So my new (under a year) generator was stored dry since December of last year. Bought in November, post Sandy. This May I took it out in the field to help try and jump start a tractor and was surprised to see a significant fuel leak issue. Carb was dumping into the air cleaner. Called Generac to verifiy warranty time frame etc., and was told it was covered. Found the nearest service facility and trailered the genny over. Unload the genny and hear about how sometimes they won't pay for the carb issues as they blame bad fuel. Apparently this not an uncommon problem where the float sticks open in the carb. I would normally fix, or attempt to fix it myself, but I determined this was something they should pay for. While discussing the issue, the topic of the fuel comes up. The service guy says the fuel in NJ is so heavy in alcohol that running a machine dry actually causes more problems. Glazing of metalic parts and drying out of rubber parts is the result. He stated the best method is to use premium before storage, treated with ethynol treatment and left full of fuel. Start at least once every six months. I followed the recommended procedure from Generac however. Now it is possible I will be trailering my genny back home and having to have paid for something I could have done in less time then the round trip to the service place. I am thinkin' of writing my chubby Gov. and asking him to fix this crap.
I started buying ethanol free gas. We have a place that sells nothing but that here locally. It is a Marina. They say when you buy ethanol free at some places, where they use the same nozzle for all the fuels, when you select ethanol free at the pump, the first gallon or so you get is the regular stuff of whatever the last guy pumped. So that stinks. You really need to find a place that has a pump for only the ethanol free stuff. I use this in my chainsaw, weed eater, combi system, etc. and now my generator. Myway, I discovered a fuel leak once when I was using the generator and had shut it down. Luckily I caught it fairly quickly. I went to shutting the gas valve off in the line whenever it is not running. Probably the same reason of your leak.
One good rap on the carb bowl will usually dislodge a float that has varnished itself to the bottom of the carb. As far as storage procedure goes, for things like a generator it is generally best to store them with the tanks empty or full, but not in-between, and the carburetors dry. Most units these days have a drain screw in the bowl that gets more out than running it dry. Always treat ethanol "enhanced" fuels that you intend for small-engine duty with an additive like Star-Tron or the like. If you typically use the unit more than once a month, no special storage procedures are required, ethanol or non. Just continue to run treated fuel if it does contain the corn liquor.
Just to be clear on my opinion there, it was based on the conversation I had with Generac where they said it was covered. If the unit is under warranty, I believe they should stand up to their claim. Warranties don't come free of charge.
I hope it does get fixed for you. But my experience with warranties has not been very good -- enough that I wouldn't bother bringing it in to maybe be fixed. Easier to just do it myself. A lot of times coverage comes down to how hard the local dealer feels like fighting for coverage on your behalf.
