Powering your home, your business, your world. (2024)

Add to My Products

For the most accurate results, enter your serial number. For help finding your serial number, click here.

For the most accurate results, enter your serial number. For help finding your serial number, click here.

Fuel Information

• What needs to be done to the fuel before extended storage?

  Fuel that is not going to used- even for short periods of time should be treated with fuel stabilizer to slow the rate of deterioration, gumming and varnish formation. Following the fuel stabilizer manufacturer's recommendations, treat the quantity of the fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Open the fuel valve, start and operate the engine for 30 minutes. Close the fuel valve and operate until the engine stops. This circulates treated fuel through lines and carburetor. The fuel can be drained or left in the tank.

  See Also

  Generac 0G0934 Generator | J. Stout Auction

• Can I convert my portable generator to run on a different fuel besides gasoline?

  We do not offer any type of fuel conversion kit for our portable generators. Aftermarket conversion kits are available on the internet. However, if a customer decides to convert the fuel using an aftermarket kit, the warranty is void.

• Can I use any type of gasoline?

  Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 and no more than 10% ethanol is preferred. Never use an E85 fuel or a mixture of oil and gasoline designated for two cycle engines. Utilizing a higher grade premium fuel will not yield any increase in power output or improved performance.

• The fuel capacity in my owner's manual seems incorrect.

  The fuel capacity listed is the total interior volume for the fuel tank. Air space is required to allow for expansion of the gasoline during warmer temperatures. So the actual amount of gasoline that will fit in the tank is typically less than the stated fuel tank capacity.

• How do I drain the fuel?

  Actually, treating the fuel for storage is a better option. The treated fuel can then be left in the tank. Fuel can be removed through the fill opening using an automotive style siphon. Exercise all appropriate cautions when handling fuel.

Operation

• How do I adjust the valve clearance?

  Valve clearance adjustment is critical to proper engine operation and requires special tools and training. Instructions are covered in the Valve Clearance Adjustment section of your owner's manual. However, if you are uncomfortable preforming this service procedure, have your dealer maintain the generator's valve clearance at the intervals specified.

• Can I operate my generator in the rain?

  Portable generator should never be operated inside an enclosed space or contrary to any provision or warning contained in your Owner's Manual. However, portable generators are intended to be used during extreme weather and for the sensitive electronics on them, it is best if some sort of open covering can be used to protect it from direct rain or snow. Great options would be a car port or boat canopy with four open sides or a tarp hung from a tree. It is very important to provide adequate ventilation for the generator, so any sort of protection should be at least five feet from any side (including the top of the unit) while in use. Additionally, a portable generator should always be stored inside when not in use to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. BE ADVISED, the generator should NEVER be used in any enclosed space including, without limitation, a shed, home, garage, trailer, or vehicle, even if the doors are left open, as this can be a serious fire hazard and carbon monoxide risk.

• How long can I operate the generator? Does it need a "break"?

  Your generator can be operated continually. The highest priority is to maintain a proper oil level. Each time you add fuel, check the oil level as well. Add oil, if necessary, to keep the level at the upper mark on the dipstick. See the Checking Oil Level and Adding Fuel sections of your owner's manual for complete instructions on adding fuel and oil.

• Is there anything special I need to do before I turn off my generator? Should I unplug my electrical devices?

  Yes, remove all loads before turning the generator off. First, turn off all appliances, lights and items being powered by the generator. Then, unplug the items from the generator's receptacles and allow the generator to cool. Once you've done this, it is safe to turn the generator off. NEVER turn the generator off while loads are applied. Refer to the Generator Loads section of your owner's manual for complete instruction on adding and removing electrical devices.

• If the generator is being used, how do I connect or disconnect electrical devices?

  NEVER start or stop the generator's engine with running electrical devices plugged into the generator. When the generator is turned off, you can only connect electrical devices that are turned off. When the generator is turned on, you may connect electrical devices that are turned on or off.

• Why do I need to ground my portable generator?

  Proper grounding of the generator, when used to back-up a building's utility power, will prevent electrical shock in the event of a ground fault condition in the generator or the connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate static electricity which often builds up in ungrounded devices. The National Electric Code requires that the frame and externally conductive parts of this generator be properly connected to an approved earth ground. Local electrical codes may also require proper groundingof the unit. for that purpose, connecting a No. 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding lug and to an earth driven copper or brass grounding rod (electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical shock. However, local codes may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician for grounding requirements in the area.

• How often should I start/operate my generator between outages?

  Generac recommends starting a generator once a month and running the unit for about 30 minutes. Starting the unit monthly will help make sure that the generator is ready to turn on in the event of an outage.

General Information

• What are the decibel levels of portable generators?

  Our portable generators feature a low-tone muffler straight from the factory. We do not offer a kit or recommend making any changes to the generator or exhaust system, as that can void the warranty and UL listing.

• Can I add electric start to my pull start generator?

  Generac does not offer any kits or accessories to add electric start to a pull start generator. Making any changes can void the generator warranty.

• Does my warranty cover travel/ pickup for my generator?

  No. The dealer will not come out to the customer or pick up the portable generator from the customer unless the customer has paid them to do so.

• What is "idle control" and what does it offer the owner?

  Most of our portable generators do not have idle control. The engine will run at full speed in order to accept any immediate loads. Some of the new XP and XT models do offer idle control. The iX inverter series models have "eco-mode" which allows the engine to run at a lower speed.