well.
After the oil has been replaced, drain all of the gas out of the tank. Next run the engine until it quits, indicating that all the gas is out of the carburetor. You should also drain the carburetor bowl assembly. Some carburetors have a drain plug to drain the gas as well. This will help prevent fouling of the carburetor with stale gas. You should also check the air filter to be sure it is clean. Finally store the generator indoors so it is out of the weather. If you are unsure how to drain the carburetor or change oil, take it to a local small engine repair shop. A little money spent now, will insure that it will run when you need it again.
If you plan on using your generator periodically, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank. This will also help prevent fouling. You should always consult your owner’s manual for more specific maintenance recommendations for your generator. Spending a little time now will improve your chances that your generator will be ready when you need it again. This has been Chuck Burr, your University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Educator. I hope you have a great day.
