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Old 02-13-2019, 10:34 AM   #1
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Generator

I realize opinions are like...well you know. We seldom use our MH in camping areas where we don't have shore power. Question is "should I be exercising the generator" and how often? Can't wait for your responses
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:40 AM   #2
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Would suggest at least once a month or every two weeks....under load. Maintain your genny religiously....when you need it....YOU NEED IT!!!
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:43 AM   #3
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we run ours regularly while driving as we travel in primarily warm weather states and like to keep the coach cool. I have also heard it is good to run it and put a load on it.
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Old 02-13-2019, 11:19 AM   #4
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Run it once a month to flush the gas thru the carburator, so it doesn't foul the passages in it,

OR set it up where you can run the carburator dry and don't run it at all. If you need it, the fuel pump will prime it back up.
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Old 02-13-2019, 06:19 PM   #5
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what does the owners manual say? what is make / model of the generator?
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Old 02-13-2019, 06:27 PM   #6
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Yes.... Exercise your genny often to keep it healthy...
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Old 02-13-2019, 07:42 PM   #7
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We do not exercise ours. It will site 9-10 months between usage.

This spring I plan on adding a switch so I can disable the fuel pump. This will allow me to run fuel out of the carb bowl when I know the genny will be sitting for a long time without being run.
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Old 02-13-2019, 08:00 PM   #8
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I have a diesel Onan in my motorhome. My manual states to run it under a load for 30 minutes every 30 days.
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Old 02-14-2019, 04:35 AM   #9
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Exercising the Gen is not just for the fuel system, it is also to drive the moisture out of the windings.

I try to do 30 minutes with a load once a month.
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Old 02-14-2019, 05:11 AM   #10
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All of the generator guides mention " running to drive the moisture out of the windings ", but the only complaint I've ever seen here is fouled carburators. Bad windings are extreamly rare.

The windings in a generator aren't any different then windings on electric motors, alternators, or transformers. Who exercises them ?

If you can get the gas out of the carb, you'll be fine.

We are hopefully on the edge of moving to fuel injection on RV generators. That would practally elemenate the gas fouling issues.
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Old 02-14-2019, 05:28 AM   #11
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As you see lots of different opinions on this.
My feeling is....
Doing what mfg recommends is usually a good start vs what someone online told you
There are a lot of different conditions that can affect the need to exercise or not... warm humid, winter very dry air, gas or diesel, ethanol or non ethanol gas, treated or untreated fuel, run dry and "winterized" as is done w outboard engines.
There are more problems w gen under use that over use
So... evaluating risk / reward.... what's to lose by running it periodically when conditions suggest it might be a good idea vs not running it?
How many have problems due to exercising?
How do you know it will work when you want it?
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Old 02-14-2019, 05:50 AM   #12
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Run once a month under load for 30 minutes. There are several reasons to do this. Running the engine lubricates oil seals and bearings as such, if you have a gas gen it gets that old gas out of it and brings the newer fresh fuel in. Also as far as the actual electrical side of it it keeps the the moisture out and just exercises the whole unit. If a generator sits for long periods of time it can lose its energy so to speak and possibly will need to be excited In order for it to work again. Usually that's on older units but have seen it happen. If you need to excite it you'll have to consult with either the manufacturer or a good tech to do so.
Just my 2 cents...
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Old 02-14-2019, 06:03 AM   #13
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Running also prevents tarnish from building up on the slip ring, the tarnish can cause increased resistance which can burn out the voltage regulator board.
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Old 02-14-2019, 06:05 AM   #14
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The manual on every gen. that I have owned has said to exercise it if it's not used.
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