General; Long Term Storage; Other Storage Tips - Generac Power Systems 005844-0 Owner's Manual

Clean and inspect the spark arrestor when the engine is at ambient
temperature as follows:
• Insert a flat blade screwdriver through the slot on the side of
the muffler heat shield to access the spark arrestor clamp.
Loosen the clamp and remove the spark arrestor screen from
the muffler.
• Inspect screen and replace if torn, perforated or otherwise
damaged. DO NOT USE a defective screen. If screen is not
damaged, clean it with commercial solvent.
• Replace the spark arrestor and tighten the clamp.
Figure 14 — Spark Arrestor Screen
ARRESTOR
SCREEN CLAMP
SPARK
ARRESTOR
SCREEN

3.6 GENERAL

The generator should be started at least once every seven days and
be allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done and
the unit must be stored for more than 30 days, use the following
information as a guide to prepare it for storage.
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.

INSERT SCREWDRIVER
THROUGH SLOT IN HEAT
SHIELD TO ACCESS
ARRESTOR SCREEN CLAMP

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 in the vicinity or light a cigarette.
• Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel
• Allow the engine to cool to the touch and then drain the oil from
the crankcase. Refill with the 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 the spark plug hole when

cranking engine.
• Install and tighten the spark plug. Do not connect the spark plug
wire.
• Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots
and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
• Store the unit in a clean, dry place.

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, in a garage or shed, 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. Allow unit to cool
entirely.
Maintenance
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