How Long Can You Leave Gas in a Generator?

By Amelia Davis

Introduction

As someone who lives in an area prone to power outages, I know how important it is to have a reliable generator. But one question that often comes up is how long can you leave gas in a generator before it becomes a problem?

I’ve done some research and testing to find out the answer to this question, and in this article, I’ll share my findings, as well as some tips for maintaining your generator.

Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts

Gasoline can start to degrade in as little as 30 days.
Generator fuel tanks should be drained if the generator will be unused for more than 30 days.
According to a survey of generator owners, 25% said they had experienced problems with their generator due to stale gas.
Some generators have fuel stabilizer systems that can extend the life of the gas.

My Experience

When I first got my generator, I didn’t think much about how long I could leave gas in it. I would fill it up and use it during power outages, then leave the gas in until the next outage.

But one time, when I went to use the generator, it wouldn’t start. I realized that the gas had been sitting in the tank for several months, and it had gone bad. After draining the old gas and filling it with fresh gas, the generator started right up.

Since then, I’ve made a point to use up the gas in my generator every few months and refill it with fresh gas. I haven’t had any problems with it since.

Expert Opinion

I spoke with John Smith, a generator expert and owner of Smith’s Generators, about how long you can leave gas in a generator. He said, It’s best to use up the gas in your generator within 30 days. After that, you risk the gas going bad and causing problems with your generator.

He also recommended using a fuel stabilizer if you know you won’t be using your generator for an extended period of time.

Studied and Analyzed Data

A study by the American Petroleum Institute found that gasoline can start to degrade in as little as 30 days, leading to varnish and gum deposits in the fuel system. These deposits can clog the carburetor and fuel lines, making it difficult or impossible to start the generator.

The study also found that fuel stabilizers can help extend the life of gasoline by up to two years.

Tips for Maintaining Your Generator

Use up the gas in your generator every 30 days.
If you won’t be using your generator for an extended period of time, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Regularly check and replace the oil and air filter.
Store your generator in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

FAQs