Generator shutting off question

[JoanE]

I realize I am at fault here for not exercizing my gennie regularly but is this a serious repair? My gennie turns on but only runs a few minutes before shutting off. It has oil and a clean air filter.

[VickieP]

How much fuel is in your tank? I know MH geny's won't run if the fuel is low. It keeps some in reserve for your actual engine to get you somewhere.

[Acadianmom]

Over the years I have had that problem but don't remember what caused it. I have had 4 motorhomes so 4 different generators. The repairs were in the $200 - $300 range but that was when labor charge wasn't what it is today. It seems the more you need one the less likely it is to run. When we were at the beach and it was hot I was running the generator so I could run the air conditioner. It ran for about an hour and then started surging so I turned it off. I ran it a couple of weeks ago and it ran fine but I didn't need it, I was just exercising it. You can bet that if we have a hurricane and lose power my generator is not going to work so I can run the freezer.

Martha

[ialwaysneedaroadtrip]

Martha,

Isn't it awful to have those thoughts? I'm worrying about everything these days concerning my new RV!

Joan...I've been exercising my generator faithfully since I got MINE! in June...especially after my tech at La Mesa warned me that the biggest most common problem happens in the carburetor. He said running it keeps water out...plus when the existing fuel gets old the Carb gunks up in there. THAT"S the real threat.

I hope that's not what's going on with you!

So I also researched and found that fuel can be considered old in just a short time. The last time I drove MINE! was July 29th, and knowing that I wasn't taking a trip again till mid-Sept. I let the gas tank get down to a 1/4 tank. Then I put some Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer in the tank. A few days later I ran the Gen for over an hour, so the treatment would get in there.

BTW, I also keep the Sta-Bil stuff inside the house so the AZ heat won't destroy it, too.

When I go on my long trip in Sept. and then come back I'm going to only let my tank get down to a 1/2 before parking...or maybe even a little more. I noticed with all that maintenance running every week, the fuel gets used up kinda quick. Plus I'm going to be generous with the Sta-Bil when I get back.

[JoanE]

Vicki, I had plenty of gas. My gennie will shut down at 1/4 tank but I rarely get below 1/2 tank.

Martha, ain't that the truth!

Cindy, just after posting my question, I went researching too. I read about Sta Bil and Seafoam. Your product is a stabilizer and the other is a cleaner. Either would probably have prevented my problem. I suspected clogging of something since it will at least start. Off to auto parts store to buy one of them. Fingers crossed.

Thank you gals.

[ialwaysneedaroadtrip]

Oh...thanks for the tip about Seafoam....I'll pick up some of that, too!

Hope everything works out!

[mitch5252]

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Here's a FAQ from the Sta-Bil website:

Q: What is the difference between STA-BIl Fuel Stabilizer, Marine Formula STA-BIL, and the new STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment products?

A: STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is designed for use during STORAGE of any gasoline equipment or vehicle stored for 30 days or more, or used infrequently. It will keep gas fresh for 12 months, and help prevent corrosion, and gum and varnish formation. It is effective in all gasolines, including Ethanol blends, including E-85.

Marine Formula STA-BIL® Ethanol Treatment was designed for use at every fill up for marine engines (boats, jetskis) to protect against the damaging effects experienced when using Ethanol blended fuels -- including corrosion caused by water attraction, and fuel system plugging caused by deposit loosening.

New STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment is designed for use at every fill up for all gasoline automotive and small engines for protection against these same problems.'

I am now using SeaFoam and Sta-Bil Marine in all my small gas engines (pressure washer, lawn beast, 4-wheeler, roto-tiller, generator). Eventually, I will stop with the Sta-Bil Marine. I also will try to NEVER put ethanol gas in any of these machines. EVER. Bad stuff for small engines. Luckily, it's easy to find down here in farm country. My friends up north don't have that choice. I will also start putting Sta-Bil in the van since it gets used so infrequently.

Since I learned all of this (very recently learned AND had one badly gunked up carburetor professionally cleaned), my machines are starting up just beautifully. Wish George was around to see this. We had a devil of a time...

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[ialwaysneedaroadtrip]

Do you put in the Seafoam and Sta-Bil together?

Or how do you use it, exactly?

[mitch5252]

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I've been using the SeaFoam to clean all the parts of the fuel delivery system. I think I will continue using it (I don't measure...)

I put Sta-Bil Marine right in my gas cans before I fill them up with non-ethanol fuel. I am not sure I need it now because I"ve switched to non-ethanol, but I'll do it until it runs out.

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[Bethers]

Just a comment on Sta-bil - it IS ethanol. If you get gas with ethanol, you don't need Sta-bil. Just sayin'

[mitch5252]

Just a comment on Sta-bil - it IS ethanol. If you get gas with ethanol, you don't need Sta-bil. Just sayin'

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I think you do if you're going to store your non-ethanol gas for any length of time.
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[Bethers]

Just a comment on Sta-bil - it IS ethanol. If you get gas with ethanol, you don't need Sta-bil. Just sayin'

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I think you do if you're going to store your non-ethanol gas for any length of time.
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Yes, but I usually get gas with ethanol. When sitting for 3 months like now - my engine always turns over with the gas with ethanol. More likely to need a jump if using the non-ethanol gas. Of course, when I do due diligence and start it every month, no problem either way. Like all engines, they need to be run.

[mitch5252]

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From all I've read, gas with ethanol goes bad quite a bit faster than non-ethanol gas.

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[Bethers]

Then adding Sta-bil should make it go bad, also - as that's ethanol - imho ... although I've read both sides of this -

I lived in a state for quite awhile where all gas had ethanol - never once had trouble with my gas there ... so not afraid of it. (I shouldn't say all - never paid attention to the premium gas - always get the cheapest!)

Editing to add - I am NO expert. Remember, I had the generator from hell. But got it that way. And I did exercise it and use it - and never had old gas sitting in it ... so can't blame any of that.

Joan, you have to make sure your generator is in great working condition for this winter ... so get it serviced if need be, to know it's running. AND then make sure you do your monthly running of it - for a couple hours under a load. Maybe you should start boondocking a couple days a month! You are in the best area of the country to do so. Get used to it - as you'll need to be comfortable with it for days and days at a time!

[mitch5252]

Then adding Sta-bil should make it go bad, also - as that's ethanol - imho ... although I've read both sides of this -

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Color me confused. You're saying that Sta-Bil IS ethanol - fuel made from plant material?
I've never read anything like that.
Any chance you have a source?
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