To begin, be sure to store your generator in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment. It is recommended to start and run the generator for 30 minutes every 30 days. If this is not possible, follow the steps for short term storage (up to six months) and long-term storage (more than six months without use).
Short Term Storage
- Fill the tank with fresh gasoline. Keep fuel tank as full as possible while not overfilling. This helps prevent condensation in fuel tank.
- Avoid ethanol-based fuels when possible. Ethanol attracts moisture and can damage fuel systems.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from varnishing / forming gum deposits as the fuel begins to evaporate.Fuel stabilizers also assist in dispersing moisture.
- Run the engine for 10-15 minutes to circulate stabilizer throughout fuel system.
- Allow the generator to cool a minimum of 30 minutes and then drain the carburetor float bowl by:
- turning the fuel tank valve to the OFF position, then
- locate the drain screw on the bottom of the carburetor float bowl;
- place an appropriate gasoline container under the drain screw to catch the drained fuel;
- loosen the float bowl drain screw and allow the fuel to drain. Tighten the float bowl drain screw.
Long Term Storage
- Change oil to remove any contaminates and fill to proper oil level.
- Drain gasoline from the fuel tank, fuel line and carburetor.
- Pour one teaspoon of engine oil through the spark plug hole.
- Pull the recoil starter several times to disperse engine oil in cylinder and replace the spark plug. Pull the starter until you feel the piston on the compression stroke and leave it in this position.
- Cover and store in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- If a cover is not available, any sheet or tarp will do. Do not use plastic as it will retain moisture underneath, not allowing air to circulate in and around unit properly.
- Make sure unit is completely cooled to room temperature prior to covering.
For more information on portable generators, visit a-ipower.com.