Just got a nice used generator from Honeywell - it's gas powered (I plan on installing a tri-fuel kit for gas, propane and natural gas).

Wondering how I should base line it - what are some common tasks that I should do, other than change the oil for maximum life and dependability?

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
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1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

Follow the maintenance schedule and run it once a month or so to make sure it will be ready when you need it!

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Thanks for educating Me. I did not know they had Propane or Natural Gas Kits for them.

Being able to run it off of the House Hold Natual Gas would be an interesting idea since there are often Power Failures but the Gas is seldom not working.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Right - that's the attraction: multiple sources of fuel, in case I run out of one. Plus natural gas costs pennies to run compared to the gasoline costs.

Here is a link to some kits they offer:
Generator-Conversion-Kits

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

Natural gas is the way to go, simply because in a major storm where everybody loses power..............you can't get gas.

The only issue I see is the need to run an iron line outdoors for the connection to the generator. Make sure you do this job correctly with a proper shutoff..............

Not sure what the manuf. recommends for maintenance - my *ideal* schedule would be
-store inside in a clean/climate controlled place
-change oil every 6 months
-test run every month, at full load, for 20 minutes. Be sure to run it all the way out of fuel when you are done running.
-replace leaky gaskets asap.
-use compressed air to blow out switches, receptacles, pull-cord and other small parts - keep them clean and operable
-if running on gasoline - pull the carburetor apart and clean every year or other year - dirty carbs are the biggest cause of not starting in small engines that I've seen.

Again, this would be an "ideal" schedule to me - The forum can chime in with opinions on periodicity or when they find I missed something

-John

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In your are this would be a good plan. In earthquake prone areas you would want to be prepared with an alternate to the natural gas.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Right - the natural gas would be the primary fuel (direct connection to the house gas line just past the gas meter), secondary fuel, just in case, will be a propane tank, and then as a last resort I have two jerry cans (NATO style) for gasoline (with Stabil). Even though these gas cans are pretty tight, I always worry about storing large amounts of gasoline - this stuff is so unstable and it expands with heat like crazy. Was thinking about digging a hole in the ground and lining up the bottom with visqueen and storing the jerry cans that way. I have a shed, but it goes get hot in there in the summer...

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

I'm not sure if you realize that these "tri-fuel" generators are not exactly suitable for use with any of the three fuels at a moment's notice. To switch fuels requires a change to the carburetor and some wrenching. You certainly can do it..........but, you'll need to be prepared if you intend to make the change after the moment of need arises.

They typically are setup for a specific fuel and remain in that state.

Your two jerry cans for gasoline would need to be filled just prior to the event.........something that is difficult to predict in may cases. Old gasoline that has been sitting for a year is not exactly desirable in an engine.

Not even with Stabill in it?! Was hoping to fill them and treat them with Stabil and then store outside in a cool spot away from the sun.

Regarding switching the fuel types - I did not realize that. Was assuming that gasoline (default) fuel hookup stays in place and is always available. The natural/propane gas requires an additional component insert (special orifice) between the air filter and the carb intake. Don't think you need remove the gasoline connection when applying the gas regulator and other components, but I need to verify this when ordering. Still, the videos I watched on installation of the kit look like it was very easy to do the only possible issue is fitting the filter back into available space, but where there is a will, there is a way.

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

For tri-fuel conversion, it should convert from a gas to gasoline with the flip of a couple valves. I used to keep my old generator filled with stabilized gasoline to start it if the battery went flat. (you couldn't pull start it on gas because the venturi wouldn't pull enough air to mix properly) I would start it on gasoline then shut off the gasoline line to the carb until it started sputtering at which time, I'd slowly open the gas line valve little by little to stabilize the engine until I was eventually all the way over to gas.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

I suppose that would be an acceptable alternative. However, 10 gallons isn't going to get you more than 24 hours on a typical gasoline unit.

If the generator allows such a simple conversion to gas, you should be very pleased. Most of them need some wrenching...........not excessive, but not just a flip of a switch.

The area in California I live in has frequent Earth Quakes. But, since I have lived in the Los Angeles County and Orange County Area since 1957. I have not ever heard of the Undergroud Natural Gas Lines being Broken during an Earth Quake and had the Gas supply cut off for repair.

But, of course it is not impossible for that to happen but I think that is unlikely.

I have seen the Flex Tubing/Hoses between Appliances crack and leak and Gas Pipes have been know to rust through similar to Water Pipes.

Now that I think about it any Quake that breaks the Gas Main Lines would likly break the Water Lines and that would be much more serious.

During the last big Earth Quake, The Northridge Quake where parts of Freeways broke I don't recall the news Media mentioning if the Gas or Water was effected.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I was going to say that my man Kartek can help you, but I see that he already has.

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One thing with natural gas.

If your area turns into a disaster area with lots of damaged houses like after Sandy or Katrina the gas companies very often shut down entire areas to reduce the risk of fire. At least until they can cap all the broken meter lines from houses that have been washed away.


So if your area falls into this category I'd invest in an alternative fuel so you can run at least a few days.

Gas sucks and your not going to be able to get it after a storm. If your house is already oil fired than your heating oil tank is perfect. If not I'd get a big propane tank.

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