Exercising generator?

[Cyn61]

What does this mean? Why does it need to be done and how?

[jamesroadking]

Running the generator with a 50-75 % electrical load load a least once a month for a least a half an hour is what I'd suggest. Retired Power Plant Instrumentation / Electrical Technician

[Fire Instructor]

Check fluids, start and run it under load. The "under load" part is usually the hardest for most to do. I have a 1500w light stand that I use for working around the house. I use that as a good "load" for my Yamaha 2400. We "exercise" FD generators for at least 30 mins per week.

[Cyn61]

How do you check the fluid? How do you determine the load? How about just starting it and turning on the heater and tv? Would that work? Sorry about my ignorance! I know nothing about this subject

[volts600]

Running it till its good and hot is good pratice if it is going to be sitting idle for awhile. This gets the engine up to operating temp, keep seals hydrated and gets the moisture out of the windings of the generator. I let the generator warm up a bit at idle then once warmed up put it to high throttle and put a load of about 50-75% on it for about 15mins.. Then I remove the load and let it cool down on low throttle for about 5 mins.

[volts600]

Electric space heaters are a good load as their draw is approximately known. Plugged directly into the generator.

[mshell56118]

loading it is great but if you do not know what you are doing. at least run it for 30 minutes after checking fluids. I work on gensets for a living.

[Pipeman]

I fog my Onan in the fall and don't start it until May. When done with it for the season, I change the oil, drain all the gas from the carb, take the battery out, put it on a smart charger. No problems so far.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by mshell56118

loading it is great but if you do not know what you are doing. at least run it for 30 minutes after checking fluids. I work on gensets for a living.

I agree, running it periodically is more important than using a precise load. It should have some load tho. Heaters are a good idea, like a 5000btu portable heater if it is cool outside. I have a 5 K btu window AC WHICH LOAD ME Honda 2000 pretty good.

Just do it.

[Cyn61]

Originally Posted by garbonz

I agree, running it periodically is more important than using a precise load. It should have some load tho. Heaters are a good idea, like a 5000btu portable heater if it is cool outside. I have a 5 K btu window AC WHICH LOAD ME Honda 2000 pretty good.

Just do it.

I was referring to starting the rv's heater. Will that work?

[garbonz]

The furnace blower doesn't draw much power, nor any of the other 12 v stuff ( lights, etc). But better than nothing. A $20 Walmart 110v heater is the easiest thing I can think of. I have a couple in my camper anyway to save on propane when I am hooked up to power.

[Cyn61]

Originally Posted by garbonz

The furnace blower doesn't draw much power, nor any of the other 12 v stuff ( lights, etc). But better than nothing. A $20 Walmart 110v heater is the easiest thing I can think of. I have a couple in my camper anyway to save on propane when I am hooked up to power.

Thanks! That is what I will do!

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Cyn61

I was referring to starting the rv's heater. Will that work?

the RV's furnace runs on propane. only the fan/lighting requires electricity and it draws it from the battery. as was said, using an electric heater would be a better draw than the furnace.
it would help if you stated what generator it is. installed one or free-standing one?

[Cyn61]

Originally Posted by bikendan

the RV's furnace runs on propane. only the fan/lighting requires electricity and it draws it from the battery. as was said, using an electric heater would be a better draw than the furnace.
it would help if you stated what generator it is. installed one or free-standing one?

It is I stalled on our new to us 2011 Sunseeker. I believe it is an Onan generator (it is at storage facility)...will check tomorrow when go there.