How To Drain A Generator Of Fuel

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Generators are a helpful tool, making your life easy if you're in need of power in a remote area or on the move. They can even help to keep your home running in the event of a power outage. However, there are parts of owning a generator that many don't really know. Performing preventative maintenance is a good example. But to perform any maintenance you'll first need to drain the fuel from your generator.

Why Draining Petrol from Your Generator is Important

There could be a few reasons as to why you'd want to drain the fuel from your petrol or diesel generator. The fuel may be very old and starting to degrade or you may want to perform some maintenance or swap out a part of your generator. Whatever the case, draining the fuel might be necessary.

It's important to note that even if your fuel is of good quality and hasn't begun degrading, you should never try to run your generator until there is no fuel in it. While it seems logical to run a generator completely dry, it can be damaging to your system. Issues like broken/failing fuel pumps as a result can be an annoying expense.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Before you start let's go over some of the basic safety equipment that you should consider using as well as other precautions that could help to keep you safe.

1. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Petrol fumes are highly flammable and toxic. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling fumes and to reduce the risk of fire.
2. Avoid Open Flames and Sparks: Keep the work area free of any open flames, sparks, or smoking materials. Petrol vapours can ignite easily, leading to fires or explosions.
3. Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from petrol splashes. It’s also a good idea to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
4. Use Appropriate Containers: Use a clean, approved petrol container to collect the drained fuel. Avoid using containers that could react with petrol or leak.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Petrol from a Generator

We'd like to take a moment to recommend that you read our guide in full before starting so that you have a good idea of what you'll need and what you'll be doing. This should help reduce any surprises as you go.

Step 1: Turn off the generator

We know it sounds basic but let's start with the most obvious step turn off the generator. You should allow it to cool down too and depending on the size yours might take longer than others.

Having the generator turned off and cooled down helps to prevent things like burns and even in the worst cases accidental ignition.

Step 2: Locate the fuel valve

The fuel valve is usually found near the base of the fuel tank. Have a look at the manual if you're unsure. Machine Mart's Generators have the manuals listed on their product pages. The fuel valve controls the flow of petrol from the tank to the carburettor.

Step 3: Turn Off the Fuel Valve

Switch the fuel valve to the “Off” position to stop the flow of fuel to the carburettor. This is essential to prevent spilling anything when you start draining the fuel.

Step 4: Prepare your fuel container

Make sure that you have a container that's worthy of holding your petrol or diesel. A large open bucket or a container with cracks and holes in it should not be used. Fuel containers and jerry cans are the best option for this. Be sure to check the fuel tank size of your generator so that you can get a container large enough to store the fuel from it.

Machine Mart has a large range of fuel containers to choose from.

Step 5: Drain the petrol from the carburettor

Locate the carburettor drain screw, which is usually found at the bottom of the carburettor bowl. Place a small container or rag underneath to catch any spills. Carefully loosen the drain screw to allow the petrol to flow out. This step ensures that any petrol left in the carburettor is also removed, preventing gumming or varnish formation.

Step 6: Drain the fuel tank

Once the carburettor is drained, you can start to drain the fuel tank. This can be done in a couple of ways depending on the generator that you have.

Method 1: Using the Fuel Line

You'll need to take the fuel line off of the carburettor and move the end to your fuel container. There may be a small amount in this pipe so be careful. Once you've done that, you can open the fuel value. This will allow the petrol/diesel to flow through the pipe and into your container.

After all the fuel has passed to the container you can reattach that fuel line to the carburettor.

Method 2: Siphoning

If detaching the fuel line isn't something you can do or want to do, you can use a siphon the fuel from the tank. This doesn't always remove all of the fuel so consider that before choosing this option. The best way to do this is to use a siphon pump. Insert the siphon tube into the tank and pump the fuel into your container. This method is clean and efficient, ensuring you remove as much petrol as possible.

Step 7: Clean Up

After draining the fuel, next comes the clean-up. Be sure to clean up any spills or splashes as quickly as possible. If you manage to create a large spill, some people use sand, cat litter or sawdust to soak up the fuel. Wipe down the generator and the surrounding area with a rag. Properly seal and label the container of drained petrol for safe storage or disposal according to local regulations.

Health and Safety Tips

Handling petrol and working with generators can be dangerous if you aren't careful or follow recommended precautions. Here are a few of the safety tips we'd recommend you follow:

• Always store petrol/diesel in approved containers and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid inhaling fuel fumes. If you feel dizzy or experience headaches, move to fresh air immediately.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area while you are draining your generator.
• Dispose of drained petrol responsibly. Do not pour it down drains or onto the ground. Check with your local council for disposal guidelines.
• Regularly inspect your generator for signs of leaks or damage.

Conclusion

Draining petrol from your generator is relatively straightforward but it's something that is often overlooked. It can help to keep your generator working efficiently and even help to prolong its life. Regular maintenance is important and we always recommend preventative maintenance where possible.

Take a look at some of the generators that we have to offer. We have a range of inverter generators, petrol and diesel generators and even frame-mounted generators.