How to Operate a Gasoline Engine and Generator
Starting a gasoline engine is not a difficult procedure. Just pull the starter handle slowly and gently until you feel a resistance which is known as the compression point. Next, return the handle to its initial position and pull it swiftly making sure you do not fully pull out the rope. Note that after the engine has started, you should allow the handle to return to its original position while you are still holding the handle. Warm up the engine for a while usually a few minutes without any load and then turn the choke back to the operating position(RUN).
Caution While Using Electrical Power
Make sure the electrical appliances to be plugged into the generator are turned off before you connect into the generator.
Ensure that the total load is within the output rating of the generator.
Ensure that the socket load current is within the socket rated current.
If you intend to get power from a TWIST LOCK receptacle, just insert the plug into the receptacle and turn the TWIST LOCK clockwise to lock it.
Sometimes the no-fuse breaker or circuit breaker may turn off during operation. When this happens, it means the generator is overloaded or the appliance is defective. All you need do is to stop the generator immediately and check the appliance or generator for defects and possible repairs.
Gasoline is a common fuel for generators because it’s more readily available and offers a higher power output than diesel. It also increases the portability of a generator, making it easier to take on camping trips or construction jobs.
The engine is the main component of a generator that creates mechanical energy from fossil fuels to produce electricity. It contains a tank for storage, fuel pipes and a fuel filter.
How to Start a Gasoline Engine
A generator is a device that turns mechanical energy from gas-powered engines into electrical power. This electric energy is used to operate appliances and lights when the utility grid fails during a power outage. It can be fueled by liquid gasoline, propane gas or natural gas. Gasoline generators are typically equipped with a large fuel tank that can maintain operation for up to 8 hours on average.
The engine in a generator works by mixing fuel with air and then igniting it. This combustion creates powerful explosions that create electricity to run appliances and lights. A battery powers a starter motor, which turns the generator’s crankshaft and spark plugs to start the engine. The spark plugs are then connected to the crankshaft via a belt and the rotation of the crankshaft and spark plugs is translated into electrical energy by the generator.
Modern gasoline engines use an electronic ignition system that precisely times the electrical pulse to the spark plugs. This is much more reliable than the outdated method that mechanically timed the electrical pulse with a trigger mechanism. A mechanically timed ignition system may be less reliable during slow engine revolutions (such as when push starting a generator).
Most small gasoline-powered engines are designed to operate on one type of fuel only, but larger ones can also be operated with diesel fuel, liquid propane gas or natural gas in bi-fuel mode. If you’re planning to purchase a generator with this feature, be sure to understand the operating requirements of each fuel type.
When storing your fuel, be sure to use approved containers. Using the incorrect container can lead to a fire or explosion. If you’re storing your fuel for an extended period of time, consider adding a chemical preservative to the fuel. It can help slow the chemical degradation of the fuel and will make it easier to restart the generator when needed. Always keep the generator outside and away from windows, doors, vents or crawl spaces where carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels within minutes. It is recommended to use a battery operated Carbon monoxide detector indoors.
How to Start a Gasoline Generator
The generator converts mechanical power from the engine into electrical energy that powers your appliances. It can run on natural gas from the public utility or propane from on-site storage tanks. It starts with a pull cord or an electric starter switch, depending on the model you choose. Whether you are using the pull cord or an electric start, it is important to follow safety guidelines in the manual for starting the generator. The generator should be in a well-ventilated area and kept away from flammable materials.
If the generator has not been used for a while, you may need to drain and clean the carburetor. Old gasoline can chemically degrade and create a clog in the carburetor, preventing new fuel from entering to initiate combustion and generate electricity. You can try using carburetor cleaner or WD-40 to remove the clogs, but in severe cases, you may need to replace the carburetor altogether.
Another common cause of a generator not starting is an ignition coil problem. The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug that ignites the air and fuel mixture inside the cylinder to produce the combustion necessary to generate electricity. If the ignition coil fails, it will not send a spark to the spark plug, making the generator impossible to start.
A faulty choke can also prevent the generator from starting. The choke is an adjustment on the carburetor that allows or restricts the amount of air and fuel that enters the cylinder. It is easy to adjust by turning a screw or lever located on the side of the carburetor. Make sure that the choke is in the closed position before you attempt to start the generator.
If the generator is brand new, you will need to check the oil, radiator water and fuel levels to ensure that they are all at the correct levels. Then, follow the directions in the manual for a test run before you need to use it in an emergency. By following these steps, you can be confident that your generator will be ready to start when you need it.
How to Maintain a Gasoline Engine
In general, a gasoline engine work by converting gasoline into electricity. The electrical energy powers everything that needs electricity in the vehicle including the radio, headlights, windshield wipers, power seats and windows and the ignition system. The engine generates electricity by burning fuel in a combustion process that creates pressure on the piston-and-cylinder or rotor arrangement. The pressure creates a force that drives the piston or rotor back and forth through the cylinders to perform work.
To keep the engine running properly, it is important to inspect the four things an engine needs: fuel, oil, spark and compression. Make sure the engine is fueled with proper grade gasoline and has enough oil. Also, check that the muffler and fuel cap are intact and secure.
The generator should be operated in a well-ventilated area where the exhaust is facing away from doors and vents. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide and can poison people who breathe it in. It is also a good idea to drain the carburetor float bowl and sediment cup before transporting or storing the generator.
How to Maintain a Gasoline Generator
The best way to maintain a gasoline generator is to follow the user manual and check the equipment at regular intervals. If the generator is unused for some time, it is encouraged that you drain the fuel and change out the spark plug and air filter. This will keep unused gas from becoming stale and help avoid making a mad dash for a new generator during an outage.
The spark plug and air filter can usually go about 200 hours between changes, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Changing them out twice a year is a cheap and easy step that can save you the cost of a trip to your local small engine mechanic.
If the backup generator will be sitting in storage for a longer period of time, you may want to add fuel stabilizer and run it dry by running it until it stalls out from lack of gas. This will help prevent gum deposits and moisture from developing in the fuel tank. It is also encouraged to keep a fuel receptacle and gas canister stored on your property for quick refueling in case of an outage. Make sure the receptacle is OSHA approved and not near anything that could become a fire hazard if spilled during refueling.
Trouble Shooting
If your gasoline Engine or generator fails to start, then you can look out for any of these trouble shooting and the solutions you can apply
- Choke lever in RUN position—set it to choke position
- No fuel in the combustion chamber
- Clogged carburetor—clean the carburetor
- No fuel in fuel tank— refill fuel tank
- Foreign object or dirt in fuel cock
- Locked fuel cock— set to ON position
- Insufficient engine oil—- refill engine oil
- Poor spark— clean the spark plug by removing the carbon clogging it
- Insufficient compression— caused by worn out piston and cylinder, loose cylinder head nuts and damaged gasket. In all these consult the dealer or technician or replace gasket and tighten nuts firmly.
- No electricity is generated at the receptacle—check the AC protector and make sure it is set in the ON position, check whether the appliance is connected to the generator when the engine is started and then disconnect it from the receptacle. Also check for loose connections and secure appropriately.
