Should I run my generator dry in preparation for storage?

Question

I think this is on-topic after reading the FAQ, so I figured I'd go ahead and ask.

I gave my gas generator its scheduled 3-month interval "workout" last night, and after letting it run for about 30 minutes, I turned the fuel valve off and let it run until it died so there wouldn't be any gas left in the fuel lines. I use ethanol-free gas with Sta-Bil added to it. Then I siphon out whatever's left in the tank after the generator has been shut down. However in the last few seconds it was running, the whole generator started shaking and making a terrible racket. Should I not do this - am I putting more wear on the engine than I would by letting old gas sit in the fuel lines?

I've heard what seems to be conflicting results in running engines out of gas. For cars it's bad, but the overwhelming online opinion for generators seems to be that running them dry before storage is the best option. Is this because automobile fuel pumps can be damaged by running dry, but since generators are usually gravity-fed, it isn't harmful to them?

Answer 1

I recommend to everyone I know to run your generator or other small equipment dry before storage. The main purpose of this is to get all of the ethanol based fuel out of carburetor and fuel bowl. Ethanol has a propensity of gumming things up and can leave a lot of varnish over time. This tends to plug orifices needed for proper fuel metering while running, and thus kills the carb. I've unsuccessfully attempted to rebuild small engine carbs, but found it much easier/cheaper (time vs. cost) to replace. I have had to replace two carbs out of three small equipment pieces with gas engines. Since I started running them dry, I've had no issues. Starting takes a few more pulls of the cord, but once the bowl fills, they fire without too much hassle.

As far as the bucking goes, this would be normal as the bowl runs out of fuel. As long as you do not have a load on your generator when you do this, it should not cause any issue.

One other thing for proper maintenance. When giving your generator a "workout", make sure you plug something into it and run it. Something which will actually put a load on the generator. Generators are built to work. They tend to not like to just "run" ... for some reason this tends to wear them out quicker. You are running it anyway, so plugging something into it and running it should not cause you any concern. I run a 15A shop vac on mine, which is a 5250w running generator. Gives it a little bit of a workout.

EDIT: You may also want to look at this post, this post, and maybe even this post ... all from this SE site.

Answer 2

I never have drained the gas out of mine,i have always exercised them at least twice a year once in the spring then once when the cold weather starts coming in the bowls on the carb are still clean,then top the oil off and gas too add some stabilizer and wait for the next outage so far so good,and they have always started when needed.

Answer 3

Best case scenario is to always use ethanol free fuel (I use WAWA 89octane Ethanol free, before WAWA came along, I used to have to drive down to the airport to get it)

Most of my friends and neighbors have generators as in West Florida, there will be hurricanes and power outages. A way to power portable air conditioner on wheels is my biggest goal, power for everything else is icing on the cake.

I simply start my generator every two to four weeks and leave ethanol free fuel in it. Both my generators are 11 years old and run as new. One is a cheap Ryobi inverter generator, and the other a bigger non inverter unit, but connected to a large inverter block. I keep five metal 5 gallon cans of fuel, every year I rotate them out and refresh them with new fuel. I also have a stainless steel 33 gallon fuel tank if needed. I use the old fuel in my vehicle.

PS. I realize this is an old thread, but wanted to add to the advice given.

Answer 4

Our experience with this question has shown that indeed you should. We found that the carburetor bowl that holds a small amount of fuel at all times tends to get a coating of what we call lacquer caused by gas settling. The film plugs the sprayers etc and the next time you want to use it she says no! We always shut off the supply and allow the engine to run till it stalls for lack of fuel and all is well the next time.