Preppers Kit Advice for Portable Generator Owners

Preppers Kit Advice for Portable Generator Owners

Posted by The Generator Guru Team on 15th May 2022

If you have a survival plan that includes a Generator, you need to read this and print this out for future reference! 

So. lets face it, the world has gone weird! Pandemic, Hurricanes, Fires, Floods, Economic Crashes, the Political and Social fabric being stretched to the limit. Whats next.. Aliens? No wonder more and more people are prepping for the day when the electricity goes out!

Solar is good, but it can only provide so much power. Not enough to run power tools, electric heating/cooling, or cooking equipment. So you need your Portable Generator to work.

In this article we will advise you and help you put together a Preppers Kit for your Portable Generator. Because when SHTF you need to be prepared.

1) Be sure to have plenty of fuel. 

When the power goes down, Gas Stations stop working as the pumps need electricity to deliver the fuel. Work out how much fuel you need to store and be sure to have that number of Jerry Cans of spare fuel ready. Only use receptacles that are in good condition and will not introduce rust or other foreign particles to your tank and engine.

2) Agitate the fuel regularly. 

Fuel goes stale when it sits. Be sure to "shake your Jerry Cans" as often as you can, but at least every few months.

3) Be sure to have all the tools you need to fix your generator. 

 - ALL modern generators require metric tools. Be sure to have a metric kit ranging from 8 - 13 mm and one for your spark plug. 

 - You will require a feeler gauge to adjust your valve settings as the engine will over time need tuning. Be sure to note the settings in your manual. We have these settings published with the valves on our parts listings. Be sure to write it in you manual or on this sheet when you print it out. Intake: _____________   Exhaust: _____________

4) Having a fully operational voltmeter is essential. 

Your voltmeter is an early warning system and can indicate problems your generator might have.

If the voltage is low:

- Give the generator a service. Old oil may have thickened slowing the engine and putting a strain on the engine, possibly resulting in engine failure.

- Check the air filter is not falling apart, as old filters can deposit large particles in the fuel system, which can result in damage to the engine.

- Check the state and age of the fuel. There could be damaging particles getting into your fuel system, blocking the jets.

- The AVR/Capacitor could be about to fail. As they fail sometimes the plates inside the capacitors (also in AVRs) heat up and move away from each other. This results in low power. 

If the voltage is high - TURN GENERATOR OFF IMMEDIATELY:

- Check the state and age of the fuel. There could be damaging particles getting into your fuel system, preventing the fuel from automatically adjusting.

- The AVR/Capacitor could be about to fail. As they fail sometimes the plates inside the capacitors (also in AVRs) heat up and move closer to each other. Usually seen by a spike in voltage and indicates surging which may burn out any equipment you have attached to the generator.

- This can indicate an arc in your alternator. This is very dangerous as there is a possibility of electrocution if the generator is touched.

5) Have a Spare Parts Kit ready.  

To get your kit ready, click here and look up your generator make and model (opens in a new tab.) Next, look up your fuel type below for suggestions on the parts your Prepper Kit should include. 

(We have recommended numbers based on a long-term power outage of 6 months to 2 years. If you are planning for a shorter term please adjust quantities to suit.)

Gasoline Generator:

3 x Air Filters (Buy service kits for best value)

3 x Spark Plugs (also in service kits)

1 x Carb

3 x Carb Repair Kit

1 x Governor Springs and Rod Kit (3 parts)

2 x Fuel Pipe 

1 x Fuel Tap Petcock

3 x Inline Fuel Filter (also in service kits)

1 x Fuel Tank (if poss)

2 x AVR/Capacitor (Check with you have fitted before purchasing. Capacitor 2 or 4 wires. AVR 5 wires or more) Power will stop if the AVR/Capacitor fails. This happens when the generator is overloaded.

1 x Brushes

1 x Cylinder Head Kit

1 x Battery Charging Rectifier (If battery start)

 1 x Recoil Starter Assembly

Plenty of Oil

LPG/NG/Duel Fuel/Tri-Fuel Generator:

3 x Air Filters (Buy service kits for best value)

3 x Spark Plugs (also in service kits)

2 x Carb

1 x Carb Repair Kit

1 x Governor Springs and Rod Kit (3 parts)

2 x Fuel Pipe (if also using Gasoline)

1 x Fuel Tap Petcock (if also using Gasoline)

3 x Inline Fuel Filter (if also using Gasoline,also in service kits)

1 x Fuel Tank (if also using gasoline)

2 x AVR/Capacitor (Check with you have fitted before purchasing. Capacitor 2 or 4 wires. AVR 5 wires or more) Power will stop if the AVR/Capacitor fails. This happens when the generator is overloaded.

1 x Brushes

1 x Cylinder Head Kit

1 x Battery Charging Rectifier (If battery start)

 1 x Recoil Starter Assembly

Plenty of Oil

Diesel Generator:

3 x Air Filters (Buy service kits for best value)

3 x Fuel Filters (also in service kits)

2 x Injector

1 x Injector pump

2 x Fuel Pipes

1 x Fuel Tap Petcock

1 x Fuel Tank (if poss)

2 x AVR/Capacitor (Check with you have fitted before purchasing. Capacitor 2 or 4 wires. AVR 5 wires or more) Power will stop if the AVR/Capacitor fails. This happens when the generator is overloaded.

1 x Brushes

1 x Rockers

1 x Valves

2 x Valve Springs

1 x Valve Cap

2 x Valve Collet Sets (one set for intake valve and 1 set for exhaust valve)

1 x Battery Charging Rectifier (If battery start)

1 x Recoil Starter Assembly (if fitted)

Plenty of Oil

2-Stroke Generator:

3 x Air Filters

3 x Spark Plugs

2 x Carb

2 x Fuel Pipe

2 x Fuel Tap Petcock

1 x Fuel Tank (if poss)

2 x Capacitor (Power will stop if the Capacitor fails. This happens when the generator is overloaded.)

1 x Reed Valves

1 x Governor Springs and Rod Kit (3 parts)

1 x Recoil Starter Assembly

Plenty of 2-stroke Oil

 

If you need any advice setting up your Generator Prepper Kit, please feel free to contact us.