Running gen for 10 minutes

I do exercise our genny as needed, but I also run it the 5 or 10 min. for
hair dryer, popcorn, coffee, etc. If I had to run it for 30 minutes for a
quick cup of java, it wouldn't be a "quick cup"
Brian

derh2o wrote:
Looking at my Onan generator manual, it says i should run it for a minimum of 1/2 hour each time I started it. My wife would like to run it from 5-10 minutes to blow dry her hair. Or, put something in the micro for a couple minutes. Assuming most generators are similar, do you run it for short periods of time, and if so, have you had any problems with it?

Under these conditions is why Onan wants the regenerator started and ran with some load once a month per the time/load stated in the owners manual. On any engine I run just to exercise it I like to run until the exhaust becomes dry meaning the muffler should not be holding water. We run Sea Foam to prevent needing to run the generator when not in use.

Source of below info.

Exercising Your Generator
It may seem surprising that “not” using a machine could cause performance
problems, but with RV generators that’s exactly the case. Regular “exercise” is
an important part of keeping your generator healthy. Lack of exercise can cause
moisture build-up and fuel system degradation that make it run poorly. In fact, in
as little as 30 days, the fuel in gasoline-powered generators can begin to gum
and varnish the fuel system. Fuel varnishing results in hard starting and surging. (A
surging generator never settles at a stable operating speed.)
To prevent such problems, it is recommended to run gasoline generators at a
minimum of 50 percent capacity (2000-watts, or one air conditioner for a 4000-watt
set) for two hours once every four weeks. This is necessary to help keep moving
parts lubricated, expel moisture and control fuel varnishing in the carburetor. A long
two-hour exercise period is preferable to several short periods. While traveling, this
can be accomplished by running the air conditioning. If you own a diesel generator,
regular exercising can help reduce internal condensation and helps keep seals
lubricated.

Let her run it for 10 min, but don't let her turn it off until 20 minutes after her hair is dry. Problem solved.

If I have to drive 10 blocks to visit a friend or get to work, I don't drive around for a half hour before I stop. Gensets are glorified lawn mower engines. Now, for the car in my example, or a genset, you should use it for a longer run when you can. But a short one now and then is not going to do anything bad, IMO.

Also, they are tools, meant to be used. Are you the master of the genset, or is it the master of you? :)

derh2o wrote:
Looking at my Onan generator manual, it says i should run it for a minimum of 1/2 hour each time I started it. My wife would like to run it from 5-10 minutes to blow dry her hair. Or, put something in the micro for a couple minutes. Assuming most generators are similar, do you run it for short periods of time, and if so, have you had any problems with it?

First of all, congratulations for reading the manual, so many people don't.

As much as I love my wife,I will take the word of the company that built the thing over her wanting just 10 minutes.

Tell her you need to run it for a half hour to charge the batteries? (which is probably true )

You're camping - you're not at home. Some things you do at home aren't always the same things you do when camping.

Organize your power needs and bundle them together so you can justify running your gen for at least 30 minutes each time you start it.

Read what others say about reaching proper operating temperature,etc. and most important, do what the gen manufacturer says to do in his manual.

I would let the wife do it. Run it for the amount of time she needs then shut it off when done. Every once in awhile actually get it up to operating temp to evaporate that condensation buildup.

Lets say you are out on a week long trip. I would actually get that gen up to temp at the end of the trip, or approximately every week.

One half hour at 50% load requires a quarter of a gallon of fuel; house batteries can get a charge if you run for an hour. Small price to pay to keep the generator in good working order. We put 125 to 150 hours a year on our generator.

I am on board with Wolfe's answer. If you habitually shutdown before it's at operating temp. that moisture can be brutal on the iron parts (my entire gen. is iron) of the engine.

I have a French press, but I have a small inverter for the grinder.

Jose