"John B." wrote in message ...
I've searched for other newsgroups surrounding care small engines, and this
was the only area that I was able to find that discusses a few small engine
issues. If there is another newsgroup area for this type of question, I will
gladly post it there.

I have a small gasoline engine generator that I use for electricity during
outage emergencies. I've read various suggestions towards storing it for
long periods of time. A couple of items seem to make sense like:

1. Adding a good fuel stabilizer to the gasoline.
2. Removing the spark plugs, spraying a little WD-40 inside the cylinders,
and then place the spark plugs back in after each use.
3. Running the generator for a short period of time every few months.

My question concerns more towards the carburetor:

1. How can I reduce the amount of problems associated with the carburetor,
such as gum and resin build-up, diaphragms and gasket dry rotting? I've only
heard that I should run out the gas going to the carb (but keep the gas tank
full), and that I should spray a little WD-40 into the carb. Yes, no, or
other suggestions?

2. Is there any other suggestions that I should do or think about regarding
the long term storage of the engine or generator?

Thanks.
John


I don't think spraying oil in the carb is going to help anything.
Running an engine for a short period is not beneficial. Any water
vapor generated doesn't have enough time and heat to get rid of it, so
it just condenses back in the oil, which is not good.

The two accepted practices are either gas stabilizer or getting rid of
all the gas. The first method some people believe helps eliminate
problems with gaskets drying out. If I were putting it away for an
unknown and possibly extended period, beyond 6 months, I'd go with the
draining method.

Either way, squirting some light oil in the combustion chamber and
turning the engine over a few times prevents any rusting problems,
sticking rings, etc.