Generator and Ethanol

chuckbear wrote:
The genny does get a lot of running right now, almost daily with the air conditioners on. Chuck

There is no need to waste your money on stabilizer when the engine(s) are run regularly and the fuel in the tank gets refilled a couple of times a month.

Especially not with the over-priced SeaFoam.

Stabil is a better stabilizer and Berrymans B12 is a MUCH better cleaner when you notice problems developing.

If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it.

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

Reference please.

The advice to not use ethanol gas is not an option. There is perhaps one gas station withing 25 miles of me that sells non-ethanol gas. On the road it will be even more difficult to find non-ethanol. Since the generator is built into my coach and feeds off the main fuel tank, it gets what it gets. being in the marine industry for 40 years, the ethanol issues are not new to me. Why I ask my question is because this is a 16-year-old coach and generator and older models are more susceptible. If you generator is even 5 years old, it probably does not have the same components as mine. I like the Seafoam additive for marine applications so I will give that a try. My tank will require five 16 oz. bottles. The genny does get a lot of running right now, almost daily with the air conditioners on. Chuck

I do not use E gas in any small engine. I use non E gas and they run
SO much better. start faster and no problems other than paying more money for it.

If all you can get is ethanol laced fuel, you're stuck with it. If you have a shutoff valve between the tank and genset carb, it's best to shut it off and let the genset use up the fuel on the carb. I use that approach with all small engines when possible. If there's no shutoff, next best thing is to use Stabil or Seafoam in any fuel that sits for extended periods, to avoid potential phase-separation.

I use E free fuel in all my small engines. It stores longer and the Honda in particular starts easier and runs smoother. I just end up with far fewer issues with real gas.

I use 87 octane regular unleaded with 10% ethanol in everything.
In the fall, when I put the motorhome to bed for the winter, I put Sta-Bil in the tank (following the directions for the proper amount for 75 gallons of fuel), then run the engine and generator long enough to get it distributed throughout the system. No problems.
For my outdoor power equipment, I put Sta-Bil in the gas cans every time I fill them, so the fuel is treated all year long. Again, no problems.
The ATVs, chain saw, pressure washer, lawn tractor, air compressor, portable generator, and weed trimmer have been working fine.

That is correct. Running the generator prevents most problems. The new gas doesn't turn to a varnish type residue like the old gasoline. It will leave a crusty like deposit that requires dismantling to clean out. Run the generator regularly, use a stabilizer from time to time, especially if the generator is going to sit for a month or so, and you should have no problems.

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

Hi Chuckbear, I to have a 5500 Onan generator.I do all my own service.I have found that if I ad a bottle of seafoam or stabul to the tank once a year and run the generator at LEAST once a month with the air cond on ,I have not had a problem ever. I even run my gen when going down the road to help cool the inside down,A Generator is made to run.