We aren't all lucky enough to be on the road all year round. So, what do you do with your generator when you're at home? Storing a generator the right way is important if you want to be confident it will get up and running easily when you next come to use it. Better still, storing a generator correctly means you'll get more life out of it in the long run.
Follow our handy tips for storing a generator:
-
Before Storage:
-
1. Empty the fuel tank
How long are you storing your generator for? Fuel can go off and it can damage your generator if you're storing the generator for over three months.
If you are storing your generator for less than three months, drain the carburettor so the fuel doesn't clog and ruin it. The Yamaha models have a switch to do this which makes it super easy. This will use up what's left in the carburettor so you can store if safely.
-
2. Add Fuel Preservative
If you don't want to empty the fuel tank, an alternative is to add fuel preservative to a full tank of fuel. This will preserve the fuel and prolong its life span before it goes off. Fuel preservative comes free with Briggs and Stratton Generators with the "Let's Get Started" pack. Remember to check the instructions to see how long the fuel will be preserved for.
-
3. Throw A Cover Over The Generator
Protect your generator from dust and the element by using a cover. Using a cover will also prevent it from being scratched and damaged in storage.
-
Pro Tip: Lots of generator models on the market come with a cover! Check the features list when browsing our range.
-
4. Prevent Corrosion
Corrosion can be an issue if you're storing your generator for a long time. To prevent corrosion in the cylinder bore, follow these simple steps:
-
Remove the spark plug and inject a few drops of oil into the plug hole.
-
Gently pull the recoil starter two or three times.
-
Put the spark plug back in the plug hole.
-
Pull the recoil starter again until you can feel resistance, then leave it in that position.
-
After Storage:
Ready to go on your trip? Make these final checks before you use your generator:
-
1. Add New Oil
Don't forget to add new oil when taking your generator out of storage. We also suggest doing a complete oil change to keep your generator running smoothly. You can check out what you need and the steps to complete the oil change here.
-
2. Refill The Tank
Fuel up your generator simply check how much fuel is inside using the fuel gauge.
-
3. Check For Leaks
Do a thorough check to make sure the fuel isn't leaking anywhere. You don't want a leaky generator in your RV!
-
4. Read The Manual
Always consult the manufacturer's manual for tips and tricks for your specific model. There will be some simple maintenance checks you can to ensure your generator is ready to fire up safely when you need it.
-
Do you have an additional question or need assistance? Give one of our product experts a call on 1300 400 122!
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
