A little tip for all the generator problems poping up

I count 14 small engines here, most of which get limited use. When I do fire one up chances are it'll work ... maybe. If not it means pulling the carb, cleaning out the "snot", blowing the ports and we're ready to go. Of course this takes time and adds frustration. All the dry gas, Marvel Mystery, Seafoam, Marine Staybil, etc. does little and costs a lot. I tried shutting off the fuel supply and running the engine dry ... Doesn't always work.

Yesterday I tried to crank up my neglected genset which had set with a couple quarts of fuel in the tank. Wrong! The fuel was 25% water, the tank rusty, the carb sick ... you get the message. A couple hours labor, a new tank, and we're off to the races 'til the next time. What a waste of time and money.

I've started using ONLY ethanol free 91 octane gas even though I have to drive 20 miles to buy it at $4 a gallon. If it works without all the expensive additives it's worth the effort. Don't know if it will bring back the good old days ... I wish. Next, I'll probably be fogging the engines.

For all those that run 15-20 minutes and then stop:

Disconnect the gas line from the main tank at your generator fuel pump.

Connect a new shorter line to the pump and drop into a gas can on the ground.

Restart it and see if it will run for a long period, like an hour or more.

This test will tell you if you have fuel line leaking air coming from the main tank.

I chased the problem for a couple of months during hot weather thinking it was vapor locking, bad fuel pump, clogged filter, etc...

Never had another issue after replacing the complete fuel line.

I make sure the genny runs every month. I go out crank the genny,run the A/C, light stove, put frig on gas. When I shut down the A/C I kick the the heater for a few minutes also. Doesn't hurt to take it for a drive if it has been sitting. I had a mechanic tell me the U-joints will last longer if they are exercised.