Generator questions

[countrykids]

We purchased a used class c this summer with built-in Generac generator. We used it several times and noticed the longer between uses the harder it is to start. The Generator was last run in mid October before today. I did get it started but not before I cranked it for 20 seconds or so. When it does start it runs great. Is that typical? It gets cold here mid winter and if slow starting now I wonder what will happen in January. Generator draws from the main fuel tank which has been stabilized.

I am doing this because other posts suggest it should be run several times during the off season. If so, how often, how long and does it need to be under some load?

Thanks

[Gjac]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Are any of these generators fed with an electric fuel pump that actually fills tje carburetor before the engine is cranked?

I have a 5.5K Kolhlar genset and it does not prime before eng is cranked. When it sits for a while it takes 3 tries of about 5 secs each to get it primed and started. I think what happens is that after time the fuel drains out of the line back into the main tank and the electric pump takes a while to pull it up to the carburetor. I have thought about installing a shut off valve to keep the fuel in the line but other projects are more pressing, 15 secs to start the genset to me is not a major concern.

[wa8yxm]

First you should run the Generator for at least 1/2 hour (or longer) under at least 1/2 load every month.. I normally do mine on the 1`st but may delay a bit due to an oil change I'm planing.

Second.. yes Generators typically have Carburetors Not fuel injectors, It can take a while for the fuel pump to re-fill the bowl after sitting for months.

Also, depending on the generator there is a procedure to follow. I use a modified one for best result but this is for an ONAN Emerald

Press and hold STOP till the light comes on solid (HOld for a few seconds past in fact) this starts the fuel pump and refills the carb by the way.

Then press start. (I will "Tap" start (just enough to engage starter) then back off, wait like 30 seconds and PRESS (and hold) start,, often this fires it up promptly.

But you do need to run it every month.

[mgirardo]

If you haven't primed the fuel, then 10 - 20 seconds isn't too long. I try to exercise it once a month. I first prime it for about 5 seconds and try to start it. If it doesn't fire up in 5 seconds or so, I prime it again. It usually fires up on the second time.

-Michael

[jerseyjim]

Will do. And thanks

[scdiver]

My 1995 Generac np66g has a switch on the side of the genny that runs the fuel pump. When I let my genny set for a month or more I will open the generator bay and hit that switch for about ten seconds and the genny will fire right up then. I don't know what the newer models have though.

jersyjim, It sounds to me that the choke is stuck open. When you hit the starter switch the choke is supposed to close for a short time. If you have a cold hard start condition, check your choke.

[DrewE]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Are any of these generators fed with an electric fuel pump that actually fills tje carburetor before the engine is cranked?

Most Onan generators work that way, but it's a manual "priming" process. Holding the stop side of the control switch runs the gas pump to fill the carb bowl. They call it priming even though there is no gas being injected into the cylinders as I, at least, think of an engine primer doing.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Are any of these generators fed with an electric fuel pump that actually fills tje carburetor before the engine is cranked?

[Mnflyboy]

I'm in Minnesota, too. I Fog the genny engine and let it and the Motor home sit for the winter. Just make sure the gas is treated and run through the MH and genny... then fog the genny and let it sit. If you have a carb bowl drain for the gas, drain it. Your biggest enemy is the gas going bad. FYI, just starting the MH without driving it is not good for it.

Jaye (Mn)

[coolbreeze01]

I use 0w-40 oil and start my 4K Onan once a month at least. More often is better.

[edatlanta]

I don't know about the Generac, but I have an Onan 5500 and if it takes longer than 3-4 seconds to start then I didn't prime it long enough. To prime my Onan you push and hold the start button in the off position which after a slight delay activates the prime pump. I usually run this pump for 10-15 seconds or until it shuts off automatically. Then the crank time is 3-4 seconds.

[jerseyjim]

I too have a GENERAC 5500. (2001) It is hard (time-wise) to start up even in warm weather. Do NOT have it crank longer than 15 seconds (says the owners' manual) or one might overheat the starter. They say it...I do it. It takes a good 3-4 tries until it starts. And I notice the starting RPM increase the closer it gets to starting. The it fires up...and I wait about 20 seconds before putting any kind of load on it. My unit, however, when the temp gets below 30 degrees will not start no matter what. Crank and crank forever...no start. So I just leave it alone until the next, say, 40 degree day.
I start the genny and the motorhome engine every two weeks during winter storage. Run both for about 1/2 hour, Some here on the forum say "don't bother", but I feel better...at least keep the oil flowing and the batteries charged. Then, if no snow (or chemicals) on the ground I take it out for a short run maybe once every month and a half .

[countrykids]

Thanks for the quick replies. Good to know everything is as it should be with the generator.

[theoldwizard1]

My standalone 10hp, 5000w, generator always starts on the 1st or 2nd pull.

I always turn the fuel off and run the carb dry.

[DutchmenSport]

I have several gasoline engines at home (snow blower, lawn mowers, 2 riding lawn mowers, 2 generators, log splitter). In cold weather, all of them are a little more work to fire up. My push mower is the best example. In the Summer, one pull and it fires right off! Never misses. In the winter, I may have to pull the starter rope 20 times before it fires (if it fires at all).

Those machines that have a gas turn-off (petcock), I'll turn the gas flow off and then let the engine run dry until it starves itself for fuel. This way, gasoline will not have a chance to gum-up the carburetor.

Also, I have found keeping Sta-Bill in the fuel tanks helps also, starting in cold weather. I have one riding lawn mower, when it gets below a certain temperature, it simply will not power up. The battery will run dead before it fires. I give up on that one in the coldest weather. When the temps warm up above freezing, it will fire up just fine again. It' just the nature of a small gasoline engine.

Basically, what you are experiencing is pretty typical. Bottom line, the colder it gets, the more difficult they start.