Have you ever Wondered How To Store A Generator? I’m very particular about stuff like this. I want to enjoy something for as long as possible if I already own something. Generators are expensive. That’s why I want to keep mine in tip-top shape. You see, it’s not only me who could benefit from keeping the generator properly stored but anyone who uses the generator regularly.
Many personal generator owners need to think about the storage of their generators when not in use. However, doing so will extend the life of your generator’s life and make it easier and faster to get it back up and running.
On the other hand, not storing your generator properly can cause damage and improper usage when you try to utilize it. Storage options can vary depending on your specific needs. In this article, I will explain all the necessary details for storing a generator.
How To Store A Generator When Not In Use?
- Drain the fuel from your generator. When keeping your generator for an extended amount of time without usage, gasoline in the fuel tank is the main issue-maker.
- Drain the carburetor of your generator. Draining the gasoline tank on your generator won’t totally fix fuel-related problems.
- Fogging oil can help you avoid damage.
- Before keeping the battery, disconnect it.
The next thing you must consider after preparing your generator for storage is where you should keep it. During storage, you’ll want to keep your generator safe and secure. Additionally, it ought to be simple to go to in an emergency.
12 Steps To Store Your Generator
I have explained below all the steps to store your generator safely.
1. Empty the Gas (Or Stabilize It)
The biggest cause of issues while keeping your generator for an extended period without usage is the gasoline in the fuel tank. Over time, gasoline oxidizes, especially gasoline combined with ethanol.
This causes your gas to deteriorate and gradually produce a gummy-like substance that clogs, rusts, and destroys the fuel system.
To avoid gasoline-related complications while storing fuel, you must apply a fuel stabilizer or drain your fuel tank.
2. Check for Damaged Components
Be careful to give the generator a thorough inspection before storing it. Replace any components that seem broken or are starting to show symptoms of wear and tear.
While the generator is being stored, the damage could worsen if you don’t repair these components. Check these components:
- Hoses
- Fuel tank
- Spark arrest
- Wheels
- Handles.
3. Perform Annual Maintenance
Although generators are generally inexpensive, a little annual maintenance will significantly increase their lifespan. Do this annual maintenance at the beginning of the season to avoid problems while you face outages.
4. Clean Off Dirt and Debris
Before putting your generator away, you should give it a final wipe-down. Clean up any debris from the generator’s exterior and clean up any oil or fuel spilled on the ground.
Seals and switches might become worn out if dirt and debris are left on the generator. It only takes a quick rag wipe to get the job done.
5. Short Term Storage
If you’re storing your generator for a week or two to a month, it’s easy. You don’t have to disconnect the battery or drain the fuel tank if you leave it unused for a short duration.
However, adding a properly formulated fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank is still recommended if you store it with gas in it. This is because gas loses its potency daily, and a fuel stabilizer slows that process down.
With your fuel stabilized, run the generator with load for an hour or two every two weeks to burn some gas and keep moving parts active.
6. Long Term Storage
Storing a generator for over a few months to a year or two is more complex. First, you must follow the proper storage procedure that involves multiple steps to ensure your generator stays in shape and works when needed.
However, the long-term storage procedure also gets easy as you perform it a few times. Here are the things you will have to perform to ensure your generator stays in top working order when stored for an extended period:
7. Cleaning And Maintenance
When cleaning your generator, it is important to make sure that you disconnect it from any power source before beginning.
Once this is done, you can inspect the unit for any fuel leaks and remove all dirt debris. Make sure to clean all small parts, such as the engine controls, muffler, cooling air slots, springs, and carburetor.
8. Inspect your generator
Before storing your generator, inspect it for any damage or defects. Check for loose fittings and tighten them. Check the fuel tank for leaks and ensure the connections are tight.
Inspect the muffler and ensure it is not blocked with dirt or spider webs. If there is any problem with your generator, contact a service center before storing it.
9. DRAIN YOUR FUEL TANK
You first want to drain the fuel tank by running the engine until all the fuel has been consumed. You can also add an additive like Sta-Bil or Sea Foam Fuel Treatment to keep the fresh fuel longer.
Remember that if there’s any gas left in the tank when storing your generator inside a building, moisture from condensation can ruin the fuel system over time.
10. DRAIN YOUR CARBURETOR
Your generator will have an oil filter; like any other vehicle, you should change the oil before storing it. You don’t want to drain the oil while it’s hot or running, so wait until the unit has cooled completely.
Then remove the oil cap on top of the engine and drain as much oil as possible into a container or a rag. Replace the cap and run the engine until it stops on its own.
The remaining oil will help lubricate parts inside your generator while it sits unused over winter or during other long periods of non-use.
11. ADD OIL TO THE CYLINDER
Check fuel levels and refill tanks with fresh fuel from a clean source (not another generator).
Use only ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel or diesel fuel blended with 5% biodiesel maximum for all portable generators used on or off-road equipment rated below 25 kW (33 hp).
12. STORE IT IN A DRY, COOL PLACE
Store it in a dry, cool place when you’re not using your generator. This will help prevent corrosion and other damage if stored improperly.
The best place to store your generator is in an enclosed area, such as a garage or shed. If you don’t have either, try to find a flat surface protected from the elements and out of direct sunlight.
Where Should I Keep My Generator
Where you keep your generator is a question that depends on many factors.
1. Garage
This is the best place for your generator. You can store it in a corner, out of the way, and still, have access to it when needed.
In addition, the garage door can be closed and locked so that you know that no one will be able to get into it without your knowledge.
This is a great location because it provides protection from the elements and is easy to access when needed.
2. Outdoor shed
This place is not ideal as it isn’t readily accessible compared to a garage. Moreover, it doesn’t offer adequate protection from bad weather in winter conditions.
Can I store A Generator Inside
Consider a few things if you’re looking for a place to store your generator.
First, ensure it’s out of reach of children and pets. If there’s any chance that it might be tampered with even inadvertently (like a curious little kid checking out what makes the motor go), then it’s best to keep it away from them.
Second, think about ventilation. Some generators are meant to be stored inside garages or basements where they can get plenty of airflow around them.
If you’re keeping yours inside without ventilation, make sure that there’s nothing blocking airflow, no obstructions or items stored near them, and check on them frequently so that they don’t overheat.
Finally, if your generator has been exposed to any weather—rain or snow included (even if only for a little while)—make sure that all parts are dry before storing them away again.
How Long Can You Store A Gas In A Generator?
The answer depends on several factors. First and foremost, how much fuel is in your tank (if any)? If it’s empty, you might as well drain it and throw it away. Second, what type of fuel is in your generator (gasoline or diesel)?
If it’s gasoline, it will eventually go bad—but if it’s diesel, there’s hope! Thirdly, how old is the gas? If it’s new and fresh, then there shouldn’t be too many problems—but if it’s old and stale… well… let’s say you might want to get rid of it sooner rather than later.
Fourthly, where is that gas stored? Inside or outside? If outside but not exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., covered up), there should be no problems keeping your generator ready for use at any time.
However… if exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., not covered up), then there could be some damage done over time due to heat exposure which may cause corrosion issues within components such as hoses or valves, which could lead to leaks.
How To Use Fuel Stabilizer
Fuel stabilizer is an important step to take when storing your generator to ensure it’s ready and able to go when you need it most.
Of course, the best time to add fuel stabilizer is before you store your generator, but if you’re already storing it, you can still use it to ensure that your generator will work when needed.
Follow these steps:
1. Make sure the tank is empty of fuel. If there is still some in there, use a siphon pump or a hose cut short on one end (for safety reasons) to drain the tank before adding a stabilizer.
2. Add the recommended fuel stabilizer according to the instructions on its packaging; this will vary depending on whether your generator runs on gasoline or diesel fuel.
3. Run the engine for about 10 minutes so the stabilizer can circulate throughout the fuel system and engine oil; this will help prevent corrosion and rust during storage.
4. Fill up the tank with fresh fuel from a new container or a container that has not been exposed to oxygen for long periods (such as one used for gasoline).
How To Store A Portable Generator?
When you have a portable generator, you know how important it is to keep it in good condition. You want to ensure your power supply is uninterrupted and reliable, so you want to store your generator properly.
Before storing your generator, ensure the engine oil is at its proper level. If it is too low, add oil until it reaches the appropriate level.
Next, drain any remaining liquid fuel tank by turning off the fuel valve and pulling out the fuel line from the tank. After draining all liquid from the fuel tank, replace all filters and gaskets that may need replacing after being exposed to dirt for some time.
The spark plugs should also be replaced if there are any signs of corrosion or wear on them; this will ensure that they work properly when needed again in case there is an emergency requiring the use of your generator at some point during its lifetime before it needs replacing again.
You should also check for any cracks or holes in your generator’s casing before storing it away for long periods (such as during winter). If there are cracks or holes in the casing
Tips On Running Your Portable Generator Safety
Here are a few tips on running your portable generator safely:
1. Always wear earplugs when operating a generator. The noise can damage your ears, and earplugs will help protect them.
2. Never run the generator indoors. Only operate it outdoors in an open area, away from combustible materials that might cause a fire if the generator’s exhaust fumes ignite them.
3. Keep children and pets away from the generator while it is running to avoid injury from moving parts or an accidental bumping into them by someone who is intoxicated by fumes from the generator’s exhaust.
4. Allow plenty of space around the generator so that air can circulate freely around it, preventing overheating and possible damage to its internal components, such as belts or bearings within its motor housing unit, which could result in serious injuries if those parts were allowed to overheat due to lack of sufficient air circulation around them
This could also cause property damage if there were any nearby combustible materials like dry grass or leaves which could catch fire easily enough due to sparks igniting them when they come too close to these hot surfaces area near where these hot surfaces are being exposed
Conclusion
The easiest way to store a portable generator is to ensure it has been turned off. Even when they are turned off, they continue to use gas, making them burn through fuel very quickly. Often, a generator will not start because it has run out of gas and never got the chance to be used. Try and find a place to store it where you believe it will not fall or get damaged.
Storing larger equipment can be tricky, and it might only be possible if you have the space. Finding somewhere safe to store them is a priority even if you have the space—a properly stored generator will greatly extend its life expectancy when not in use.
There is more to properly storing a generator than might be immediately apparent. Take advantage of the information I provided in this article, and soon you will know everything there is to know about properly storing your emergency generator when it is not being used.
FAQS
Is it better to store a generator with or without gas?
The tank may rust and develop leaks when a gas-powered generator is stored with gas still in the tank. A generator can be kept for up to a year without suffering any serious harm, but dry storage is generally safer.
How do you store unused generators?
Keep your generator in a cool, dry location while not in use. It shouldn’t become hotter than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is crucial to let unused generators air out for at least 24 hours before starting them. Generator maintenance varies depending on the model.