Originally Posted By: JTK
The only time I run my OPE is when I need it. For the off season, I try to run them out of fuel, with a rich mix of Sta-Bil and/or 2 cycle oil, mixed in with the fuel.
My ~1600watt generator has sat a few years at a time and will still start on it's first or second pull once fueled.
I've read of this generator loosing it's magic, from sitting too long phenomena for quite some time. I'm sure it's possible, but I've never experienced this or heard of it happening to anyone.
The issue with some generators isn't starting the engine. There's no difference in the operating principles of a gas generator engine or the same type engine on any other machine. It starts or it doesn't. It has nothing to do with the fact that it's on a generator.
The issue with generators, is that the generator end may have a loss of excitation. The engine will fire up, the generator will spin but no electricity will be generated.
From the little I know of this "magic" it's a slight bit of electrical current generated from a source within the generator to assist in getting the AC output current initiated. Not sure where or how the exciter current comes from/works, however, in most cases if the excitement is lost, it's usually due to a electrical/mechanical failure such as a failed component or short/broken circuit.
From my experience, leaving the generators sit for extended periods of time has never been an issue for me. I've been running a diesel generator for over 30 years with no issues whatsoever and it sits in an unheated shed all winter, usually six months. I've also owned a cheap Champion emergency generator here at home for a few years now that I fire up and test once a year. No problems there either.
When I put an engine away for the season. It's put away. Not mid winter start ups. Just clean it up and put it away usually with fresh oil, but that's more personal preference than necessity.
