Generator Storage

I just purchased a refurb Generac XP8000E. My plan was to store the unit in my garage when not in use and simply pull it out every 3 months or so and let it run under a small load for 20 min just for maintance. I got it put together tonight and ran it for few minutes. I turned off the gas valve and let it run all the gas out of the line. Then I put it back in the garage with maybe 2 gallons of gas in the tank. However, it has an overpowering smell of gas now in my garage. I have kept my yard equipment lawnmower included in my garage for years but have never had the smell of gas this strong. How does everyone else store thier unit without completly draining all the gas. Furthermore how would one even drain all the gas. Does anyone no where to purchase a cheap flexible siphon. However, I would think even with a siphon you would still have some gas left in the tank. Do I just have to let the tank run dry each time if I choose to store it inside? Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

 

It shouldn't be smelling like that. Is there any sign of a leak? Is there a thumbscrew on top of the gas cap?

 

I pull the hose of going to the carb and aim it in my gas can. This drains the tank. Then I hook it back up and run it dry.

Posibly your gas cap is shot if your getting that smell.

Or there is a leak somewhere.

I normally would suggest the float is stuck and gas leaking out the carb but you said you turned off the gas **** right?

Take the air cleaner off and inspect. Also the lines going to the carb, clamps, etc....

My gen leaked gas out the air cleaner one time but there was dirt in the needle and the gas **** was still open.

The Harley does that once in a while too. Someday Ill go injected, but I like to tinker.

Mike NJ

 

There is not a thumbscrew on the gas cap. However, this morning the smell was much less. I guess since I was actually running it outside last night and all the jostling of the gas when rolling it back into the garage was what created the smell as I didn't see any leaks this morning and the smell was less noticable. I'll see how it goes in the next few days.

How easy is it to remove the gas line from the carb and drain the tank that way as opposed to siphioning it out from the top?

 

Take the cap to a small engine shop and ask for one like it with a thumbscrew vent. This will do three things: Stop the fuel vapors from venting into your building, keep the gas from going bad as fast, and keep condensation out of the tank.