Generator Service

[Appycamper]

I am taking the opportunity to service our generator whilst we are at home. We usually stay places without electric hook-ups so the gennie is a necessary part of our kit.

My question can any of you knowledgeable people know what I should use to was the air filters please? The "how to do it" book says to use high flashpoint solvent, but I have no clue what I can get. Thanks

 

[lohr500]

If it is a sponge type material, then I would just use a little petrol in an old ice cream tub or something similar. Some "high flashpoint" solvents may not be suitable as they can dissolve the sponge!! If it is a petrol genny, then using petrol to clean the sponge is a safe bet.

After cleaning sponge type filters and allowing the petrol to evaporate, I always coat them with a bit of clean engine oil. ( +/- 5ml). I believe the oil encourages fine particles of dust to stick to it, rather than passing straight through the sponge.

If it is a paper type element, then either but a new one, or if you have access to an air line try cleaning it with a blast of air.

To satisfy any Health & Safety concerns I guess I should point out that petrol is very flammable so make sure that you don't clean the filter whilst adding coal to the fire and allow the filter to dry out completely before re-fitting, just in case your engine backfires. When using high pressure airlines, make sure you don't blast air directly at your skin.

 

[JTQ]

Well certainly petrol is not a "hight flashpoint solvent" just the opposite.

I think the recommendation to use a "hight flashpoint solvent" is purely for your own safety so you don't risk setting yourself alight.

Make sure you use it well away from sources of ignition and definitely out-side and like I Tony and many others you will find petrol does the job. Also as stated make sure its evaporated before trying to start the engine.

If you want a "hight flashpoint solvent" to be safe then "White-spirit" [Turps Substitute] is a readily available one that also does the job just fine.

 

[Appycamper]

Oh thanks you guys, I knew someone here would help me. Thanks again.

Lesley