Forum Discussion

joebedford's avatar
joebedford
Nomad II
Apr 14, 2017

Drain (built-in) generator tank

I know that has come up before but I can't find an answer.

I keep my tanks full to reduce condensation and rust. However, I haven't done much boondocking lately and the gas in the generator tank has been sitting there for 3 years. It has stabilizer in it and the generator runs fine - I'd just like to drain it and refill with fresh gas. I'll use the old stuff in my lawnmower.

I'm wondering about cutting the return line from the generator and installing a T with valve. To be honest, I don't know how long I'd have to run the genny to drain the tank (not sure what the return flow is).

Suggestions?
Toy Haulers
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2017
    Most of the newer gensets do have 2 lines now as one is the EVAC line, I think that's what its called, anyway its for putting fumes back to the tank as a lack of better way to describe it. I have asked a couple manufacturers about using an EFI genny and they've told me it could be done as there are 2 lines run on most RVs now.
  • johntank's avatar
    johntank
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2017
    joebedford wrote:
    I don't think the generator is EFI but there are two lines. It's such a long run to the tank I figured there's a lift pump. If not, how does the prime button work?

    There is an anti-siphon valve in the filler neck.



    If you have two lines I will say you have a EFI generator, are they the same size for both(?) if not the smaller of the two should be the return. Hope this helps some.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Apr 15, 2017
    joebedford wrote:
    dedmiston wrote:
    Dumb question: Do you have a fueling station? Just had to ask.


    Yes, there is a fueling station. It has a 30 gallon tank and the generator has a 20 gallon tank.

    Our old Warrior had one combined fuel tank with the pump and the gen running off the same source.

    NZ sounds amazing.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Apr 15, 2017
    dedmiston wrote:
    Dumb question: Do you have a fueling station? Just had to ask.


    Yes, there is a fueling station. It has a 30 gallon tank and the generator has a 20 gallon tank.

    What's up with New Zealand? How long were you gone?
    We decided to go much further south than usual this winter. In fact we got to 46 degrees south latitude at Bluff:It's a wonderful place. We had a great time. Two week self-driving LOTR themed tour then a week+ driving around the bottom of south island.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Apr 15, 2017
    I don't think the generator is EFI but there are two lines. It's such a long run to the tank I figured there's a lift pump. If not, how does the prime button work?

    There is an anti-siphon valve in the filler neck.
  • tmm2good's avatar
    tmm2good
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2017
    Can you get a hose into the gas tank and just siphon the gas out?
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Apr 15, 2017
    Dumb question: Do you have a fueling station? Just had to ask.

    What's up with New Zealand? How long were you gone?
  • johntank's avatar
    johntank
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2017
    joebedford wrote:
    I know that has come up before but I can't find an answer.

    I keep my tanks full to reduce condensation and rust. However, I haven't done much boondocking lately and the gas in the generator tank has been sitting there for 3 years. It has stabilizer in it and the generator runs fine - I'd just like to drain it and refill with fresh gas. I'll use the old stuff in my lawnmower.

    I'm wondering about cutting the return line from the generator and installing a T with valve. To be honest, I don't know how long I'd have to run the genny to drain the tank (not sure what the return flow is).

    Suggestions?


    Is your generator EFI if not I don't think you have a return line.

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