MAINTENANCE
STORAGE
WARNING
Never store a generator with fuel in the
tank indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area where the fumes can come in
contact with an ignition source such
as a: 1) pilot light of a stove, water
heater, clothes dryer or any other gas
appliance; or 2) spark from an electric
appliance.
NOTICE
Gasoline stored for as little as 60 days can go bad,
causing gum, varnish and corrosive buildup in fuel
lines, fuel passages and the engine. This corrosive
buildup restricts the flow of fuel, preventing an engine
from starting after a prolonged storage period.
Proper care should be taken to prepare the generator
for any storage.
1. Clean the generator as outlined in Cleaning the
Generator on page 31.
2. Drain all gasoline from the fuel tank as best as
possible.
3. With the fuel shutoff valve open, start the engine
and allow the generator to run until all the
remaining gasoline in the fuel lines and carburetor
is consumed and the engine shuts off.
4. Close the fuel shutoff valve.
5. Change the oil (see Changing Engine Oil on page
26).
6. Remove the spark plug (see Spark Plug
Maintenance on page 29) and place about 1
tablespoon of oil in the spark plug opening. While
placing a clean rag over the spark plug opening,
slowly pull the recoil handle to allow the engine to
turn over several times. This will distribute the oil
and protect the cylinder wall from corroding during
storage.
7. Replace the spark plug (see Spark Plug
Maintenance on page 29).
8. Move the generator to a clean, dry place for
storage.
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