A running generator can become hot enough to burn skin and ignite nearby combustibles. Exhaust components are usually hottest, but blocked airflow, overload or low oil can raise temperatures across the engine and … Read more

A popping generator is usually misfiring in the intake or igniting unburned fuel in the exhaust. The timing of the noise matters: popping under load points to a different problem from one bang … Read more

Most portable generators do not need a separate priming step. Opening the fuel valve and tank vent, setting the choke for a cold start and cranking the engine normally draws fuel into the … Read more

Most modern gasoline generators do not require ethanol-free fuel. Generac specifies fresh unleaded gasoline with at least 87 octane and no more than 10% ethanol for its current portable units, while Honda permits … Read more

Yes. Overfilling a generator can aerate the oil, raise crankcase pressure and push oil into the breather or air-filter housing. The result may be smoke, leaks, fouled plugs, rough running or engine damage.Do … Read more

An improvised generator exhaust extension can leak carbon monoxide, overheat nearby material and create enough backpressure to damage the engine. Moving exhaust through a hose does not make it safe to run a … Read more

A 20kW standby generator can run many homes, but the house size does not answer the question. What matters is the maximum load expected at one time, including motor starting current, electric heat, … Read more

Do not run a generator without its air filter. Unfiltered dust can score the cylinder, contaminate the oil and accelerate wear, while debris entering the intake can cause immediate damage.A missing filter can … Read more