Comments on: Generators and bad gasoline http://rx4rv.com/archives/20 RV Service Resources and Opinions Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:02:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: RV Mech Tech http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-3951 RV Mech Tech Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:49:34 +0000 http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-3951 As a generator tech I agree that draining the fuel out of a small engine is a good way to store it for the winter but with RV generators moisture will collect in the generator stator and rotor area and cause expenxive damage to the electrical parts- stator insulation breakdown being the most frequent problem - staring the units up once a month at least will dry it out and prevent corrosion of the internal electrical components and putting in fuel stabilizer in the gas will prevent alot of the problems associated with old fuel.I have repaired gensets with this kind of damage with as little as five hours of use that were not started and run and just left sitting. As a generator tech I agree that draining the fuel out of a small engine is a good way to store it for the winter but with RV generators moisture will collect in the generator stator and rotor area and cause expenxive damage to the electrical parts- stator insulation breakdown being the most frequent problem - staring the units up once a month at least will dry it out and prevent corrosion of the internal electrical components and putting in fuel stabilizer in the gas will prevent alot of the problems associated with old fuel.I have repaired gensets with this kind of damage with as little as five hours of use that were not started and run and just left sitting.

]]> By: Jim Latour (Generator Jim) http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-1496 Jim Latour (Generator Jim) Fri, 06 Jul 2007 23:36:35 +0000 http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-1496 I've used Sea Foam for a couple of years. I was given an abused 5 year old Honda 1000i that output about 200 watts. Pulled the muffler and poured 4 ounces in and sloshed around. Poured 2 oz in crankcase, 5 oz in gas tank. It killed bugs for a hundred yards around but after an hour or so it produced 650 watts. Changed oil several times and kept Sea Foam in fuel to finish cleaning muffler. Unit now produces 650-700 watts now but burns oil due to worn out rings and valve guides. Best way to store genset is to drain fuel, blow out carb and fuel lines so ALL fuel is gone. Change oil, remove spark plug, pour in 1 tbsp oil and replace sparkplug. Gently rotate engine until it is just on the power stroke. Both valves are close so no moisture can get in. Tape off starter pull cord so unit cannot be rotated. I’ve used Sea Foam for a couple of years. I was given an abused 5 year old Honda 1000i that output about 200 watts. Pulled the muffler and poured 4 ounces in and sloshed around. Poured 2 oz in crankcase, 5 oz in gas tank. It killed bugs for a hundred yards around but after an hour or so it produced 650 watts. Changed oil several times and kept Sea Foam in fuel to finish cleaning muffler. Unit now produces 650-700 watts now but burns oil due to worn out rings and valve guides.

Best way to store genset is to drain fuel, blow out carb and fuel lines so ALL fuel is gone. Change oil, remove spark plug, pour in 1 tbsp oil and replace sparkplug. Gently rotate engine until it is just on the power stroke. Both valves are close so no moisture can get in. Tape off starter pull cord so unit cannot be rotated.

]]> By: Jerry http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-1483 Jerry Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:42:25 +0000 http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-1483 As an RVDA Master Certified technician, I can tell you that the best and most sure fire way to store a generator for an extended period is to run it out of gas. All that is required is to disconnect or pinch the fuel line off to the generator, then run the unit until it dies. At this point, remove the fuse from the generator (ususally located near the start switch on the genset). This keeps anyone from trying to crank the genset again until it is ready to be used. If you try to crank the generator even for a short period, the fuel pump will run and fill the carb, which defeats the purpose. Also, I have never heard of fuel stabilizers harming a generator. As an RVDA Master Certified technician, I can tell you that the best and most sure fire way to store a generator for an extended period is to run it out of gas. All that is required is to disconnect or pinch the fuel line off to the generator, then run the unit until it dies. At this point, remove the fuse from the generator (ususally located near the start switch on the genset). This keeps anyone from trying to crank the genset again until it is ready to be used. If you try to crank the generator even for a short period, the fuel pump will run and fill the carb, which defeats the purpose. Also, I have never heard of fuel stabilizers harming a generator.

]]> By: mistergil http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-474 mistergil Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:36:08 +0000 http://rx4rv.com/archives/20#comment-474 Hello. Came over via a link from Xandros forum. I'm an ex-fulltimer. Ten years on the road pulling a Blazon down south running corps contracts and the like. Anyway this Seafoam sounds like some good stuff, first I've ever heard of it and I've tore down more than one gen carb thru the years due to gumming up. Currently off the grid and still running my own power setup so this information will be handy to know as I will find a can and keep it available. Thanks for the tip. Gil Hello. Came over via a link from Xandros forum. I’m an ex-fulltimer. Ten years on the road pulling a Blazon down south running corps contracts and the like. Anyway this Seafoam sounds like some good stuff, first I’ve ever heard of it and I’ve tore down more than one gen carb thru the years due to gumming up. Currently off the grid and still running my own power setup so this information will be handy to know as I will find a can and keep it available. Thanks for the tip. Gil

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