While this is getting to be long, I think this excerpt from a generator manufacturer sums it up best.
Generator set exercise Generator sets on continuous standby must be able to go from a cold start to being fully operational in a matter of seconds. This can impose a severe burden on engine parts. However, regular exercising keeps engine parts lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up fuel before it deteriorates, and, in general, helps provide reliable engine starting. Exercise the generator set at least once a month for a minimum of 30 min. loaded to no less than one-third of the nameplate rating. Periods of no-load operation should be held to a minimum because unburned fuel tends to accumulate in the exhaust system. Whenever possible, test the system with actual building loads in order to exercise the automatic transfer switches and verify performance under real-world conditions. If connecting to the normal load is not convenient for test purposes, the best engine performance and longevity will be obtained by connecting it to a load bank of at least one-third the nameplate rating. Be sure to return the generator control to AUTO at the conclusion of any maintenance. Mel, K6KBE On Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:10 PM, Edward R Cole <[email protected]> wrote: Gasoline storage is easy....use fuel stabilizer...one oz to 2-1/2 gallons of gasoline. But you should run any gasoline engine regularly to keep it in good working order. Once/month long enough at least to reach operating temperature. This keeps oil in bearings and seals in good shape. I know most just park their lawn mower over winter with gas in the tank. But an expensive gen set needs a little TLC to keep running well...like changing the oil and filters (oil and gas). We have enough outages that fuel is not stored longer than a few months (and I use stabilizer). 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
