[Shop-talk] Generator question

[Doug Braun]

I had a similar problem with my snow blower:  When I took it out right
after the Halloween storm, it ran really bad, and I found that the
carb had gotten all gummed up.  Looking at the parts diagram, I
noticed that the engine (B&S) had an optional fuel shutoff valve, but
the snow blower manufacturer had chose not to spend a dollar or two to
include it.  There was a blanking cover where the valve was supposed
to go.  So I ordered the valve, installed it, and now I can close the
valve and let the carb run itself dry after each use.

So, my advice is: figure out how to install a shutoff valve in the
fuel line.  A power equipment repair place should be able to sell you
a generic shutoff valve.

My Honda generator (EU2000) has a little screwdriver-operated drain
valve on the carb, with a bit of hose to drain the fuel outside the
generator's housing.  Very handy...

Doug

On Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 5:30 PM,  <eric at megageek.com> wrote:
> I'm asking a question that many of us on the East coast may be wanting to
> know.
>
> OK, after two major storms and multiday power outages, my generator has
> gotten a workout.
>
> Being a good small engine owner, I want to service and store this
> generator properly.  My question is, what should I do?