What is Reddit's opinion of

""




Categories:

Check price

1 comment of this product found across Reddit:
_Volly /r/ryobi
7 points
1970-01-19 16:14:16.852 +0000 UTC

A few things about generators.... First, if you plan to only have it operated on gas, do NOT ever keep gas in the generator until you use it.

Second, when removing gas from the generator tank back to your gas can, use this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TWK6XQ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_RNEKCN4DA2JCJBKCPAX2

Third, after removing the gas, start the generator and let it run until the remaining fuel in the gas line is used up and the unit cuts off on its own.

Forth, NEVER and I mean NEVER use old gas in your generator. The generator is an emergency piece of equipment and must be treated well so you can count on it when you need it.

The reason for those steps is to prevent gas from sitting in the carburetor between uses. I can't begin to tell you how many generators, lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers, anything that uses a small gas engine I've seen have old gas in the carburetor and not run. The gas will turn to varnish, clogging the carburetor. When you need the unit to start and the carburetor is clogged, you are out of luck. The only option at that point is to take the carburetor off and clean it. There are very small parts, tiny fuel tubes, and you need the proper tools to do it as well as a carburetor rebuilt kit. There is nothing worse than having no power and your generator is broken due to neglect.

I've rebuilt many carburetors due to this exact problem.

Some folks say use Staybil in your gas. Yes you can do that HOWEVER that only buys you a bit of time. Over long term, the gas STILL goes bad. I've seen gas treated with Staybil that sat long enough to turn to something that looked like jello.

You may want to convert your generator to run on multiple fuels. I highly recommend this. A generator can run on gas, propane, or natural gas. All you need to do is go on Amazon, type in generator fuel conversion kit. You will then be asked what model generator you have. Put that in and you will be shown a list of compatible conversion kits. Most are less than $200.The upside to running on either propane or natural gas is you don't need to worry about the carburetor problem you have on using gas. Also if you have propane line to your house from the street, you never need worrying about running out of fuel. You should have a licensed technician to hook up your propane/natural gas line to your generator after the conversion kit has been installed. If this is done incorrectly by someone who is not properly trained and not having the proper tools, the odds of a fuel leak are greatly increased. The worst thing you can happen is a gas explosion from an improper installation.

A good thing to do is installed a generator transfer switch in your home. I've installed them and they make it MUCH easier to get power where you need it in your home. I recommend you get a licensed electrician to do the work. BE WARNED: There are folks who will tell you it can be a DIY task BUT only a trained licensed electrician can tell you things like load balancing, preventing circuit overloads, and other important things. In my opinion, it isn't a DIY thing. One of the worst things that can happen from a improper installation is the unit is wired wrong and back feeds into the power grid. Any damage this causes, YOU are on the hook and you will be billed by the power company for damage. Also you could be in trouble with your local building inspector for not pulling a permit. Check you local government for permit requirements. The licensed electrician can pull the permit for you if needed.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Happy to help.