Originally Posted by user52165
Originally Posted by Best F100
I have an old Honda EU6500is inverter generator that is stored outdoors (under a tarp). Steel gas tank.
I understand that many of you generator owners run your equipment completely out of fuel out, or drain out all the fuel (until the next power outage occurs).
I recently read that someone said, it is best to leave some gas + Stabil mixture in the tank, shut off the fuel supply and run until the engine runs out of fuel. I have been doing this, but I was told the REASON you don't leave the tank empty, (and carb dry) are, "The needle valve tip (made of rubber) will dry out if the carb is completely dry". They went on to say, they have seen brand new generators, (stored long term), still in the box with this valve frozen in the "up" position, or a resulting generator carb related spring that has lost its tension."
I never heard this before. Any truth to this statement?
I thought rust in the steel gas tank or condensation would be the only concerns for equipment stored out of doors (with the gas tank empty). Also, any trash or debris in the fuel, wound up in the carb, if I ran my generator completely out of fuel for long term storage. The results I had were hard to start problems, the next time I refilled it.
Can't be that old - introduced in 2008. Quite a fine unit and big $$$$. Is it not possible to pull it out and exercise it every month or so? Please expand on your storage method "under a tarp".
Thanks for replying. When I say old, I should have gone into more detail. I bought this generator a couple a years ago (for cheap - $950) with high hours on it. As you may know, this is about a $4000 unit, when new. 3600 hours on it! Yes 3600. Original owner was a local steel company that evidently gave it a hard workout. I have since had my local small engine shop rework the guts - new pistons, valves, etc. No problem getting Honda generator parts. It now lives on a diet of Mobil 1 15W50. Turn the key, and it starts, like "right now" - just like your car. However, it is old, and well used.
I have always had to keep it outdoors. No room for this big boy in the garage and local ordinance about have sheds where I live. Consequently, it lives under a heavy gauge, BBQ grill type form fitted type cover. I exercise it once or twice a month. I bought it, because it was one of the few inverter generators that could power the 240V items in the house, during power outages.
By the way, Honda generator fans, I came across someone selling a rare, Honda DIESEL generator. Not the Honda model, EX12D (the 12 kw unit of about 15 years ago), but the model EX5D. Looks just like the 12 kw unit - with an enclosed cover. Go on Youtube and you will see one. I am undecided if it would be an upgrade over what I have. Would a 5 kw Diesel generator be more fuel efficient (at full load), over a 6.5 kw inverter generator at the same load?
Originally Posted by Best F100
I have an old Honda EU6500is inverter generator that is stored outdoors (under a tarp). Steel gas tank.
I understand that many of you generator owners run your equipment completely out of fuel out, or drain out all the fuel (until the next power outage occurs).
I recently read that someone said, it is best to leave some gas + Stabil mixture in the tank, shut off the fuel supply and run until the engine runs out of fuel. I have been doing this, but I was told the REASON you don't leave the tank empty, (and carb dry) are, "The needle valve tip (made of rubber) will dry out if the carb is completely dry". They went on to say, they have seen brand new generators, (stored long term), still in the box with this valve frozen in the "up" position, or a resulting generator carb related spring that has lost its tension."
I never heard this before. Any truth to this statement?
I thought rust in the steel gas tank or condensation would be the only concerns for equipment stored out of doors (with the gas tank empty). Also, any trash or debris in the fuel, wound up in the carb, if I ran my generator completely out of fuel for long term storage. The results I had were hard to start problems, the next time I refilled it.
Can't be that old - introduced in 2008. Quite a fine unit and big $$$$. Is it not possible to pull it out and exercise it every month or so? Please expand on your storage method "under a tarp".
Thanks for replying. When I say old, I should have gone into more detail. I bought this generator a couple a years ago (for cheap - $950) with high hours on it. As you may know, this is about a $4000 unit, when new. 3600 hours on it! Yes 3600. Original owner was a local steel company that evidently gave it a hard workout. I have since had my local small engine shop rework the guts - new pistons, valves, etc. No problem getting Honda generator parts. It now lives on a diet of Mobil 1 15W50. Turn the key, and it starts, like "right now" - just like your car. However, it is old, and well used.
I have always had to keep it outdoors. No room for this big boy in the garage and local ordinance about have sheds where I live. Consequently, it lives under a heavy gauge, BBQ grill type form fitted type cover. I exercise it once or twice a month. I bought it, because it was one of the few inverter generators that could power the 240V items in the house, during power outages.
By the way, Honda generator fans, I came across someone selling a rare, Honda DIESEL generator. Not the Honda model, EX12D (the 12 kw unit of about 15 years ago), but the model EX5D. Looks just like the 12 kw unit - with an enclosed cover. Go on Youtube and you will see one. I am undecided if it would be an upgrade over what I have. Would a 5 kw Diesel generator be more fuel efficient (at full load), over a 6.5 kw inverter generator at the same load?
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