portable generator still in box
#8037885
01/02/24 07:58 AM
01/02/24 07:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,034 Wisconsin
8117 Steve R
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,034
Wisconsin
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Last year during our big snowstorm we lost power for several days and I bought a portable generator to use to keep freezer and fridge running. By the time I got home the power was on and I kept it in the box. I decided to keep the generator for emergencies, but have never removed it from the box. Is it better to take it out and run it or to keep it in a new condition? It has been a year now and I have been undecided which is best for the engine.
Steve WTA NRA
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8037925
01/02/24 08:51 AM
01/02/24 08:51 AM
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Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 363 Lake Mille Lacs , MN
2poor
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 363
Lake Mille Lacs , MN
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I bought a Honda generator 15 years ago ! I asked the Dealer if I could just store it until needed. His answer was store it in a dry environment and it should be fine until you need to actually use it !
I think he is correct as by far the most common reason a motor needs to be brought to the shop revolves around dirty carburetor and crap gas from my understanding. I actually bought 2 gallons of the sealed fuel that is shelf stable and put it on the shelf with it.
We heat with an outside wood boiler. I bought one to run the damper and pumps on the boiler in the event we lose power.
It’s a lazy man who can’t find his wife a second job !
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8037974
01/02/24 09:48 AM
01/02/24 09:48 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,805 Green County Wisconsin
GREENCOUNTYPETE
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,805
Green County Wisconsin
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I would get some 91 no ethanol , check the oil set it up run it some , because figuring out it doesn't work when you really need and relied on it being your out it is a lot worse than finding out now and running to the hardware store for a missing bolt or minor thing.
treat it just like the Fire department , you only run the best gas and every month you take it out and run it under a load for 15-20 minutes, then shut off the fuel and let it run dry.
America only has one issue, we have a Responsibility crisis and everything else stems from it.
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8038000
01/02/24 10:34 AM
01/02/24 10:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,249 Alaska and Washington State
waggler
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,249
Alaska and Washington State
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Imo, it should be run periodically, however, I don't think once a month is necessary. I have several outboards, three ATV's and a Honda generator that get run once a year, during the month of July. I've been doing this with some of the same equipment for over 15 years. This is in a humid, marine environment, and I never have problems.
The trick is putting everything away properly; that means #1 (by far the most important) use only non-ethanol gas with fuel stabilizer, then fog the cylinders, I then spray corrosion blocker on any external mechanical parts, like throttle linkage.
I think the point made above about engine break-in is a very valid concern also.
"My life is better than your vacation"
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8038069
01/02/24 12:21 PM
01/02/24 12:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 243 Minnesota
30-06 Trapper
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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 243
Minnesota
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i would leave it in the box
The rifle has no will of its own it may be used for evil but there are more good men than evil men and evil will be corrected by good men with rifles.
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8038075
01/02/24 12:30 PM
01/02/24 12:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 2,365 Interior Alaska
Oh Snap
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 2,365
Interior Alaska
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Once you open it and run it then you have to service it periodically. That same generator could still be in the box at the dealer or factory!
I love the smell of burning spruce---I love the sound of a spring time goose---I love the feel of 40 below---from my trapline I will never go!
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8038113
01/02/24 01:20 PM
01/02/24 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,113 North East Kansas
Marty
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,113
North East Kansas
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run that puppy...just a little gas then run it dry and put in some seafoam.....make sure the oil is at the top of the hash marks.
E 'Honey Badger Militia' Sleep, the anti woke adote.
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 30-06 Trapper]
#8038168
01/02/24 02:25 PM
01/02/24 02:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,805 Green County Wisconsin
GREENCOUNTYPETE
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2013
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Green County Wisconsin
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i would leave it in the box and when you pull it out of the box needing it that day to find QA missed something , what do you do then? a lot of 21st century QA is driven by customer complaint the term/acronym OTDIG out the door it goes assembly happens and nothing is tested because of the time it would take to test and the shipping issues it would create having fuel in the boz so the units in the past were made , shipped and you bought a lawnmower from dealer who unpacked it from the box or crate , put the wheels and handle on it , then filled the oil , added fuel and se the carburetor then delivered it to you. with big box stores you get a box , you do the final assembly handles , wheels ect... if there was an issue with a dealer he filed a claim and the manufacturer paid him to make it run or ship it back if the issue was too much. if they produce 100 units and 1 has an issue they would have tested 100 units to find 1 issue this takes time so you find that issue call them and they say take it to the store you bought it here is your return code they will give you a new one off the shelf. or they tell you a dealer to take it to for warrantee repair.
America only has one issue, we have a Responsibility crisis and everything else stems from it.
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Re: portable generator still in box
[Re: 8117 Steve R]
#8038170
01/02/24 02:25 PM
01/02/24 02:25 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,769 Wisconsin
Scott__aR
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,769
Wisconsin
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The gen set should be good if stored properly in the box for several years. Over time seals, gaskets and diaphrams will 'dry and take a set' from gravity, lack of motion and lubrication.
It's assumed a boxed unit is good, even factory tested; but, there is always unpredictable, infant morality component failures which is why manufacturers offer a limited warranty. Do you really want to find that out in an emergency? I would be taking the unit out of the box, setting it up, running good fuel and oil, testing for proper operation and then store the unit per the manufacture's directions with ongoing maintenance. Just my thoughts and experiences.
Megapredator ... top of the food chain! Member of WTA Member of MTPCA Member of NTA
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