How to Store a Generator When Not in Use? – 6 Easy Ways

How to store a generator when not in use. As with any piece of machinery, generators must be maintained and stored safely when not in use to avoid damage or an accidental start-up.

You may want to store your generator when not in use. When you want to use it again, it should run well and provide you with power when needed. 

For example, you may need a generator during an emergency at your home or business. 

If your generator is stored in an enclosed area, ensure that the area is well ventilated because generators put off carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts.

That’s where this article comes into play. I will show you how to store your generator for maximum longevity and safety.

How To Store A Generator When Not In Use? 6 Steps to Consider

1. Cleaning of Unit
2. Generator Inspection
3. Evacuate Fuel Tank
4. Carburetor Drainage
5. Add Oil to the Cylinder
6. Try to Store in a Cool & Dry Place

Generators are very noisy and not very pleasant to be near when you are not using them. That is why it is important to store a generator when not in use properly to ensure its longevity.

Your generator could be a lifesaver when the lights go out, but it can also be prone to failure if you treat it like a toy you pull out once in a while and store elsewhere the rest of the time. 

Gasoline-powered equipment requires maintenance. That’s especially true for a generator, which stores fuel under pressure.

If you have to store your generator, the best place to keep it is in a dry place. If you store it out of doors, make sure that the storage area is well secured, either by a chain link fence or by a lock. 

Be aware of things like where you put the generator, earthquakes, and other disasters because it could be jostled out of position and ruin the engine.

For further generator safety concerns and requirements, try to read the full article. 

How to Store a Generator Long Term?

If you’ve got a generator, it’s probably for a good reason. You want to keep your family safe and warm when the power goes out, or maybe you’re a business owner who needs some backup power in case of an outage. 

Either way, it’s important to know how to store a generator long-term so that you will be ready when you need it most.

Here are some tips for properly storing your generator long-term:

Cleaning of Unit: 

Clean your unit thoroughly before storing your generator. This will help it to stay in good condition for as long as possible.

To clean the exterior of your generator, use a soft brush and warm water. If necessary, you can use a mild soap. You should then rinse it with fresh water and let it dry thoroughly before storing it.

Generator Inspection: 

Before you store your generator, you should inspect it for any problems. Check the engine oil, top off all fluids, and perform routine maintenance on a regular basis.

Check the air filter and replace it if necessary. Inspect spark plugs and replace them if worn or damaged. Check belts and replace them as needed. If you have a large generator, check the cylinder compression to ensure that it is within specified limits.

Evacuate Fuel Tank: 

Drain the fuel tank of your generator of all its gas, and then fill it with a fuel stabilizer. This is a particularly important step to take when you’re storing your generator for more than a few months. 

The stabilizer will help prevent any buildup of moisture in the carburetor over time, which can damage the engine and make it more likely to fail during operation.

Carburetor Drainage:

If you store your generator with fuel in the carburetor, it will gum up over time and make it hard to start up when you’re trying to get it back into action. This is especially important if you have a small engine.

The best way to drain the carburetor is by using a garden hose (or similar) and siphoning off the fuel until it’s empty. The next step is to put a little bit of oil into the engine so that it doesn’t rust while it’s not being used.

Add Oil into Cylinder: 

If you’re storing your generator long-term, it’s important to keep it in good condition. To do this, you’ll need to add oil to the cylinder.

First, Disconnect the spark plug wire, unscrew the spark plug with a wrench, and then reinstall the spark plug wire. Drain the remaining fuel or oil from the cylinder by turning the spark plug cap upside-down with your fingers.

Add a full bottle of SAE 20W engine oil into your generator’s oil tank using a funnel. Replace the cap on top of your generator’s cylinder and then screw on your new spark plug tightly by hand. Replace the spark plug wire and check for leaks around the base of its threads before starting up your generator again.

Try to Store in a Cool & Dry Place: 

The best way to store a generator long-term is to try and store it in a cool and dry place.

To be more specific, you should look for a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels of 45% or less. 

You want to avoid storing your generator in an area that’s too hot or too cold because this could cause damage to the engine.

Another thing you can do to help keep your generator safe is to make sure that it’s covered with a tarp. This will help keep dust and debris away from it, which could damage the exterior if left exposed for too long.

Also See: Will cable tv work with a generator?

How to Store a Generator Short Term?

If you have a generator and need to store it for a short period of time, there are a few things you can do to make sure it stays in good condition.

First, make sure that the generator has been turned off and unplugged from any power source. Then, if possible, drain any remaining fuel from the tank.

If you’re storing your generator outside, make sure it’s completely dry before placing it in storage. You can also choose to place an airtight cover over the unit to help protect it from dust and debris while in storage. 

If you have one of those plastic covers that you use on furniture when moving house or something similar, they will work well for this purpose too!

You may also want to consider wrapping the unit in some type of cloth material like an old sheet or blanket so that no dirt or leaves can get inside while it’s being stored outdoors if this is possible without damaging anything else nearby (like furniture). 

This will also help keep moisture out, which could cause rusting over time if left unchecked for long periods of time.

How to Store Portable Generator?

If you have a portable generator, you know how important it is to keep it in good condition. You want to make sure your power supply is uninterrupted and reliable, so you want to store your generator properly.

Before storing your generator, make sure that the engine oil is at its proper level. If it is too low, add oil until it reaches the appropriate level.

Next, drain the fuel tank of any remaining liquid fuel by turning off the fuel valve and pulling out the fuel line from the tank.

After draining all liquid from the fuel tank, replace all filters and gaskets that may need replacing after being exposed to dirt for some time. The spark plugs should also be replaced if there are any signs of corrosion or wear on them.

You should also check for any cracks or holes in your generator’s casing before storing it away for long periods of time. If there are cracks or holes in the casing, seal them up with silicone sealant before putting your generator away for storage.

The next step involves cleaning up any debris left over from using your generator over time,, such as grass clippings or leaves around where it was used most often during its lifespan.

How to Store a Generator Outside?

It’s a good idea to store your generator outside, but there are a few things you should know:

• You’ll need to get the generator out of the box as soon as possible. If you don’t, it will be hard to move it later.

• Make sure you have enough room to store the generator where it won’t be damaged by weather or other factors. It’s best if you can store it in a garage or shed, but even an open area like your driveway works fine.

• Make sure the ground is level and solid,, so the generator doesn’t tip over when you use it. The best place to put your generator is on concrete or bricks.

• If possible, keep your generator away from trees and wooden structures that might catch fire during use (if there’s lightning). You also don’t want anything blocking access to fuel sources or outlets that could cause fire hazards if they’re blocked by objects such as furniture or lawnmowers.

• It’s important not just for safety reasons but also because generators produce fumes that could ignite if they come into contact with something flammable, like gasoline spilled on the ground.

Can I Store my Generator in my House?

Yes, you can store your generator in your house. However, if you plan on storing it for any length of time, you should consider a few things.

The first thing to consider is safety. You want to make sure that the generator is out of reach of children and pets. If there’s any chance that it might be tampered with, even inadvertently (like a curious little kid checking out what makes the motor go), then it’s best to keep it away from them.

The next thing to think about is ventilation. Some generators are meant to be stored inside a garage or basement where they can get plenty of airflow around them. 

If you’re keeping yours inside without ventilation, then make sure that there’s nothing blocking airflow,, no obstructions or items stored near them, and check on them frequently so that they don’t overheat.

Finally, if your generator has been exposed to any kind of weather, rain or snow included (even if only for a little while), make sure that all parts are dry before storing it away again. 

Store Generator With or Without Gas:

You may have heard that you should store your generator with gas in it, but there are some situations where storing a generator with or without gas doesn’t really matter.

If you’re going to be using your generator within the next few months, it’s best to store it with gas. This way, you don’t have to worry about starting up your generator and having it fail because of old gas.

However, if you’re not sure when you’ll need the generator again and want it stored somewhere safe, then it’s fine to store it without gas. 

You will just need to make sure that any fuel lines are completely drained of any residue so that there aren’t any leaks or spills when you go to start up your machine again. 

Is it Okay to Leave Gas in a Generator?

If you’re just going to leave your generator for a few days, then it’s fine to leave gas in it. As long as you don’t plan on using it for more than a week or two without running it, there won’t be any issue with leaving the gas in.

However, if you plan on leaving it for a month or longer without running it, then you should drain out the gas before storing your generator. The longer you store it with gas in it, the faster the fuel will break down and become unusable.

How Long Can you Keep Gas in the Generator?

You can store gas in your generator. But how long? The answer depends on a few factors:

• How much fuel is in your tank (if any)

• What type of fuel is in your generator (gasoline or diesel)

• How old is the gas (new or old)

• Where it’s stored (inside or outside)

You probably keep your generator on hand for when the power goes out. But if you don’t have a need for it at the moment, there are some things you can do to make sure it stays in good shape.

The first thing to think about is how long you can store gas in your generator. The general rule of thumb is that once the fuel reaches its “shelf life,” it should be drained and disposed of. 

If you’ve had the generator for a while and haven’t used it in a while, draining the gas may be necessary to prevent damage.

That said, if you’re planning on using your generator again within the next month or two and don’t have time to dispose of it properly, there are ways to extend its life by adding a fuel stabilizer or other additives (check with your manufacturer for recommendations).

The Danger of Storing Gas 

The danger of storing gas in a generator is that it’s not safe to do so.

Gasoline is highly flammable, and if it leaks from the generator, it can cause an explosion. The danger is especially high if you store your generator outdoors: the risk of fire increases because of the increased exposure to moisture and wind.

If you’re going to store gasoline in your generator, be sure to keep it in a safe place. Never store your generator in an area where water can collect and potentially cause corrosion or rusting on its components.

Also Check: Different kinds of gas which generator use.

Where to Store Generator Safely?

We all know that generators are an essential part of any home or business, but they can also be a bit of a hassle. They’re big, heavy, and noisy. They’re also extremely dangerous when not properly stored. So,, where’s the best place to store your generator?

The garage is probably one of the first places that come to mind, but according to an article in the New York Times by John Tierney, this isn’t always the best choice. 

The garage is often filled with flammable materials like gas cans and paints thinner. You definitely don’t want those things near an open flame!

An outdoor shed is another option that many people consider, but there are also some drawbacks. If you live in a humid area, moisture from rain or snow can cause corrosion on your generator’s engine parts over time. 

Also, if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing at night during winter months (or even sometimes during summer months!), you will need to find somewhere else for it during those times so it doesn’t freeze up and stop working altogether.

Finally, there are generator enclosures available that can help protect your generator from weather damage as well as provide easy access so it can be moved in/out of storage easily. 

Conclusion:

If you’re looking to store your generator or power equipment, you need to know the proper way to store it. 

If you follow the tips provided above and keep in mind the types of situations that can occur while the generator is stored, you will be much more likely to maintain the optimal functionality of your generator.

Be sure to read the full article for how to store a generator when not in use, and you can ensure your generator is ready for when you need it.

Q/A About Storing a Generator

Also Recommended:

• Shelter your Generator during Bad Weather
• Can a 2000 watt generator run a TV?
• How much propane generac generator use?