Electricity has turned into a basic need for modern society. However, the load shedding problem has been a headache. To provide backup power the only suitable option is having a generator.
As the generator will be running fuel so you would need to manually add oil or gas, but this is not as simple as it sounds. Let’s have a look and try to develop a better understanding of refueling the generator.
Can you put gas or oil in a generator while it’s running?
Putting gas or oil in a generator while it’s running is strongly discouraged and proven to be a harmful practice. In most cases, adding oil or gas to a running generator ignites fire and other technical malfunction. So letting the generator cool down and adding fuel afterward is the best choice.
When you are talking about refueling a running generator then you need to understand the circumstances first and what could be the worst-case scenario.
The motor and the other additional parts get pretty hot while running, touching it with a bare hand can cause skin burn that means it’s also capable of igniting a fire in the right conditions.
Let’s say you will be using a funnel or pipe to put the gas or oil inside but you need to understand the evaporation and burning capabilities of fuel.
Even if you have taken all the precautions, some oil is sure to spill or in the case of gas, it will evaporate and get in contact with the running hot motor, and after that, you are sure to deal with a fire.
Letting the generator settle and then adding the fuel is the right course of action to get your desired power.
Do you need to cool down the generator to add gas/oil?
Yes, you would need to wait until the generator is cooled down to add gas or oil. Letting the generator cool down reduces the risk of catching on fire by any accidental oil spill. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes for a generator to settle down and the waiting is worth it.
Adding fuel to the running generator poses several risks, catching on fire, system malfunction, damaging plugged-in equipment, and many more.
So the generator should be left alone until it cools down and then put in gas or oil, you should never add fuel just to save some time while it’s on the go.
How to add fuel to a running generator?
First of all, you should be aware of the worst things that could happen if you are putting oil in a running generator. If you are in a desperate situation and have no other option but to add fuel to keep it running then here is a step-by-step guide for you.
Take precautions:
adding fuel to the running generator may lead to fire, so it’s better to put on some safety gear like fireproof gloves, goggles and also keeping a fire extinguisher nearby will be worth the effort.
Preventing oil spills:
Pouring oil directly from the container should be avoided as the chance of spilling over is significantly higher.
Using a funnel may be permeable in normal circumstances but you are putting oil in a running generator so you need to give a little more effort.
Covering the surrounding of the oil intake area with a heat-resistant material to prevent any accidental oil spillage to reach the heated parts of the generator will be an effective and smart thing to do.
Being slow and steady:
the generator will run on gas or oil. Adding fuel in a running generator means you are adding regular room temperature fuel to a heated up fuel chamber.
Mixing fuel with different temperatures all of a sudden is an open invitation for disaster to happen. So being slow and steady is the key to safely adding fuel to a running generator.
How long can a generator run before adding gas/oil?
The run time for a gasoline base generator is 15hour to 16 hours, and for a propane base generator, the usual runtime is 180 to 200 hours.
The run time of a generator depends on several things, such as the fuel type, fuel tank size, the amount of energy consumption, motor condition, and many more.
So depending on your generator type, shape, and size, you can estimate the approximate time when it will be in need of fuel change.
How do I check the oil level in my generator?
The following tips might help you to check the oil level in your generator –
visual inspection:
Visual inspection can give you a general idea of how much oil has been consumed by the generator while running.
There are oil indicators placed on the generator that shows the fuel conditions if it’s empty or full, you can also check using the dipstick to get more precise results, and last is using a flashlight and checking out the oil tank.
Using a dipstick:
the dipstick stays in contact with the oil. You can check out how much oil has decreased since you last refilled. The procedure is quite simple, take out the dipstick and clean it with a piece of cloth.
You will see there are two initials engraved on the stick, one is E for empty and the other one is F that represents full. You can put the dipstick back and take it out after some time, you will get the results.
Using a Flashlight:
Now using a flashlight to look inside your fuel tank is only necessary when you are facing any technical difficulties such as the indicator being broken or the dipstick is too worn out to give proper results.
You won’t get precise results but an approximate result may be enough in times of need.
How to change the oil in the generator?
The following tips might help you to change the oil in the generator –
Run the generator for a while:
Before changing the old oils it’s better to keep the generator running for a few minutes. This will help in getting rid of the junk and other residues.
If you are thinking about draining the generator without running then the junk may stay settle and layer up with time, it may decrease the longevity of the engine and related parts.
Drain the oil:
After running when the generator is relatively hot then it’s time to stop it and drain as quickly as possible. Now there is a draining knob placed under the generator. You may need to use a wrench to rotate and unscrew it.
Place a metal pan underneath and all the oil and junk will drain out of the system. You may need to wear some protective gloves and work boots as you are going to drain hot and sticky oil from the generator.
You should also give a look at oil color after draining, if it is too burnt or has turned completely black then it’s high time you think about conducting maintenance work by a professional.
Adding fuel:
Now you can wait for a few minutes, let the system cool down thoroughly. Now after the engine is settled then you can add on the new fuel. Adding a bit of fuel stabilizer may also increase the efficiency and longevity quite a bit.
Don’t start it right away:
After adding oil it is better to keep the generator on run mode to let the oil reach throughout the engine, after that hit the start button and you are ready to go.
If your generator doesn’t have separate run and start features then check on the manual for the procedure after refueling. It’s essential to let the oil reach all the chamber and related parts for providing optimal performance.
How often should I add oil to my generator?
It strongly depends on what kind of fuel the generator is using. If it’s gasoline-based then every 7 to 8 hours after running the fuel may reach at half or lower than that, adding on new fuel before the old ones run out will save time and effort.
Make sure you let the engine settle down before adding gasoline.
If the generator runs on propane then every 90 to 100 hours is the limit for adding fuel to the generator. Make sure you add oil before the old oils run out completely.
What happens when a generator runs out of oil?
The obvious thing to expect from a generator that runs out of fuel is a complete shutdown. It won’t run or provide any power. But if you forcefully just push on start then the self-starter may wear out, other related parts will also get damaged.
Final Thoughts
Adding oil or gas to a running generator almost invariably causes a fire and other technical problems. The efficiency and longevity of the generator are sure to decrease due to such futile practice. Allowing the generator to settle and then refueling it is, therefore, the best option.