generator operation question

[wana65stang]

I understand the reason for starting a generator on a regular basis to keep the " ENGINE" portion in operating condition,such as preventing fuel gumming and keeping seals lubricated, but what does it do for the stator and armature?

[spock123]

You have to put the generator under load is what I have always been told and that's by people that work on them. It's just as important to put the generator under load as it is to run them occasionally. I run high test gasoline in my generators and I keep them full all the time. I run ethanol free gasoline, it cost more but it's better for small engines


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[NMWildcat]

I, like Spock, use only the highest octane fuel with fuel stabilizer. We change the oil, spark plug, and clean filters once a year. I run each generator once a month or two for 10 minutes, never under load. Generators are now 11 years old and still run like new.

[270S]

Octane is ONLY for preventing piston preignition! Use the lowest level that works. For most 87 is just fine. Using higher does not hurt nut wastes $$$. If you don't want or need it, I will accept donations. For the Hondas, ... ethanol free is +++++!, if it is an installed gasoline running from engine fuel tank, Ethanol free is not practical.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by 270S

Octane is ONLY for preventing piston preignition! Use the lowest level that works. For most 87 is just fine. Using higher does not hurt nut wastes $$$. If you don't want or need it, I will accept donations.

Not necessarily true (from Google about differences in octane):

'In addition, premium gasoline has some other selling points. Most premium gasolines have a higher-quality additive package put in at the refinery. The actual additives in a particular brand of gasoline are generally not disclosed by refiners. But usually they include detergents and other solvents that keep the carburetor and rest of the fuel system clean.'

And besides that, it makes me happy. Since I usually only use about 7 gallons a week when dry camping, the $$$ difference is negligible. I use premium in my lawn mower also which uses about 5 gallons a year

[wana65stang]

Since the whole premium thing has been touched on , at least up here north of the 49th there is four ( if not more) brands of premium that do NOT have ethanol in them. The only fuel to be used in small engines!!!