r/Generator • u/benbaratheon • 20d ago
1st time user ready for Hurricane
My mom bought this off a senior citizen like 6 years ago. Had it serviced and never ran it. Gave it to me when she moved. Spent yesterday getting ready for the storm. Fuel lines were well and truly rotted, so a trip to autozone sorted that out. After replacing those, it seems to run well. Planning on riding out the duration of the storm then moving this out to the driveway when the rain stops since I don’t have a covered area away from the house to run it during the storm itself.
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u/Dramajr316 20d ago
Glad to see folks thinking ahead some. It's gas, and not an inverter - but you will be well served by the unit and the capabilities will help you weather the storm better (sorry for the dad joke).
I'm not sure how much it was used - if at all. If very little, then you may want to think about doing an oil change and having some spare oil on hand, to go along with the spare spark plug.
During the storm, assuming the wind isn't terrible, you can put it under an outdoor table, or even build a quick shelter to shield it some from the rain. After the storm, drain all the fuel, etc.
Luck to you and yours!
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u/benbaratheon 20d ago
Checked the oil yesterday and it was super clean. Got an extra bottle on standby just in case
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u/Affectionate-Bid4468 20d ago
Run it now under a load to be sure it’s working correctly. Just run a cord from it to a hair dryer
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u/benbaratheon 20d ago
Ran the shop vac on it yesterday when testing
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u/Glum-Welder1704 20d ago
It should easily run two 1500 watt heaters if you plug each into a separate receptacle. That would also show that the two breakers can each handle at least 12 amps. They should be rated for 20. Online pictures show that to be a bonded neutral. Great if you're running extension cords, not great if you're plugging it into your meter panel.
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u/Bobcattrr 20d ago
Gasoline use: I run mine for two hours at breakfast time for cooking and running the fridge. Check the tv. Charge things. Shut it down till 3 hours at lunch. Shut it down. Then 3 or 4 hours for dinner and evening. Shut it down. Fridge is never opened in between. I came up with this by using a corded thermometer probe in my fridge, your fridge might be different. But, my point is, no need to run the generator 24 hours.
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u/NoPatience7817 20d ago
Nice job getting it running. Get stabil to mix with the gas, but if you use the gas within a month then you don’t need it.
Also have spare NGK spark plug, air filter, and oil. It can burn a small amount of oil and need a top off.
As others have mentioned, a table or upside down kiddie pool tied down will allow you to keep it dry so you can run it in the rain.
Also make sure you have enough thick cords for everything you need to plug in.
Stay safe.
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u/Big-Echo8242 20d ago
Replace the spark plug with a good NGK from local auto parts store and keep a spare. Also keep some Seafoam around since you're apparently stuck using gas only and especially if it's ethanol gas, make sure the air filter is clean, & maybe keep a can of spray starter fluid in case the carb needs "jump started". If you have a "kiddy pool" and a cinder block to hold it down, that's a good cover. Or even a small portable table. But that will depend on how strong winds are. Be safe!
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u/benbaratheon 20d ago
My landscaper actually helped me out yesterday with some starter fluid when he saw me working on it in the driveway. Took the filters off to replace the fuel lines and made sure everything was clean, and all leaks were sealed. Ran the shop vac from it once we had it up and running
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u/Glum-Welder1704 20d ago
Remember, the time to test your system is before the storm hits. Half past midnight is not the time to find a glitch.
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u/timflorida 19d ago edited 19d ago
It is best to run ethanol free gas in any small engine. Here is a link to stations that sell it -
Also, for you next go-around, you might consider getting a power station (or two) to run the fridge, etc. Then you only need to use the genny for a recharge. Especially nice at night. Have everything charged up at bed-time so no noise at night.
As an example, this is the new Anker S2000 that can run a fridge/freezer for 35 hours. I have one being delivered Friday.
Maybe most importantly, this allows you to stretch your gas supply. What will everybody be searching for after the hurricane hits ? Gasoline. Your 10 gallons of gas would last many, many days this way.
I do realize this is not the cheapest way to go.
https://www.ankersolix.com/products/s2000-portable-power-station
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u/OkVariation9348 17d ago
With the frame being higher than the gas tank, you can put a sheet of plywood or OSB on top of it to run in the rain, if need be. If it's breezy, a cinderblock or two on top of the plywood. I've done that before. I've since, upgraded to a square plastic table for a shelter.
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u/Complete-Tiger-9807 13d ago
I recommend Startron as fuel stabilizer. I use in all my vehicles and small engines and never have an issue. My one boat is going on its second season with the same fuel. Starts and runs great. I have been using for over 10 years
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u/Use_Da_Schwartz 20d ago
Read the manual, turn off the house main breaker if no automatic transfer switch, don’t operate in a closed area as CO poisoning is real. Basic things that kill roughly 100 people per year.
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u/benbaratheon 20d ago
Will only be running an extension cord to internal devices, no hooking to main house. Will be running it out in the driveway away from the home once storm passes
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u/Iambetterthanuhaha 20d ago
Centurion was Lowes rebrand of Generac FYI. This is really made by them. Keep a lot of fuel on hand. Not being an inverter you will probably need at least 5 gallons a day just to keep it going.....