dry camp genset use question

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

Assuming you have enough fuel can you run a genset for say 2 or 3 days strait or does it need some down time?

[fletch460]

Run it

[Parkerrs]

The generator should need no down time, unless ambient temperatures cause overheating which would mean something is wrong.
Generators are meant to run. The more you use it, the better condition it will stay in with proper maintenance of course. Letting them sit unused for extended periods is more detrimental than round the clock use any day.
I've never understood people having a generator on board and refusing to use it. They act as though if they use it, it will self destruct or wear out within a year or so. I say if you aren't going to use it then why have it? Use it, if it wears out then you got your money's worth out of it more so than letting it sit unused and rotting.

[Route 66]

Run it.

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

My wife is concerned about wearing it out, which I could understand.

[Parkerrs]

Originally Posted by FLIGHTSIMMER

My wife is concerned about wearing it out, which I could understand.

Your talking about 48-72 hours. I've got 400 hrs. on my Onan with nothing but oil and filter changes. They're designed to operate for thousands of hours.

It's kind of like thinking you will wear out the engine of the motorhome if you take too long of a trip. Maintenance will make the generator last a looooong time just like the engine under the hood.

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

Originally Posted by Parkerrs

Your talking about 48-72 hours. I've got 400 hrs. on my Onan with nothing but oil and filter changes. They're designed to operate for thousands of hours.

It's kind of like thinking you will wear out the engine of the motorhome if you take too long of a trip. Maintenance will make the generator last a looooong time just like the engine under the hood.

Thanks, I will have my wife read this.

[kendall69]

My wife is concerned about wearing it out, which I could understand.

Tell your wife EVERYTHING that is used will wear out, that's the nature of using things. Cloths, shoes, cars, cameras, TV's, etc.etc. all wear out.

The only solution for not wearing anything out is to purchase it and let it sit on a shelf, that is the only way things will not wear out.

Use what you have and when it wears out, buy a new one and wear that one out.

[Rick Long]

If you DON'T use it... it probably won't work when you really need it.

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

Originally Posted by Rick Long

If you DON'T use it... it probably won't work when you really need it.

good point.

[TXiceman]

While you can run it, you need to monitor the engine hours and when you need an oil change. Next, I prefer to shut down at least once a day and check the oil level. You won't be down but a few minutes, but you have the assurance that the oil level is full.

Ken

[Smokyjoe]

I have 2600 hours on mine. I change the oil and oil filter every 150 hrs. And of course other required maint. the book calls for .Never have a problem.

[Bill Adams]

We chose to drive to the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina to see if we could help. What we did not consider was that all of the campgrounds were full with contractors and "previous homeowners" with RV's. We stayed in the area for 6 weeks and we were able, from time to time, to find a campsite for a day or two but for the most part we were on our generator. The generator had to run 24/7 due to the extreme heat and in one stint we ran the generator for 9 days straight with only 2 momentary stops to check the oil. Generators are actually happier running than they are stopped. Most generators die an early death due to lack of use and not overuse.

[bluepill]

Let's not forget the standard warning that a genny MUST be shut down while refuleing.

Having been caught in a gasoline fire years ago (not genny related) I am a believer.