Generator Test

[Matt In Oklahoma]

As I set here the other day and watched a spokesman say that this winter is going to look alot like last and these back to back patterns are rare but going to happen this year it reminded me of the blizzard that slapped us. I have watched alot unfold recently in other weather patterns as well and I will be camping/hunting in my red dawn certified war wagon camper soon with upcoming seasons. A stagnate economy and people acting foolishly along with end of world predictions can easily lead to things. All this combined says I need to double check and test systems like my generator. I conduct a monthly test running it for 15 minutes with a partial load on it. I am bad for forgeting it so i have set it for myself at the beginning of the month to try and remember. My cell phone has a calendar that helps me remember too. I think I should double check my lanterns too huh? Anyone else need a reminder?

[LizardKing]

Great idea. I check and run all my gas powered equipment somewhere in the first week of every month and let them all run the bowl dry. This has been working pretty good for me after I had to take a few carbs apart and clean them cause I was just letting them sit. I also use Pri G in all my gas cans now.

[Mr.Grey]

I keep a small generator handy and tested, I also have a heavy duty one that is empty and clean. My plan is to fire up the small one when there's a minor power cut to power the tv and light, and the big one is there for when tshtf and I need a long term power source.

[monkeybird]

We just filled 6 - 5 gallon gas containers for generator use only. Don't want to be in line when the next panhandle hurricane hits.

[Rmplstlskn]

Yep, did a genny test before Hurricane Irene came up... When a carb & bowl is dry, let it sit 10 minutes or so and let the gas fill everything up. I then use "Starting Fluid" to help get it running a bit so the gas will be sucked into the small carb passageways, allowing proper running. That spray saves A LOT!!!! of cord pulling... Once it is all primed, most good gennys will start after 1~2 pulls...

I have a Honda-clone 220v genny for the well pump and other stuff. A Honda EU2000i for household use and powering my oil-fired boiler for heat in the winter. I absolutely LOVE my little Honda EU2000i! What an amazing, suitcase-size, quiet engineering marvel...

Just the BASICS, not a whole house system at this time... I plan on a low-rpm diesel genny for future if I bump into a good deal on one...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I'm gonna guess you "coasties" have already been doing yours with recent activities and for others throughout the country it's getting that time again. Fall thunderstorms, winter snow/ice storms, hunting and all around general prepardness are good reasons to make sure you are doing this now. It's a nice day so why not kill 15-30 minutes making sure all is in order and that fuel hasnt soured and the lines didnt dry rot or the plug aint fouled out.

[tech]

...and don't forget air filters and oil changes. And killing the %#$%#% wasps that built a nest in the engine cover...