Generator and Ethanol Gasoline

[Gary RVRoamer]

Just exercise the genset regularly and your generator woes will be over. Agonizing over ethanol (E10) fuel is just more frustration. Yes, it evaporate a bit faster and has a shorter shelf life and small engines are somewhat more sensitive to it, but ethanol blended gas is here to stay, so get on with life.

[Jerrilynn]

Thank you. Each answer has added to my understanding and ability to keep my generator working properly. Your time and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Mtn. Lion]

I heard the ethanol collects moisture and that is the fuel for corrosion. Is it true the core issue is moisture?

The mechanic probably just wants to sell you a new carb. I'd try cleaning it out first. The Onan should have instructions on how to drain the carb for storage so you don't have to keep running it off-season.

As an aside, the new Honda EU7000i (5500 watt) has fuel injection. A super-fantastic feature. I don't think there are many other generators that have fuel injection.

[Massparanoia]

Originally Posted by diginomad

I heard the ethanol collects moisture and that is the fuel for corrosion. Is it true the core issue is moisture?

The mechanic probably just wants to sell you a new carb. I'd try cleaning it out first. The Onan should have instructions on how to drain the carb for storage so you don't have to keep running it off-season.

As an aside, the new Honda EU7000i (5500 watt) has fuel injection. A super-fantastic feature. I don't think there are many other generators that have fuel injection.

Yes. The alcohol pulls water out of the air. And even with fuel injection, lack of use will ruin it.