Running Gen for short amounts of time

no a converter doesn't hurt
but the A/C does.. and I think that is what he meant
a heavy induction motor aka a/c compressor produces back EMF

and I'm real sure you know that too, and knew exactly what he meant

RJsfishin wrote:

TEXAS wrote:
Run it at least a half hour a week. Don't let it set for months. If you are on the road and only crank it when you need it each day. You will be ok.Just don't start it or stop it under load. You will burn out the voltage regulator.

Oh yeah?
I know for a fact that shutdown w/ a 1.000 watt converter load don't hurt'm,,,,,,or hasn't in 20 + yrs.

Running for 5 minuted don't hurt'm either.

I ran mine for 5 mins multiple times for the last several month's with out my usual 1 hr run once a month under load thinking I used it enough. What I noticed was a creamy white foam inside the filler tube and on the dip stick. Ran it for an hr with a half gallon of gas and Seafoam then changed the oil. My conclusion is multiple short uses without a long one will build up moisture in the crankcase.

Only thing I worry about on short runs is the inside-the-box muffler. It's stainless steel, but if it does get eaten thru by the water and other stuff in the exhaust gasses, it'd be a bear to replace, and no doubt costy.

That said, I've run all my 2800's for short periods making coffee and such. The current one has lasted for 7 1/2 years, tho' I have replaced the fuel pump & voltage regulator. Start, wait for 2-4 minutes, run the microwave for 2-3 minutes, let it run on for 2-3 minutes, shut it down.

But I make sure it gets a good 2 hour or longer run every month or six weeks to thoroughly dry stuff out. If I don't run it that long from actual need, I do an exercise run with the A/C or a 1500 watt heater. So far, so good except as noted.

Jim, "Experience is what enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again."

RJ Why take the chance. I have six regulators in my junk pile. All burned out by shutting down or starting up under load.

As with many of these kind of questions, there is a fuzzy line between "best recommended practices" and "what I got away with".

Best practices:

As with any internal combustion engine, it is best (not mandatory) to run it long enough each time you start i,At and under enough load that the OIL, gets up to operating temperature to drive off moisture in the crankcase. And, as stated above, longer run times also dry out the electrical end of the generator.

And, another best practice is to start and stop a generator under no/very low load. High loads can harm the voltage regulator and absolutely do shorten the life of the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) points.

And, this is not just from an electrical standpoint. From the engine's prospective, starting under high loads would be like starting your motorhome/car after sitting for days and immediately going to WOT and accelerating to cruising speed. Can it be done-- sure. Is it good for the unit-- no.

Shutting off under load is also not good from the engine prospective. Much better to allow a short cool down period with no or very low load. Again, the same as pulling your motorhome into a rest area after climbing a hill and immediately turning off the engine. Can be done, but not a "best practice".

TEXAS wrote:
Run it at least a half hour a week. Don't let it set for months. If you are on the road and only crank it when you need it each day. You will be ok.Just don't start it or stop it under load. You will burn out the voltage regulator.

Oh yeah?
I know for a fact that shutdown w/ a 1.000 watt converter load don't hurt'm,,,,,,or hasn't in 20 + yrs.

Running for 5 minuted don't hurt'm either.

Run it at least a half hour a week. Don't let it set for months. If you are on the road and only crank it when you need it each day. You will be ok.Just don't start it or stop it under load. You will burn out the voltage regulator.

Use it when you need it and maintain it as recommended. It is there to be used not worried about.
Randy

That should be no problem. However, if you are only using it a few minutes at a time, you still should start and run the genny for at least 1/2 hour under load, to keep fresh gasoline in the generator (if so equipped) and to dry out any moisture that may have collected in and around the generator.

toytacoma8 wrote:
I have a new to me toy hauler with an Onan 4000 Microquiet, I don't have the manual and was wondering if there was anything specifcally to look out for. Also is it ok to run it for a few minutes at a time like at a rest stop or should there be a minimum amount of time?

THanks

my wife runs ours as she needs it, a pot of coffee and its off , I,ve seen no bad effects on the unit.