Generator fuel pumps

[path1]

(Tries a couple of searches with no luck)

Am I about to do something stupid?

I'm considering putting in a fuel cut off switch for the Onan 3500 micro quiet generator.

Just a toggle switch that I can shut off the fuel to gen and let gen run out of fuel and die.

I know I need to still exercise monthly for other parts than the carb.

But don't want to mess up fuel pump or gen or anything else.

Good idea or not????? What am I missing???

Last couple of years I've noticed all my small gas engines seem to run better when I run them out of fuel when not in use. I've got almost 20 years on my lawn mower, an old Honda.

Thanks

[gunny357]

Can't think of a good reason why to not do that.

Keep in mind one very important thing. Be sure that genset is NOT powering a load when you go to do you fuel starvation shut down, else you will be soon purchasing a voltage regulator and/or a rotor.

Don't think it would matter much if you exercise it once a month or once every few months. When you do exercise it, warm it up before applying load, run it with a good load on it for 20 to 30 minutes, remove the load and allow it to run unloaded for a couple of minutes.

Always a good idea to run a fuel stabilizer, no matter what, try to keep the fuel turned over (use it and add fresh). Change oil annually.

[mlts22]

I have been thinking of a fuel petcock on the gas line. That way, when the generator isn't needed, I can turn the gas off, fog the engine, empty the lines and carb, and the generator should be worry free, other than winding corrosion, which running monthly helps take care of.

[ksg5000]

I would do that on my generator but lack of space would make installation a real pain.

[azrving]

That or some other why to put a fuel shut off valve in the line. The best you can do for a small engine storage is to empty the carb bowl. Some engines have a fuel drain on the bowl.

[Dusty_R]

I did that several years ago. And I do NOT do a monthly exercise. I only run my generator when I need it.

Dusty