Winter months are right around the corner and for those who have portables it is important to have it prepared for winter storage along with your other lawn equipment for long term storage. Take a look at this list of things to do!
Completely drain the unit of fuel, failure to do so can cause gum deposits to form in the carburetor, fuel tank and other fuel system parts. These deposits can lead to irreparable damage when the generator is unutilized for an extended period of time. Drain fuel by performing the following steps:
• Use an automatic style siphon to filter fuel into an appropriate container
• After fuel is drained, run the engine until it stops from a lack of fuel.
• Once the unit has stopped, drain oil from the crankcase while the engine is still warm
• Refill with an oil grade recommended in the unit’s owner’s manual
• Remove spark plug and pour approximately 0.5 ounces of engine oil into the cylinders
Be sure to cover the spark plug hole with a rag to avoid spray while you crank the engine’s recoil starter a few times to lubricate the piston rings and cylinder bore. Once these tasks have been completed, install and tighten the spark plug and ensure that the spark plug wire is disconnected—doing so will avoid accidental kick starts that can potentially lead to injury.
If you feel uncomfortable performing any of the aforementioned tasks, you can extend the life of the gasoline by adding a commercially available fuel stabilizer to the fuel. It is important to note that storing gasoline from one season to the next is generally not recommended, and any tank containing gasoline should be kept in a well-ventilated area clear of open flames, sparks or pilot lights. If you notice that your gasoline contains rust or dirt, replace it immediately.
Once properly prepared for storage, allow the generator to cool down, and wipe it clean of dust and debris. Doing so will ensure the unit’s cooling air slots and openings are free of any obstructions. If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to protect the unit from dust and dirt, both of which can accumulate when a product goes unused for months on end. It is also important to note that following the maintenance schedule provided in each unit’s respective manual plays a vital role in ensuring optimal product performance from one season to the next.
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