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Old 07-07-2011, 07:36 PM   #1
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Generator Maintenance ????

I've got an on-board Onan generator that runs on LP.

We rarely dry camp. How often should I start it up and how long do I run it?

I know about additives/supplements/stabilizers for gasoline and diesel.
Any such thing for LP engines?
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Old 07-08-2011, 05:32 AM   #2
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I have a 6000w Briggs and Stratton gasoline generator for the house which recommends running 15 minutes a month. I do this all year and I do use stabilizer. I also dump the gasoline into my truck every 6 months and replenish the gas in the genertator. I have a friend who did not do this and when he needed his after a few years it wouldn't start. It was seized and he had to have the carb rebuilt. He had it fixed but it wasn't cheap.

This all may not apply to an LP fueled generator if LP doesn't leave deposits or coating in the carb but I think you'd want to run it to keep oil coatings on engine parts such as bearings and piston.

If you don't have a manual I'm sure you can google one.
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Old 07-08-2011, 01:16 PM   #3
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Onan is made by Cummins. Google Onan Maintenance and you'll find everything you need including the complete manual.

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Old 07-08-2011, 05:02 PM   #4
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The main thing to consider with LP motors is to make sure there are no leaks especially when enclosed in a garage or other building. If your not going to run the genset often I would disconnect the LP, or turn the supply off to the genset, and then run lines until empty. I don't think LP will gum moving parts like liquid gasoline will and I don't know how you would add stabilizers if they were needed.

I did work on equipment that ran on LP and the motors ran cleaner and lasted longer than their similar gasoline motors. Motors that had sat for a long time were simply conncected to a good battery and fresh gas and were soon running. JMO

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Old 07-08-2011, 05:40 PM   #5
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We use LP generators at remote radio sites they can sit for months on end and start fine when needed. Generally we service by run hours and that is some thing the engine builders decide. We have one at our dispatch center that's 75KW that one gets exercised once a week for about 30 minutes but in your case once or twice a year would be fine.
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