Sylvie Willis
If you're planning to store your generator, it's important to drain the gas from the tank and carburetor to prevent the fuel lines, pump, and other plastic/rubber parts from deteriorating. This is especially crucial if the gasoline contains ethanol, which is common in the USA. Here's a step-by-step guide to turning off your generator's fuel tank and ensuring proper maintenance:
1. Open the gas tank cap to create airflow.
2. Locate the fuel valve switch and turn it off.
3. Disconnect the fuel line and remove the cover.
4. Place a collection container below the fuel valve to catch the draining gas.
5. Turn the fuel valve back on and let the gas drain completely.
6. Reconnect the fuel line and replace the cover.
7. Locate the carburetor and find the screw at its base used for draining.
8. Place a small container under the carburetor.
9. Turn the screw counterclockwise to open the drain hole and drain the remaining gas.
10. Once done, turn the screw clockwise to close the drain hole.
Always refer to your generator's instruction manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions.
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What You'll Learn
Drain the fuel tank
To drain the fuel tank of your generator, follow these steps:
First, disconnect all loads from the generator and shut off the tank valve. Allow the generator to run out of fuel and turn off normally. It is important to note that running a generator out of fuel does not harm the engine. However, the power quality will decrease as the generator runs out of fuel, so it is best to disconnect any loads beforehand.
Once the generator has turned off, let it cool down completely. Before touching any parts of the generator, ensure that it has cooled sufficiently to avoid burns. Generators can be very hot, so it is important to exercise caution when working on them.
After the generator has cooled, locate the carburetor. There should be a screw at the base of the carburetor that opens the drain. Place a small container underneath the carburetor to collect the fuel. Turn the screw to the left to open the drain, and allow the fuel to drain into the container.
Once the fuel has finished draining, close the screw by turning it to the right. You may then want to add a small amount of kerosene or automatic transmission fluid to the fuel tank and store it with the cap on.
It is important to drain the fuel tank of your generator if you will be storing it for an extended period without use. This is especially true if the fuel contains ethanol, as it can cause deterioration of the fuel lines, pump, and other plastic or rubber parts.
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Disconnect the battery
Disconnecting the battery is a crucial step when turning off a generator's fuel tank to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards. Here are detailed instructions on how to do it:
Step 1: Turn Off the Generator
Before you begin, make sure the generator is turned off. This is important because working on a live generator can be dangerous and may lead to accidents. Locate the off switch and ensure it is in the off position.
Step 2: Identify the Battery
Generators typically have a starter battery that needs to be disconnected. It is usually located near the generator or within an external connection box. Refer to your generator's manual or consult an expert if you're unsure about the battery's location.
Step 3: Disconnect the Battery
Once you've located the battery, it's time to disconnect it. This process may vary slightly depending on your generator model. In most cases, you will need to disconnect the battery cables or leads from the transfer switch, junction box, or battery terminals. Use appropriate tools, such as wrenches or pliers, to loosen the connections and detach the cables safely.
It is generally recommended to disconnect the ungrounded side or negative terminal first. This prevents any potential short-circuiting issues. However, when replacing the battery, it is best to disconnect the grounded terminal (positive terminal) first to avoid shorting hazards when removing the negative terminal.
Step 4: Verify Voltage
After disconnecting the battery, it is crucial to verify that there is no voltage present in the circuit. Use a voltage tester or meter to check for voltage at the junction box or battery terminals. This step ensures that the generator is completely shut down and safe to work on.
Step 5: Secure the Disconnected Battery
Once the battery is disconnected and there is no voltage, you may need to bundle and secure the disconnected ends together. This ensures that the cables don't interfere with other components and helps keep the generator organized.
Remember to consult your generator's manual for specific instructions related to your model, as procedures may vary slightly between different generator types and brands.
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Use a fuel stabiliser
Fuel stabilisers are a great way to keep your generator's fuel tank in good condition. They are a chemical additive designed to preserve the quality of gasoline or other fuels when stored for extended periods. Fuel stabilisers are especially useful if you plan to store your generator with gas still in the tank.
The optimal time to add a fuel stabiliser is when you are fuelling up, especially if the generator will be stored for over 30 days. Adding the stabiliser to fresh fuel ensures maximum effectiveness in preserving fuel quality during storage.
To add a fuel stabiliser, first, make sure to nearly empty your generator's gas tank. Then, measure out the amount of stabiliser and pour it into the tank. This step ensures the stabiliser is dispersed with the gasoline, and your tank is not exposed to air or water. The directions on the bottle will tell you how much to use for a specific amount of fuel, and the amounts are typically minimal. For example, one ounce of stabiliser per two gallons of fuel is enough to allow gasoline to burn cleanly even after years of storage.
After adding the stabiliser, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilised fuel circulates throughout the fuel system. Most fuel stabilisers are designed to work with all grades of gasoline, including gasoline that contains ethanol. However, always check the product label to be sure.
While a stabiliser can extend the shelf life of gasoline, it won't last indefinitely. Generally, stabilised gasoline can be stored for up to 12 months but should be used within 6-8 months for optimal performance.
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Turn off the fuel valve
Turning off the fuel valve is a common method of turning off a generator. This method is often recommended in generator manuals. It involves disconnecting all loads from the generator and shutting off the tank valve, allowing the generator to run out of fuel. This process can vary depending on the generator's design, as some fuel valves may be easily accessible, while others may be more challenging to reach.
To turn off the fuel valve of a generator, follow these steps:
- Disconnect all loads: Before shutting off the fuel valve, it is crucial to disconnect all loads from the generator. This step ensures that the generator is not powering any devices or appliances.
- Shut off the fuel valve: Locate the fuel valve, which is typically near the fuel tank. Turn the valve to the "off" position to stop the fuel supply to the generator.
- Allow the generator to run out of fuel: After shutting off the fuel valve, the generator will continue to run until the remaining fuel in the carburetor is depleted. This process may take a few minutes, and the generator will eventually shut down as it runs out of fuel.
- Drain the carburetor: In some generators, it is possible to drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl. This step ensures that no fuel remains in the carburetor, which can help prevent issues with stale fuel or gummed-up components.
- Address the remaining fuel: If there is still fuel left in the tank after shutting off the valve, consider using a fuel stabilizer to extend its lifespan. Alternatively, running the generator periodically (e.g., once a month for 5 minutes) can help prevent fuel stagnation.
It is important to note that simply turning off the fuel valve may not be sufficient to stop the engine immediately. Some generators may continue to run for a short period, depending on the fuel level in the carburetor. Therefore, it is advisable to let the generator run until it sputters and shuts down on its own after turning off the fuel valve.
Additionally, it is recommended to refer to the generator's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions related to turning off the fuel valve. Different generator models may have unique design features or requirements that should be considered for proper and safe operation.
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Drain the carburetor
To drain the carburetor of your generator, you will need to first gather some tools and safety equipment. These include a Phillips-head screwdriver or a 10mm wrench or socket, an approved gasoline-storage container, gloves, and your generator's owner manual. It is important to wear gloves as gasoline can irritate your skin.
Next, locate the carburetor. On WEN open-frame generators, and most other non-inverter generators, the carburetor is located to the left of the recoil starter, between the air filter housing and the cylinder head cover (which usually has “OHV” printed on it). The carburetor itself looks like a gray cylinder with a metallic bowl on the bottom. On WEN closed-frame inverter generators, and most other closed-frame inverter generators, you will probably need to remove a side panel to access the carburetor. The carburetor is located above the air filter housing, next to the cylinder head cover.
Once you have located the carburetor, the next step is to find the carburetor drain screw. This is usually an angled bolt located at the bottom of the carburetor bowl or protruding from the side of the carburetor. Loosen the carburetor drain screw until gas starts flowing out of the carburetor and into the storage container. Place a small collection container under the carburetor to catch the gas. Turn the screw to the left to open the drain hole. Once the gas has stopped coming out, turn the screw to the right to close the drain hole again.
It is important to note that you should not run the generator during this process. Additionally, if the gasoline contains ethanol, it is especially important to drain it to prevent deterioration of the fuel lines, pump, and other plastic/rubber parts. As a general rule, if it is pure gasoline or blended with ethanol, drain it every time you store it.
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Frequently asked questions
To turn off the fuel tank on your generator, you must first disconnect all loads and shut off the tank valve. Then, let the generator run out of fuel.
To drain the gas from your generator's fuel tank, first open the gas tank cap to create airflow. Locate the fuel valve switch and turn it on. Place a collection container below the fuel valve tube to collect the gas. Once all the gas has drained, reconnect the fuel line and replace the cover.
Yes, if your generator's fuel tank contains ethanol, you must drain it before storage to prevent deterioration of the fuel lines, pump, and other plastic/rubber parts. If your generator uses gasoline, you cannot leave gas in the tank for more than one and a half months without draining it, or you will end up with a clogged carburetor.
To maintain your generator, run it for at least 15 minutes every month. Before prolonged periods of inactivity (e.g., before hurricane season), run your generator at least 2 months in advance for 30 minutes a month to ensure everything is running properly.
After the engine cools down, remove all gasoline from the fuel tank. For optimum storage, cover the unit and store it in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight. If your generator has a battery, disconnect it and let it plug into a 12V DC Battery maintainer or a 12V battery charger for a shorter amount of time.
