Storage; General; Long Term Storage; Additional Storage Tips - Generac Power Systems GP5000 Owner's Manual

Maintenance
4.8 — Storage
4.8.1— General
Start the generator at least once every 30 days allowing it
to run at least 30 minutes each time. If this is not possible
and the unit must be stored for 30 days or longer, prepare
for storage as described below.
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NEVER store engine with fuel in tank indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or
pilot light, as on a furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer, or other gas appliance.
*
Allow unit to cool entirely before storage.
4.8.2— Long Term Storage
To prevent the formation of gum deposits, always empty
the fuel system when storing for 30 days or longer. Alco-
hol-blended fuels (gasohol, ethanol or methanol) also
can attract moisture, which leads to separation and for-
mation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage
the fuel system.
Empty the fuel system as follows:
Add a quality gasoline stabilizer to the fuel follow-
1.
ing the manufacturers instructions
Run the unit for 10-15 minutes.
2.
Allow engine to cool.
3.
Remove all gasoline from fuel tank.
4.
NOTE: For best results, use a commercially avail-
able, non-conductive vacuum siphon.
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Drain fuel into approved container outdoors.
Be sure that engine is cool.
Start and run unit until engine stops from lack of
5.
fuel.
Allow engine to cool.
6.
See Figure 4-5. Remove Phillips screw from carbu-
7.
retor float bowl and completely drain gasoline into
a suitable container. Install Phillips screw and
tighten until snug.
Drain engine oil and fill engine with the recom-
8.
mended type and quantity of oil. See Subsection
4.4 — Change Engine Oil.
Remove spark plug cable and spark plug. See
9.
Subsection 4.6 — Clean/Gap/Replace Spark Plug.
Pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of clean engine oil
10.
into cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with a clean
shop rag.
20
Figure 4-5. Drain Carburetor Float Bowl
Pull the recoil starter a couple times to lubricate the
11.
piston rings and cylinder bore. A fogging agent
may be used instead of engine oil.
*
Avoid spray from spark plug hole when
cranking engine.
Install spark plug, but do not install spark plug
12.
cable. See Subsection 4.6 — Clean/Gap/Replace
Spark Plug.
Clean exterior surfaces of generator. Verify that
13.
cooling air slots and openings on generator are
open and unobstructed. See Subsection 4.2 —
Clean Exterior Surfaces.
Store generator in a clean, dry place.
14.
4.8.3— Additional Storage Tips
• Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
• Replace gasoline can if rust is evident. Rust and/or
dirt in gasoline will cause fuel system problems.
• If possible, store the unit indoors. Cover the unit to
protect from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY
FUEL TANK.
• If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and unit is
to be stored for some time, add a commercially
available fuel stabilizer to the gasoline.
• Cover unit with a suitable protective cover that
does not retain moisture.
*
DO NOT cover the generator while engine
and exhaust are warm.
Owner's Manual for Portable Generator