General; Long Term Storage; Other Storage Tips - Generac Power Systems GP 3250 Owner's Manual

Maintenance

3.6 GENERAL

The generator should be started at least once every 30 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.

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:
1. Add a quality gasoline stabilizer to the fuel per the manufacturers
specifications, and run the unit for 10-15 minutes.
2. After engine cools down, remove all gasoline from the fuel
tank. Use a commercially available, non-conductive vacuum
siphon.

 Drain fuel into approved container outdoors,
away from open flame. Be sure engine is
cool. Do not smoke.
3. Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.
4. After engine cools down, drain oil from engine. Refill with
recommended grade.
5. 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. A fogging agent can also be used in
the place of oil.
Avoid spray from spark plug hole when

cranking engine.
6. Install and tighten spark plug. Do not connect spark plug wire.
7. Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air
slots and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
8. Store the unit in a clean, dry place.
12

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.