Help with a generator

[Renthorin]

I have a portable construction generator (2500 watts) for use when the power goes out at home. So far this month it has gone out 3 times for over 5 hours each time.

My dillema is the generator only has a 1/2 gallon fuel tank and depending on what I am running (lamp, TV, fridge, laptop, furnace, etc) the runtime is from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

I want to unhook the fuel line from the tiny tank and hook it up to a 6-gallon gas can so I have longer runtime between fillings.

Time for the questions:
1) how is the fuel delivered to the generator? Is it gravity feed or sucked in?

2) will having 3 feet more fuel line be a problem for delivery?

3) If I put a drain in the side of a gas can to attach the fule hose to, what can I use to seal it that gas won't dissolve?

4) Can I just put the open end in the top of a gas can which is at the same level as the intake on the generator? I will get a fuel bulb like outboard motors use to get the gas flowing.

Essentially, I want to hook it up the same way an outboard motor is hooked to its fuel tank.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

TIA,

Bill

 

[Renthorin]

This is the beast........

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2515439

 

[jpratt]

Most generators that I have worked on of your size do not have fuel pumps, they are gravity feed. We have seen a few where larger fuel tanks have sat ontop of the frame and held down by bungee straps, not the safest thing to do. You need to have the tanks higher than the carb but not a lot higher or else the fuel pressure wil will push open the float and flood it out easy.

 

[Shane]

1) Disconnect the fuel line and fill the line with gas. Start the generator and put your thumb over the line to check for suction.

2) No clue, but I don't think so.

3)JB Weld seems to hold up well.

4) I don't think so, I think it'd have to be above. It might just work to get a metal gas can and put a hole in the side.

 

[BLACK6PACK]

I'd bet its gravity feed. My 5550 (8550 starting watts) 10 hp briggs is gravity. I have a 5 gallon tank though. Got about 10-12 hrs running time depending on the load. Had it hooked directly into the fues box for the 2 weeks without power after wilma. Made life alot easier being able to go room to room and simply flip a light switch and all the elec outlets worked. Anyway, I'd try taking the current gas tank off, get a high quality 5-6 gallon can and fab up some brackets to hold the tank to the generator. Not sure how to attach the fuel line to the gas can though. You'll have to macgyver something there.

 

[jpratt]

GO to a local lawnmower repair shop and find out if they have and fuel tank their. I just walked around my shop and found 5 old fuel tanks that I have taken out of old junk mowers. Most of them are 1-2 gal but some are as large as 5 gal. You might be able to find a outboard fuel tank at a boat repair shop, just make sure it is gravity feed capable.

 

[URSPANKED]

I just bought a plastic 3 gallon tank for mine, and hooked up a primer bulb from Walmart. I keep it laying on the ground beside the generator. It worked great during Hurricane Rita here in Baytown, Tex.