When I worked at a RV dealership, every spring our service department was booked with appointments for generators that either wouldn't start, or if they did start they had that all too familiar surging sound. This was a result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting and exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems with generators.
If you have a generator, remember to exercise it on a monthly basis. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. This can happen in as short a period of time as one month.
Always keep in mind when you use a generator there is carbon monoxide. You should always inspect the exhaust system on the generator set before using it. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system.
I once thought that I could avoid exercising the generator by adding a fuel preservative to the fuel tank and then running the generator long enough to get the preservative through the generator set. You definitely should use a fuel preservative whenever the unit will be in storage, but there are many other reasons to start and exercise the generator on a regular basis. Moisture build up can cause damage to your generator. When you exercise your generator it heats up the generator windings and eliminates this moisture build up. This monthly exercise regime also lubricates all of the engine seals and components and helps to prevent carbon build up.
SO WHAT DOES EXERCISING YOUR GENERATOR MEAN? For a gasoline generator it means that you start and run the generator with at least a 50 percent load for at least two hours each month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load. Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. Our motorhome has a 4,000 watt generator so I can either turn the roof air conditioner on in the summer time, which is about 2,000 watts or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters if it's cold out. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.
The bottom line is don't hesitate to use your generator and when you do use it put a load on it. A little exercise and preventive maintenance will keep you generator in top operating condition and provide many years of faithful service.
Thanks for the good advice!
ReplyDeleteNot sure how to do this with a reasonable amount of effort.
ReplyDeleteWe have a Class-C with an Onan gas generator. Before I parked the unit for the Winter I filled the gas tank and added the appropriate amount of "Satbul" gas treatment. I ran the generator for a few minutes to fill the line with the stabilized fuel. Drained the fuel bowl of the generator and covered the RV.
You are suggesting I need to remove the cover to expose the AC unit and start the generator once a month then re-cover the RV !!
Not in Ohio you don't. Now I understand the potential moisture issue but I just don't see any way to reasonably follow your guidelines.
What should I do to my generator when it will never be used? Some day I will want to sell the rig and need to have the generator repairable.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the generator - too loud. I don't use the A/C for the same reason & plan trips to match the seasons.
Can you be more specific about diesel generators please?
ReplyDeleteI have a class B Pleasure-Way, granted it's small but I run my gen. every month. I start the gen. put on the air, coffee maker, microwave away from my neighborhood near an open-field,etc. and run unit for about and hour or so, have a cup of coffee and a bag of mircowave popcorn. Works great and doesn't bother anyone.
ReplyDeleteaj/colo