Generator and Inverter Storage

Updated by Juan Velez

This bulletin covers the following Champion Power Equipment models: All Champion Power Equipment Gasoline and Dual-Fuel Generators and Inverters.

Read all the instructions carefully and completely before performing service.
DANGER: GASOLINE, GASOLINE VAPORS, AND LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS (LPG/PROPANE) ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE. FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS OR DEATH. ONLY FILL OR DRAIN FUEL OUTDOORS IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. DO NOT PUMP GASOLINE DIRECTLY INTO THE GENERATOR. USE AN APPROVED CONTAINER TO TRANSFER THE FUEL TO THE GENERATOR. NEVER USE A FUEL CONTAINER, HOSE, CYLINDER, OR ANY OTHER FUEL RELATED ITEM THAT IS DAMAGED OR APPEARS DAMAGED. DO NOT OVERFILL THE FUEL TANK. ALWAYS KEEP THE FUEL AWAY FROM SPARKS, OPEN FLAMES, PILOT LIGHT, HEAT, AND OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION. DO NOT LIGHT OR SMOKE CIGARETTES AROUND THE UNIT.

Short Term Storage (Up to One Year)

Gasoline in the fuel tank has a maximum shelf life of up to one year with the addition of properly formulated fuel stabilizers and if stored in a cool, dry place. Gasoline in the carburetor, however, WILL obstruct and clog the carburetor if it is not used or drained within two weeks.

  1. Be sure all appliances are disconnected from the generator.
  2. Add a properly formulated fuel stabilizer to the tank (2-3 times the manufacturer's recommended amount). 
  3. Run the generator for ten minutes so the treated fuel cycles through the fuel system and carburetor.
  4. With the generator running, turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position and let the generator run until fuel starvation has stopped the engine. This usually takes a few minutes.
  5. Turn the engine switch to the "OFF" position.
  6. Allow the generator to cool completely before continuing.
  7. Optional: To ensure fuel is completely drained from the carburetor, use the drain bolt on the carburetor to empty any excess gasoline of oil into the cylinder. 
  8. Remove the spark plug cap and spark plug, and pour about a tablespoon of oil into the cylinder.
  9. Pull the recoil slowly to crank the engine to distribute the oil and lubricate the cylinder.
  10. Reattach the spark plug and spark plug cap.
  11. If the generator includes a battery, disconnect and charge according to the Generator Battery section in the owner's manual.
  12. Clean the generator, according to Generator Maintenance in the manual. 
  13. Store the generator in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Long Term Storage (Over One Year)

For storage over one year, the fuel tank and carburetor must be completely drained of gasoline. 

  1. Be sure all appliances are disconnected from the generator.
  2. Add a properly formulated fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.
  3. Run the generator for ten minutes, so the treated fuel cycles through the fuel system and carburetor. 
  4. Run Dry Option: A) Let the generator run fuel to complete starvation. B) Turn the engine switch to the "OFF" position. C) Allow the generator to cool completely.
  5.  Drain Fuel Option: A) Turn the engine switch to the "OFF" position. B) Allow the generator to cool completely. C) Use the drain bolt on the carburetor to completely empty the gasoline from the tank and carburetor into an appropriate container. D) Replace and tighten the carburetor drain bolt. 
  6. Turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position. 
  7. Remove the spark plug and pour about a tablespoon of oil into the cylinder. Crank the engine slowly to distribute the oil and lubricate the cylinder. 
  8. Reattach the spark plug and spark plug cap. 
  9. If the generator includes a battery, disconnect and charge, according to Generator Battery in the owner's manual. Clean the generator, according to Generator Maintenance in the manual.
  10. Store the generator in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Removing from Storage

If the generator has been improperly stored for a long period of time with gasoline in the fuel tank and or carburetor, all fuel must be drained and the carburetor must be thoroughly cleaned. This process involves technically advanced tasks. For assistance, please call our Technical Support line at 1-877-338-0999. If the fuel tank and carburetor were properly emptied of all fuel prior to the generator being stored, follow the below steps when removing from storage. 

  1. Add fuel to the generator, according to the Add Fuel section of the owner's manual.
  2. With the engine switch in the "OFF" position, turn the fuel valve to the "ON" position. After five minutes, please check the carburetor and air filter for any leaking gasoline. If found, the carburetor will need to be disassembled and cleaned or replaced. If no fuel leaks are found, turn fuel valve to the "OFF" position. 
  3. Check the oil level and add clean, fresh oil if needed.
  4. Check and clear the air cleaner (filter) of any obstructions such as bugs or cobwebs. If necessary, clean the filter according to Cleaning the Air Filter in the manual. 
  5. If the generator includes a battery, connect according to Connect the Battery in the manual.
  6. Start the generator, according to Start the Engine in the manual. 

View and download the PDF version here.

How did we do?

Powered by HelpDocs (opens in a new tab)