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Maintenance
3.6 GENERAL
The generator should be started at least once every seven days and
be allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be done and
the unit must be stored for more than 30 days, use the following
information as a guide to prepare it for storage.
NEVER store engine with fuel in tank indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer
or other gas appliance.
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Allow unit to cool entirely before storage.
3.7 LONG TERM STORAGE
It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as the carburetor, fuel hose or tank during
storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture, which
leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before storage of 30 days or longer, as follows:
Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank.•
Drain fuel into approved container outdoors,
away from open flame. Be sure engine is cool.
Do not smoke.
Start and run engine until engine stops from lack of fuel.•
While engine is still warm, drain oil from crankcase. Refill with •
recommended grade.
Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of engine •
oil into the cylinders. Cover spark plug hole with rag. Pull the
recoil starter a couple times to lubricate the piston rings and
cylinder bore.
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Avoid spray from spark plug hole when
cranking engine.
Install and tighten spark plug. Do not connect spark plug wire.•
Clean the generator outer surfaces. Check that cooling air slots •
and openings on generator are open and unobstructed.
Store the unit in a clean, dry place.•
3.8 OTHER STORAGE TIPS
Do not store gasoline from one season to another.•
Replace the gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in •
the gasoline will cause problems with the carburetor and fuel
system.
If possible, store the unit indoors and cover it to give protection •
from dust and dirt. BE SURE TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK.
If it is not practical to empty the fuel tank and the unit is to be •
stored for some time, use a commercially available fuel stabilizer
added to the gasoline to increase the life of the gasoline.
Cover the unit with a suitable protective cover that does not •
retain moisture.
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NEVER cover the generator while engine and
exhaust area are warm.