Exercising the generator

[rbrand]

This is the first RV we have had with a generator. My question is how often should I run it just to keep it running well?

[Matt_Colie]

Rbrand,

Without knowing anything about the generator, my first response would be don't.

Some say you need to run it at load to heat and dry the windings. That has not been true since the end of WWII.

Is it fueled with:
Gasoline ?
Diesel ?
Propane (LPG)?

That is in order of PITA....
If it is gasoline fueled, figure out how to shut the fuel off and run the carburetor dry, that or some way to drain the float bowl. This will stop the "bad/old gas in the carburetor" problem. The little bit that remains will cause no issue.

LPG fuel has no issue this way. Nor does diesel, but diesel can get old in a few years and it will be smoky at start-up.

If you know you are going to be leaving it idle for an extended period, learn how to "fog" the engine. This amounts to putting an oil fog into the engine to protect the internal parts from corrosion. It is simple and on an engine as small as a generator, you can do it actually without starting the engine. You can do an adequate job one the starter motor. The engine does not have to be hot.

So, fog it, drain the fuel (if gas) and leave it alone until you need it again.

I have been doing this for my own and client's engines for many years. They are invited to call me if they have trouble restarting, and the only trouble ever is that they didn't get the fuel supply restarted.

Matt

[janstey58]

Most subscribe to exercising once a month, at least 1/2 load, for 1-2 hours. In the summer we meet that requirement easily with our MH as we run the coach A/C and hot water heater while traveling with the genny running. In the winter I use a couple of 1500W electric heaters to exercise for an hour each month when parked.