Best way to put load on generator?

[RVpullinGuy]

I had to replace the carburetor on my generator last year so have been starting and running it every 2-3 weeks for 30 minutes this winter. "They" say we should put a load on it when doing this.

What is the best way to put a load on the generator while running it during the winter in order to keep the carburetor cleaned out from all that crappy gas?

Thanks!

[lincster]

SCVJeff wrote:

lincster wrote:
A/C is all you need to turn on.

Its Utah, not Mesa. The OP's A/C wont even let him turn it on when its 12 degrees out.

Oh yeah. You poor cold folks....... LOL

[BigDogF250]

If you are looking for that little something extra you already have in the house to add load... Bring a hair dryer or two. At 1200-1800 watts each they can easily add more load and you probably own 1 or 2 already.

Was just reading the forecast for the Green Bay game, -17 is the expected temp. Does a genny even start at that temp? I know my cranky diesel in the F250 wouldn't like it.

[SCVJeff]

lincster wrote:
A/C is all you need to turn on.

Its Utah, not Mesa. The OP's A/C wont even let him turn it on when its 12 degrees out.

[whp4262]

I wouldn't run the A/C in the winter either, not real good for the compressor. A space heater or two would be a better option.

[lincster]

A/C is all you need to turn on.

[D_E_Bishop]

I may be alone here but the manual for my Onan says to exercise once a month. After only 22 years I had something plug up the low speed jet and had to rebuild the carb. I use Stabil and once in awhile run some Sea Foam while were camping.

[RVpullinGuy]

Thanks for the great replies. I think the space heater and TV are the best options for me, as I don't have water in the WH and I don't have a heat pump. I'll be able to exercise the genny and keep the crappy gas from fouling up my carburetor.

I use Stabil gas treament but still want to run the genny every 2-3 weeks.

[Y-Guy]

wildtoad wrote:
1,500 watt heater (or 2).

This is what I do, I have my outlets identified for which run on separate circuits. I head over and crank things up, plug them in and do some cleaning while the heaters and generator do their thing. At least twice during the winter, weather permitting, I take our RV out for a drive - but not necessary with a trailer.

[wildtoad]

1,500 watt heater (or 2).

[Old-Biscuit]

IOWASTROKER wrote:
Do NOT run water heater on electric mode without water...which is impossible to do during the Winter months. 1 or 2 electric heaters are the easiest and fastest way to "load" it. Happy New Year.

I 'forget' as a FTr some folks have to winterize and don't have water in WH.
It's not 'impossible'. We always have water regardless of weather/temps :B

Use the WH electric ONLY when you have water in WH!!!!!!!!!

[IOWASTROKER]

Do NOT run water heater on electric mode without water...which is impossible to do during the Winter months. 1 or 2 electric heaters are the easiest and fastest way to "load" it. Happy New Year.

[Old-Biscuit]

Exercising Gen is to warm/dry out rotor/windings and to flow fuel thru carb
but more so for gen to get rid of any moisture

Load it up by using water heater on electric, fridge on electric, space heater(s), A/C Unit etc......the more the better. Run for 30 minutes.

Gasoline.......use a 'stabilizer' to extend life of gasoline.
Stabil or SeaFoam

[Taco]

when you are done using the generator if you have the option of turning the fuel off to the carburetor and letting it run itself out of gas it doesn't leave any fuel in the carb to cause problems. Make sure you don't have anything running off the generator while you are running it out of fuel.

I sometimes use fuel treatments but as long as you run the float bowl empty you should not have major problems.

As far as a load I use a space heater. Exercising it has more to do with the generator head than keeping the carb clean.

[midnightsadie]

space heater, and treat that crappie gas. it ain,t to late. sea foam is my choice.