How to start a gas generator in severe frost. Starting a generator in winter

In addition, there are generators that work. Structurally, they are no different from gasoline, except for the power system: instead of a carburetor, they are equipped with a gas pressure regulator and a calibrated nozzle that supplies gas to the intake manifold. At the same time, such generators can use not only a cylinder with liquefied gas as a fuel source, but also a gas network - in this case, fuel costs become minimal. The disadvantage of such generators is low mobility ( gas cylinder larger and heavier than a gas tank, which, moreover, can be refueled on the spot), as well as an increased fire hazard, especially with illiterate operation. However, as a backup power source in a house connected to a gas main, this is a good option: there is no need to take care of maintaining the level and quality of fuel in the gas tank, and the engine life when running on gas is higher than when running on gasoline.

Let's talk right away. We are not interested in hybrid generators due to the fact that hybrid generators use both gasoline and liquefied gas as fuel, they are so similar in nature and calorific value that there are no problems, except for an incorrectly selected reduction gear and a small evaporation area in the cylinder, from -for which frosting occurs, will not occur. On the other hand, these generators are very difficult to automate, and then starting and stopping lies on the shoulders of the owner, who will change the type of fuel and start the generator manually.

In this case, we are talking about generators in automatic mode, which must be started without human intervention, and, therefore, other requirements for starting, maximum operating time and special means, which should help launch in winter period.

So, in the winter, 3 main reasons affect the launch:

1. good battery,
2. good oil,
3. quality fuel.

Of course, all these requirements can be ideal, but subject to the use of a low-quality engine or improper maintenance, they will not help. In one of the articles I talked about some of the nuances of engines (How to choose a reliable engine?), But now this is not about that.

What happens at startup?

Suppose we have a perfectly tuned, charged generator with a good, powerful charged battery. The temperature in winter "floats", it can be from -1 to -38 and the oil, once frozen, retains this temperature and excess viscosity for a very long time. So what, you ask, is it:
a) did not freeze and did not shackle everything inside,
b) the contact area of ​​the engine parts is small and the engine should spin, despite the fact that the oil now resembles more candied honey than a liquid.

And you will be right, but try pulling the manual starter and you will feel some serious resistance. It comes from one small piece called a decompressor - here it is, located on a large gear.

A small mechanism designed to make it easier to start the engine from a manual starter plays a cruel joke in winter and harms starting more than it helps. On the one hand, it is supposed to facilitate starting due to the fact that the exhaust valve is ajar, but in practice it either blocks the opening of the exhaust valve or prevents the decompressor from working.

Despite the fact that the engine rotates and there is a spark, it does not start, because there is no initial ignition in the cylinder - the poor mixture that gets there just as quietly flies out.

In the case of an open decompressor, the engine simply does not pick up speed, because the starter power is insufficient, it is designed for use in an engine with a decompressor, a battery is selected for the same condition, which is overwhelmingly gel, 9 a / h, and when this gel solidifies, it is unlikely will be able to provide more than 5-7 launch attempts.

This is where proposals begin to equip the battery and engine with heating, etc. etc., but no one, mind you, NOBODY will give a guarantee of starting in the winter and at the same time will not remind you that good heating costs like a whole generator, and it will also constantly consume electricity, since these parts need 200-300 Watts per hour, otherwise it will only be calming without any effect.

As a result, the conclusion suggests itself one: if you do not use a branded engine, the materials of which are selected with high quality, the battery is suitable for the task, fill in old or low-quality gasoline, operate an unadjusted or universal gas system, then in sub-zero temperatures you will encounter problems when starting.

As another reminder, I list engine manufacturers that can be described as proprietary: Honda, B&S, Kohler, Robin-Subaru, Mitsubishi, Generac. Here, in principle, is the entire list of engines that are on the market in Russia, the rest are more or less “labels”, that is, engines assembled in China with a sticker of some kind of “manufacturer”. I wrote about this in more detail in the article (see link).

But there is also a way out, as I have already described, structurally, the power plants on the market are not designed to work in cold climates. The Russian market is too small for China to develop generators for us. But, given the experience of 14 years of work and production, we have assembled power plants for cold climates, which are specifically designed to start in deep minus, and there is no magic. We just took ANOTHER engine and completed it taking into account the launch experience and the conditions of Russia.

1. Power plant engine GG6-SV DOES NOT HAVE A DECOMPRESSOR. It was removed. Along with this, there was a need for a more powerful starter, and, look, the GG6-SV starter is almost 4 times more powerful than similar stations (!). The first photo shows the starter GG-6SV and nearby the starter of any other station with a power of 5 to 7 kW. On the second - the same thing - for clarity, mounted on the engine.

Almost everyone who owns a gasoline generator faces the same problem. In winter, as well in early spring and in late autumn, when the temperature drops below +5℃, it is not so easy to start it. At the same time, there are no difficulties with launching in the warm season. It is immediately clear that the problem arises if the device stands in an unheated room (garage, shed, etc.) or just outside when the air temperature is quite low. How is the startup problem solved in this case?

The easiest option (all gasoline generators with a manual starter react positively to such actions) is to bring the unit into a warm room, let it stand there, warm up. After that, it will easily start on the street. However, this procedure, despite its simplicity, has a significant drawback - it takes a lot of time. Some craftsmen suggest speeding up the procedure by warming up the carburetor with a burner. But it is strictly forbidden to do this, because the winter operation of the gas generator must be extremely safe.

The second simple launch option is to inject an aerosol from a so-called “quick start” can into the carburetor. Different companies produce such compositions, the capacity may vary. Buy in advance, before the onset of cold weather - and you will not know the problems with starting the generator!

What else could be causing it to fail to start?

The fact is that the operation of a gas generator in winter time does not cancel the problems with the launch, which can happen at any time of the year.

The reason for the unstable operation of the generator may be a clogged air filter, which is either purged or changed. Now you know how to start a gas generator in winter. We hope you find our tips useful.

Most electric gas generators are purchased as a backup power source for country house and household farming. As a consequence, the technique is used for the most part sporadically, only at times of power outages. It often happens that the generator turns on only a couple of times a year and for five years the factory oil does not change at all. At the same time, many users store generators and other garden equipment in the far corner of a damp garage, often filled with fuel. Or they store gasoline, especially for the generator, for many years, without spending it, in cans. Because of this, in general, problems arise in operation. And when you have to get a gas generator for use, it often fails to start or start-up is significantly difficult.

Typical malfunctions of this method of operating a gas generator: carburetor corrosion, valve sticking, spark plug contamination, etc. But after spending only half an hour a year (!) You can get rid of problems and have a mechanism always ready for operation. An additional bonus is not to carry a faulty generator to a specialized workshop, often located tens of kilometers away and clogged with similar equipment of fellow sufferers.

How to maintain a gas generator?

Everyone can service the generator on their own; special knowledge and professional tools are not required for this. All 4-stroke gardening engines are similar in design, and once you service one generator, you can also work with a lawn mower or snow blower without any problems.

Oil change

The first thing to do at least once a year is an oil change. If the oil has not been changed even once in several years (and this is not uncommon!), Then use an oil system flush. To do this, it is quite possible to use a car flush, for example: Liqui Moly Oilsystem Spulung Effektiv. In this case, flushing will require quite a bit of 30-40 grams, because the oil capacity in the generator is on average only 600 ml. The rest of the flush can be used in your favorite car. The sequence of actions is as follows: start and completely warm up the generator, open the filler neck and fill in the flush. Next, start the generator again and let it run without load for another 10 minutes. Drain the oil and refill with fresh oil.

The choice of oil must be approached carefully and read the instructions for the unit. However, it often happens that the instruction is lost at the time of unpacking a freshly purchased generator. What to do, because we read the instructions when nothing else helps. And the generator is not a car, knocking on the wheels and wiping the headlights does not work with it. Then decide for yourself whether you are going to operate the equipment only in the summer or all-season.

For summer operation, Liqui Moly Rasenmaher-Oil SAE 30, a summer mineral motor oil specifically for air-cooled engines, is suitable. This oil is characterized by outstanding high temperature stability and the correct viscosity, specially selected for power engineering engines. After all, such engines do not have oil pump, and the supply of lubricant to the rubbing surfaces occurs with a special scoop on the connecting rod bearing cap and by spraying onto the cylinder walls.

For all-weather operation of the generator, Liqui Moly Universal 4-Takt Gartengerat 10W-30 oil is not just for all-weather use, but also universal, that is, for generators, lawn mowers, and snow blowers. Moreover, both for gasoline engines and diesel engines, although there are not many of them. By the way, the canisters are equipped with a filling tube and an additional funnel is not needed.

Corrosion protection of moving parts

After changing the oil, it is necessary to lubricate and protect the moving parts of the generator, fasteners and ignition contacts from corrosion. The best spray for this is Liqui Moly LM-40, a penetrating multi-purpose lubricant. The preservative and protective effect from the use of the product is up to a year, and you can operate the equipment as usual. The spray displaces moisture, lubricates, eliminates jamming and creaking, cleans and protects rubber and plastic. The composition is ideal for protective treatment electrical contacts. The spray can, bought to service the generator, will come in handy more than once in everyday life, in the household.

Rodent protection

It is necessary to pay attention to the protection against rodents, in nature they are in abundance, they can run into the garage and into the house. Inexplicable but the fact! Mice and rats are very fond of chewing on insulation on wires, and the fact that they can die from electric shock does not stop them at all! To protect wires and repel rodents, Liqui Moly Marder -Schutz-Spray is used - an aromatic compound that discourages appetite in rats and mice. Protects guaranteed for two weeks, additional processing will be required to prolong the effect. This drug is also useful for protecting electrical wiring. car.

Gasoline stabilization

You can complete the list of necessary chemistry with a gasoline stabilizer. Since the fuel is stored in the generator tank and is not consumed immediately, gasoline, especially modern EURO 4-5, oxidizes and loses its octane number. After six months, gasoline may generally lose its ability to ignite from a spark of a candle and will only be suitable for lighting a barbecue. Yes, and the power supply system of the generator, the carburetor, is not good for long and simple without protection.

Liqui Moly Benzin Stabilisator, approved, by the way, by leading manufacturers of power equipment, will help stabilize gasoline and protect the entire power system from corrosion. Before we remove the generator for “combat duty”, we fill the tank with gasoline and fill it with 5 lm of additive for every 5 liters of fuel. Then, we start the engine for a couple of minutes to spread the "potion" through the system and turn it off. Now the generator can be pushed back into the far corner of the garage in anticipation of another utility emergency.

P.S. And if the generator service cannot be started because it simply does not start, then use the Liqui Moly Start Fix quick start aerosol. A couple of seconds of spraying, five seconds of pause and pull the cord. The engine will start even with a filled candle or in hard frost, it is important not to overdo it and not pour half a can at a time into the filter.

About how to prepare the gas generator for the winter tells the technical specialist of the company - Dmitry Rudakov.

The following autochemical compounds and oils were used to process the gas generator:

LIQUI MOLY Oilsystem Spulung Effektiv - oil system cleaner, art. 7591

PRODUCT FEATURES

Quick engine flush LIQUI MOLY Oilsystem Spulung Effektiv is used to effectively clean the engine when operating in frequent traffic jams, with an aggressive driving style and exceeding the standard oil change interval. Does not require special training.

The 300 ml flushing bottle is used for 5 liters of oil.

COMPOSITION PROPERTIES

LIQUI MOLY Oilsystem Spulung Effektiv allows you to clean the engine even from difficult contaminants under severe operating conditions and exceeding oil change intervals, which prevents a whole range of possible problems, the elimination of which can be very costly.

With the help of a reinforced engine oil additive package, it effectively dissolves deposits and complex contaminants without clogging the oil receiver, channels and ducts of the oil system. Significantly reduces stubborn residue and extends new oil life

Thanks to a package of protective motor additives, it safely cleans the engine and forms a protective layer that reduces friction

The composition contains a complex for the care of rubber parts of the system and completely leaves the system along with the old oil. Suitable for both petrol and diesel engines without restriction

HOW TO APPLY COMPOSITION

LIQUI MOLY Oilsystem Spulung Effektiv cleaner must be added to warm oil before changing at the rate of 300 ml of additive per 5 liters of engine oil. Then start the engine and let it run for exactly 10 minutes at idle. MOVE ON CAR DO NOT FILL WITH NEW OIL!. Next, you need to drain the oil, replace the oil filter. Fill with fresh high quality oil.

LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator - gasoline stabilizer, art. 5107

PRODUCT FEATURES

LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator for stabilizing the properties (preservation) of gasoline for lawn mowers, garden motor vehicles and other equipment on 2- and 4-stroke engines allows you to preserve the properties of the fuel and protect equipment parts from corrosion and deposits during storage. The latest developments in the field of fuel additives are used.

Convenient packaging with a LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator dispenser allows you to accurately measure the required amount of additive for the available volume of gasoline.

Properties

The complex of antioxidants and anti-corrosion additives that make up LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator keep gasoline from gumming and dropping the octane number. Anti-corrosion additives create a layer of polar molecules on metal surfaces that prevent water molecules from attracting to surfaces.

The drug: prevents oxidation, gumming and aging of fuel, prevents the drop in the octane number of gasoline, has a long-term effect of action, increases the reliability of equipment operation.

The use of LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator for preserving gasoline helps to avoid problems with oxidation of the oil and fuel system of garden and other 2- and 4-stroke equipment during its storage period.

HOW TO APPLY COMPOSITION

Add LIQUI MOLY Benzin-Stabilisator to the tank at the rate of 25 ml for 5 liters of fuel and start the engine. Let it idle for about 10 minutes. The additive is self-mixing with the fuel. After that, you can turn off the engine and put the equipment into storage.

LIQUI MOLY Start Fix - engine starter, art. 3902

PRODUCT FEATURES

LIQUI MOLY Start Fix is ​​designed to easily and quickly start all types of 4- and 2-stroke gasoline and diesel engines, as well as rotary piston engines, when starting problems occur due to batteries, wet spark plugs, cold and wet weather, etc. d.

HOW TO APPLY COMPOSITION

To start gasoline engines, spray LIQUI MOLY Start Fix directly into the air filter or intake manifold and start the engine immediately. To start diesel engines, turn off the glow plugs and heated flanges, open the throttle to full, spray the agent into the intake manifold and start the engine.

LIQUI MOLY Marder-Schutz-Spray - protective spray against rodents, article 1515

PECULIARITIES

LIQUI MOLY Marder-Schutz-Spray - Protects against rodent damage to wires, rubber and plastic products in the car, preventing costly repairs. A mixture of odorous substances repels rodents, but is absolutely harmless to environment and animals. Treat all plastic and rubber parts on all sides. Repeat treatment every 14 days.

APPLICATION FEATURES

If there is a risk of damage to car parts by rodents, it is necessary to treat all accessible rubber and plastic parts of the engine compartment and wheels with LIQUI MOLY Marder-Schutz-Spray. Spray on all plastic and rubber parts. Repeat the treatment after 14 days.

LIQUI MOLY LM-40 - liquid key, test

In addition to good results, LIQUI MOLY LM-40 was remembered for a very pleasant vanilla smell, and if you are going to use a similar product at home, then it is better to use LM 40 than to “eat” the incense of a solvent mixture with kerosene and other chemicals. As for the tests, here the drug showed good results, which made it possible to stake out a place in the middle of the standings. The average loosening moment was 8.96 kgf/m, which is almost 2 kgf/m lower than the initial moment.

ADVANTAGES: pleasant smell, good performance in the test.

DISADVANTAGES: with this attachment of the spray nozzle, the latter is very easy to lose.

GENERAL EVALUATION: The habitat of LIQUI MOLY LM-40 is not only the trunk of a car, but also a shelf in the house.

LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30 - mineral engine oil for lawn mowers, art. 3991

PRODUCT FEATURES

LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30 is a year old engine oil for 4-stroke lawn mowers, power plants, motor cultivators and other equipment. Provides excellent engine cleanliness and excellent anti-wear properties. The increased content of additives provides excellent lubrication and prolongs engine life. Protects against corrosion even under severe operating conditions. Tested for compatibility with the catalyst.

HOW TO APPLY COMPOSITION

LIQUI MOLY Rasenmaher-Oil 30 is specially formulated for 4-stroke lawn mower engines and engines requiring SAE 30 HD viscosity oil. The regulations of vehicle manufacturers and engine manufacturers must be taken into account when applying.

CONFORMITY AND TOLERANCES

API SG; MIL-L-46 152E

LIQUI MOLY Universal 4-Takt Gartengerate-Oil 10W-30 - mineral engine oil for lawn mowers, art. 8037

PRODUCT FEATURES

LIQUI MOLY Universal 4-Takt Gartengerate-Oil 10W-30 is a multigrade 4-stroke engine oil for agricultural machinery. based on the latest technologies. Exceeds the requirements of motor manufacturers like Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Tecumseh, etc.

HOW TO APPLY COMPOSITION

When using LIQUI MOLY Universal 4-Takt Gartengerate-Oil 10W-30, the recommendations of the manufacturers and engine manufacturers must be followed.

CONFORMITY AND TOLERANCES

API SG,SH,SJ/CF; ACEA A3-02/B3-02