Maintenance
3.7 LONG TERM STORAGE
It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during
storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which
leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:
• Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.
Drain fuel into approved container outdoors,
away from open flame. Be sure engine is cool.
Do not smoke.
• Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
• Allow the engine to cool, then drain oil from crankcase. Refill
with recommended grade.
• Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of engine
oil into the cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with rag. Pull the
recoil starter a couple times to lubricate the piston rings and
cylinder bore.
Avoid spray from spark plug hole when
cranking engine.
• Install and tighten spark plug. Do not connect spark plug wire.
• Clean the generator's outer surfaces. Check that cooling air
slots and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
• Store the unit in a clean, dry place.
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3.8 OTHER STORAGE TIPS
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace the gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in
the gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel
system.
• If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to give protection
from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
• If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to be
stored for some time, use a commercially available fuel stabilizer
added to the gasoline to increase the life of the gasoline.
• Cover the unit with a suitable protective cover that does not
retain moisture.
NEVER cover the generator while engine and
exhaust area are warm.