Generator and Ethanol

It really doesn't matter what brand of generator one has...if it is hooked up to the main gas tank.
Mine is a 2001 Generac 5.5. When not using the motorhome I start it up every 2 weeks or so and let the thing run for about 1/2 hour. (Same with the V-10).

On the way home after my last trip of the "season" (end of October), no matter if I am planning a snowbird run in Janary or not, I fill up the gas tank then add a full bottle of Sta-bil. From that station it's a 18 mile run to my house. With the generator running, the Sta-bil gets not only to the V-10 but the generator and, of course the fuel lines.

The fuel line to the generator might degenerate due to the ethanol...happened to me, needing a replacement, but simply running the generator at least twice a month eliminat4es 99% of the problems. In my OPINION.

When you can't figure out what the real problem is, blame E10 gasoline.

Richard

I've used nothing but E10 in my MH with an Onan 5500 genny for the last 8 years. I also use it in all the rest of my engines from string trimmers to my '67 Vette. No fuel problems to date.

I wonder why no one has asked what Onan says or recommends? I'm sure they have been asked. I have a Onan engine (B43M) on my 1973 Massey Ferguson tractor that I rebuilt 4 years ago, it was original and I'm sure the corn juice didn't wear it out since they started adding it, the hours did after 40 years, no more compression.

chuckftboy wrote:
I am sure Onan was well prepared for the damage it does.

The sky is not falling and ethanol is not the work of the devil.

In South America they have been burning E90-E100 for decades now. If THEY can figure out how to deal with it, I'm sure that we can too.

It only "damages" parts that are/were not designed to work with it.

In 1999, the Government had already stuck us with corn laced fuel. I am sure Onan was well prepared for the damage it does. I think you'll be just fine with the 10%******at the pump.

I use the generators on both of my MHs. Check their age below 20&40.

Bird Freak wrote:
I wonder how many reply posters noticed this is a Onan 5500 MH generator that feeds off the fuel tank? looks like not many.

Yep, it's not a Honda and not a lawnmower. Chuck

n7bsn wrote:
A number of the engine makers (Honda, etc) recommend you also use the "mid grade" gas, not "regular".

Really, my Honda powered mower says regular unleaded with 10% ethanol is recommended.

I wonder how many reply posters noticed this is a Onan 5500 MH generator that feeds off the fuel tank? looks like not many.