Kind of off topic, but hurricane season is upon us; it is time to test out that generator that has been sitting idle in the garage...

After spending 3 or so hours trying to figure out why MY generator will not start, I finally found the problem...

STALE GASOLINE.

Gas will breakdown over time, the heat down here doesn't help, and the ETHANOL additive accelerates the breakdown. I highly suggest using 100% GENUINE GASOLINE for all generators, lawn and garden tools, etc. They will run better and the gas will not breakdown as fast. I have never had this problem in the past, only now with today's ETHANOL gas did I have this problem.

If anyone is interested, here is a website that lists the gas stations in your area that still sell 100% REAL GAS:

PURE GAS

Thanks Nick,

I have this same problem with my lawnmower when it sits idle over the winter months.

I usually excercise my portable generator every month or so. That seems to keep things running smoothly...

Thanks for the link Nick, good to know, especially if traveling

Well it is a lesson learned. And I know all to well with several small engines I own.
The problem is there usually is a suggestion in the Manual for off season storage. But who reads the manual until you have a problem.
Meaning run the unit out of gas and squirt some oil in the cylinders.

But leaving the unit dry of gas is usually not 100% possible due to the carb and the tank will usually have a some pocket of gas that will varnish.

And the ethanol is a problem other than turning to varnish but promotes moisture to condensate in the gas which when it sits causes oxidation on moving parts like needle valves in the carb. It also damages certain types of rubber found in carbs.
Now in a two stroke engine more than 10% will void the warranty anymore due to it causes overheating on the engine.

So your list may be helpful for some ,there is no non ethanol gas anywhere close to me.

I have found the best thing is to use a gas additive called sta-bil. And cycle the unit on occasion.
This will help keep the carb clean and prolong how long it takes to keep the gas from going to varnish.