Generator run time

[G_Lewis]

Do I need a load on my gererator when I run it every two weeks or so when not in use. I have a friend who says no, but I run my a/c fans when the gen is running...I heard years ago I needed a load...your comments please. It is a gas Onan 5500.

[gswcgi]

Absolutely...at 50% load for about 30 minutes.

[ssia2485]

G.Lewis wrote:
Do I need a load on my gererator when I run it every two weeks or so when not in use. I have a friend who says no, but I run my a/c fans when the gen is running...I heard years ago I needed a load...your comments please. It is a gas Onan 5500.

No real need to put a load on it every time you run the genny. The main thing with a gas generator is to keep fresh fuel circulating in the system, carb and fuel pump. small engines do not like the ethanol enriched fuel sitting in the system for long periods of time. Load test every several months

[Flanz]

G.Lewis wrote:
Do I need a load on my gererator when I run it every two weeks or so when not in use. I have a friend who says no, but I run my a/c fans when the gen is running...I heard years ago I needed a load...your comments please. It is a gas Onan 5500.

It's best to follow the manufactures process. But, for the most part, you should put the genny under load.

Here's what I do.

- Start genny - let it warm up for ~1/2 hour.
- Put as much of a full load as possible on. This includes 2 1500 watt heaters. Run for ~2hrs.
- Take load of and let genny cool for ~1/2 hr.

My manual states that the genny should run for 3hrs per month, that's what I do.

-paul

[Mfar1234]

My 2 cents

Best exercise is 1hr, once a month....FULL load. HOWEVER, LOW load the final 5-10 min for cool down BEFORE shutting down

[AllegroD]

Load it. I use 2 space heater, also.

[stuplich]

G.Lewis wrote:
Do I need a load on my gererator when I run it every two weeks or so when not in use. I have a friend who says no, but I run my a/c fans when the gen is running...I heard years ago I needed a load...your comments please. It is a gas Onan 5500.

G.Lewis
"a/c fans" do not put much of a "load" on the generator.
I run 2 1500 watt space heaters when exercising my 6.3 Kw Onan in cold temps, and the air conditioners in warm weather.
Mel
'96 Safari

[BobandShaz]

Ask your friend what he thinks he is accomplishing by just idling the engine?

Use gas?

[Old-Biscuit]

Running under load is why you do a routine exercise.
It isn't just about the engine....it's about the windings/stator. Getting them up to normal temp (heat). that is accomplished by loading the generator.

Ask your friend what he thinks he is accomplishing by just idling the engine?

[IAMICHABOD]

If it is to cold out to run the A/C when I do my monthly 1hr Generator run I use THESE to put a load on it :B

[Dutch_12078]

In warm weather I run both A/C's to load the generator. In cooler weather, I run one A/C and an electric heater. :C

[G_Lewis]

Thanks to all. That is what I have been doing and will tell my friend that is what he should be doing also. Thanks again.

[path1]

Read the info on the gen you have. Mine says to exercise once a month at 1/2 load or more for an hour. So that's what I do.
(Side note) a/c is what I use to put gen under load, it gets really cold when it is already cold outside to begin with.

[GMandJM]

Best to exercise it with a full load, per the Cummins-Onan tech that just did the 50-hour oil change service our 10Kw genny. He recommended once a month for two hours and said running the AC while we're going down the road is a good way to do it.

[2oldman]

Monthly exercise post