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Post by doublewa on Feb 11, 2018 18:17:12 GMT -5
Since there's been some discussions on generators, I thought I would pose a question:
Since it's Winter, how would some of you go about exercising your generators? What do you use in the winter to put some load on the generator when you can't use you A/C to do the job?
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Post by lynnmor on Feb 11, 2018 19:29:10 GMT -5
Since there's been some discussions on generators, I thought I would pose a question: Since it's Winter, how would some of you go about exercising your generators? What do you use in the winter to put some load on the generator when you can't use you A/C to do the job? For my portable generators, I drain all fuel and store them in a dry place. For your large Onan, draining and storage may not be an option. Simply plug in portable electric heaters that add up to roughly half the rated output of your generator. |
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Post by doublewa on Feb 11, 2018 19:32:49 GMT -5
Since there's been some discussions on generators, I thought I would pose a question: Since it's Winter, how would some of you go about exercising your generators? What do you use in the winter to put some load on the generator when you can't use you A/C to do the job? For my portable generators, I drain all fuel and store them in a dry place. For your large Onan, draining and storage may not be an option. Simply plug in portable electric heaters that add up to roughly half the rated output of your generator. I ran Sta-Bil through the fuel system prior to the winter and ran it about two months ago with the A/C on for about 2 hours. I also topped teh battery off with some distilled water. I have to do it again soon, but can't run the A/C for awhile with the cold temps. I have one of those Holmes Quartz heaters I could plug in. I'm thinking that plus a box fan or two and charge the laptop and both of my phones and turn the TV on. That might do it. |
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Post by nvguy on Feb 12, 2018 0:40:16 GMT -5
That sounds pretty good, really all you need to do is get a load on it so it will reach operating temp and boil off any residual water / fuel in the oil, as well as get some fresh fuel flowing.
I have a pair of the 2K hondas. I drain the fuel. Let me tell you from experience, those little Honda carbs gum up real fast if you don't drain or excercise 'em.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 12, 2018 11:46:41 GMT -5
I run my generator once a month plugged into the 5th wheel for an hour or more, have TV an a electric heater, frig going on electric most times ... Other times I run it on two electric heaters to warm up my work/tractor shop thus it get lots of use during the winter  Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 12, 2018 20:01:12 GMT -5
I'm different again, I just start it and let it run for 10 -15 minutes unloaded. As long as it starts I'm pretty sure it will charge as it is suppose to.
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Post by lynnmor on Feb 13, 2018 4:48:43 GMT -5
I'm different again, I just start it and let it run for 10 -15 minutes unloaded. As long as it starts I'm pretty sure it will charge as it is suppose to. There are three reasons to "exercise" a generator. First, fuel should be kept fresh and moved thru the system to prevent residue from forming as it ages or dries up. Second, if the generator is exposed to wide temperature and humidity changes (stored outdoors for example), condensation can form in the generator windings and also corrode the commutator. Third, many generators depend on residual magnetism to get the production of electricity started. That magnetism depletes over time. Running a generator under load produces more heat, more magnetism and uses more of the old fuel. In addition, engine oil temperatures should be brought up to normal for a period of time so that any water in the oil is released. Yes, a byproduct of combustion is water vapor as can be seen as steam from the exhaust pipe when an engine is started on a cold morning. In my opinion, a generator should be run with a significant load for some period of time, or the fuel drained and not run at all. |
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 13, 2018 14:26:30 GMT -5
I'm different again, I just start it and let it run for 10 -15 minutes unloaded. As long as it starts I'm pretty sure it will charge as it is suppose to. There are three reasons to "exercise" a generator. First, fuel should be kept fresh and moved thru the system to prevent residue from forming as it ages or dries up. Second, if the generator is exposed to wide temperature and humidity changes (stored outdoors for example), condensation can form in the generator windings and also corrode the commutator. Third, many generators depend on residual magnetism to get the production of electricity started. That magnetism depletes over time. Running a generator under load produces more heat, more magnetism and uses more of the old fuel. In addition, engine oil temperatures should be brought up to normal for a period of time so that any water in the oil is released. Yes, a byproduct of combustion is water vapor as can be seen as steam from the exhaust pipe when an engine is started on a cold morning. In my opinion, a generator should be run with a significant load for some period of time, or the fuel drained and not run at all. Good info guess I need to put a load on it in the future. |
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Post by ronc on Feb 13, 2018 17:45:00 GMT -5
I'm different again, I just start it and let it run for 10 -15 minutes unloaded. As long as it starts I'm pretty sure it will charge as it is suppose to. There are three reasons to "exercise" a generator. First, fuel should be kept fresh and moved thru the system to prevent residue from forming as it ages or dries up. Second, if the generator is exposed to wide temperature and humidity changes (stored outdoors for example), condensation can form in the generator windings and also corrode the commutator. Third, many generators depend on residual magnetism to get the production of electricity started. That magnetism depletes over time. Running a generator under load produces more heat, more magnetism and uses more of the old fuel. In addition, engine oil temperatures should be brought up to normal for a period of time so that any water in the oil is released. Yes, a byproduct of combustion is water vapor as can be seen as steam from the exhaust pipe when an engine is started on a cold morning. In my opinion, a generator should be run with a significant load for some period of time, or the fuel drained and not run at all. Lynnmor's comments are very good ... we have an onboard 5.5KW Onan LP GenSet that eliminates "most" of the concerns with stale fuel. That said, I still exercise it every other month or so and change the oil and air filters and unit oil once every year.<style></style> |
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