Community Forums

HoboPals · 08-06-2013, 10:48 PM

I have a Honda 2000 generator that I haven't used, yet. Does it have to be exercised as the one we had in our large class A? After use, do I have to empty the gas and oil? If so, where do I dispose of it?

bukzin · 08-06-2013, 11:00 PM

Make sure you open the little air vent on the fuel cap.

Mine won't run with it closed.

HoboPals · 08-06-2013, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bukzin

Make sure you open the little air vent on the fuel cap.

Mine won't run with it closed.

Thanks-good to know.

Skip426 · 08-07-2013, 01:15 AM

Always use fuel stabilizer if you don't use it often. I've got 4 years on what's in the tank and mine starts fine.
If the gen set is stored in a dry location , it should be fine , wrap the unit in plastic if not .
Main problem with a mounted gen set in an RV is exposure to humidity and rust, causing problems in the generator section. Running regularly is to dry them out , keep all the contact surfaces clean.
Oil change every two years on mine , but it's kept sealed up, if it was exposed to the elements; say in a damp shed, or carried around in the back of a truck; I'd change it annually.

menoble · 08-07-2013, 03:04 AM

Exercising the generator probably does the operator more good than the machine, so I would say yes, it should be done regularly just to keep everything loosened up.

MSHappyCampers · 08-07-2013, 08:39 AM

I can't give you an "official" answer on that, but I run my portable about 30 minutes once a month. I don't have any way to easily put a load on it but I think that would be good.

I keep Sta-Bil in the gas for the generator, lawn tractor, and weed eater. I've never had a problem with leaving it in there for long periods of time.

JMHO!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

rgvtexan · 08-07-2013, 10:06 AM

They're Portable, take it for a walk! lol

HoboPals · 08-07-2013, 10:14 AM

Thank you for responding, everyone. I can always count on this forum.

HoboPals · 08-07-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

They're Portable, take it for a walk! lol

scbwr · 08-07-2013, 10:44 AM

There is special gas that you can buy that will keep for up to two years in the generator. It's ethanol free. If you use the generator, you can simply switch to normal gas and just burn the tank off when you're done. Then put in the specia

Ethanol-Free Gas

Gadget63 · 08-07-2013, 11:57 AM

I am probably a bad example, but my coleman 1750 was bought brand new back in 1989 and to be honest, I start it once every few years. The last time it saw use was during hurricane sandy when we lost power for a few days and believe it or not, it ran flawlessly for about 14 hours a day for three days. I am afraid that if I do any maintenance to it, it will stop working... hehehe

MSHappyCampers · 08-07-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbwr

There is special gas that you can buy that will keep for up to two years in the generator. It's ethanol free. If you use the generator, you can simply switch to normal gas and just burn the tank off when you're done. Then put in the specia

Ethanol-Free Gas

I always use the ethanol-free gas, but you still need the Sta-Bil!

Ray,IN · 08-07-2013, 06:10 PM

All gensets should be operated at least 30 minutes a month, under at least 1/2 load. I do so with my Boliy 3600 genset and a 1,500W portable electric heater, sometimes two(full load) heaters during winter to help heat the RV garage.

Mr_D · 08-07-2013, 06:20 PM

Even the large commercial ones get run every so often, especially if they're in a critical use situation. The retirement center I work at runs theirs at least once a month.