Steve, I've enjoyed your videos for years. As a licensed electrician I'd like to suggest you install a 30 amp, 240 volt inlet device box in lieu of the junction box for the flexible cord. Other than that you did a fine job. Also, be sure to turn off ALL of the circuit breakers prior to transferring to generator power. Turn those breakers on one at a time once the transfer is complete. This avoid accidentally overloading the generator at start up. 29 years of experience talking here. Great video buddy!
Wow That’s a old unit Tecumseh motor. But in good shape. Might need a carburetor clean rebuild at some point. Kohler whole house units are very nice. Looking out for family. Excellent video
I had a generator setup like that for many years, first on gasoline, then got a natural gas carb. Last year that gen was 40yrs old and dying and me likewise at 81, so I had a Generac installed. Done.
Keep a good flashlight in the generator shed. That's what I did. Then I switch to the Generac 10k natural gas 13 years ago. Still running strong. 10k will run a 4 bed 2 floor house but you can only use 2 small stove burners if you have electric stove. I get 45amps out of that machine, which I have never tripped. Just remember to check the gas meter. I had to have the gas company put in a bigger meter because my boiler 155kbtu weil mclain would shut down when the generator started up. The old meter was too small and could not pass enough gas through it. Then there is the choice of the transfer switch. I just got the whole house 100A transfer switch since we have 100amp service. Takes about 20-30 seconds to come online depending if she starts on the first crank or not. Sometimes it takes 3 times when it's like -10 out.
Steve that's the same setup I put on my house for my generator. And I love it. Miss Molly was protecting your daughters property she didn't want nobody around that place. Great video Steve I really enjoyed it. Peace brother and Molly
Good video Steve as an electrician when I have installed a generator what the fire department has required was an engraved sign mounted on the meter box w/ two sided tape that there is backup generator on site just a suggestion
my coleman 6500watt gas takes 5 gallons gas every 10 hours. june 2014 big storm took out power 4 1/2 days across several counties had to drive several towns away for gas waited in line for over hour. when power goes out banks gas stations and hardware stores are closed down. i park mine in the doorway of the lawnmower shed because it's always pouring rain
Shoooot, I took the onan generator out of my motorhome and installed it in a big dog house with windows and ventilation fan. Wired the gen start switch from the motorhome dash next to my breaker box. No need to ever go outside! Nice smooth quit 1,800 rpm.
1,800 units are the best, but cost more. In the case of standby units longevity isn't too important since they usually don't see too many hours. I have an 1,800 rev diesel.
Nobody commenting on the a-hole that cut across all lanes of traffic to zip in front of Steve's truck and take the exit at the beginning of the video? Is that just universally accepted now? I used to think it was just something that happened up here in Massachusetts.
I energize my whole house during a power outage with a relative small Champion 8.5kw standby gas generator. I can use my 18,000 btu inverter a/c, my two fridges, microwave, washing machine, two garage doors, all my lights, a 48” tv, my satellite system, wifi router, my electric cook top and my water cistern 3/3 HP electric pump. Just don’t use all the appliances at the same time during the power outage and at half load it consumes less than 1 galon/ hour propane gas.
30amp can only push max 7500 watts. People need to realize that BEFORE they go and buy a 12K generator thinking it will power the entire house. For any generator over 7500 you need a 50 amp breaker installed. I find having the 30 amp set up perfect for emergencies. You can run most of the house for a while until the power comes back on.
No, he's not a Jack of all trades , he's a registered Master Plumber who by serving a 5 year apprenticeship is taught all facets of the trade and is usually capable of solving any problem no matter what it entails.
John Krim I originally started watching his air-conditioning repair videos and didn’t know that he also was a master plumber. So I thought to myself wow this man is good at a lot of things hence “jack of all trades”.
Well can I say I Miss Molly was barking up a storm but she needed it by talking to the other dogs and it's good to help out your daughter when she needs the help
I'm in the midst of watching this and it probably won't matter when a load is put on that unit but...the idle circuit is clogged in that carburetor. It's the reason it's 'hunting' (up and down idle). Maybe a carb overhaul would be in order? Or even a replacement. There are Chinese carbs complete for $25.
That little Briggs and Stratton engine can only run a refrigerator, television, and maybe a washer and dryer. But it also depends on what generator, the part that generates power if it's small like this I'd be amazed at how much it powers a whole house. Small generators like this only are good for running a few things.
I can power my whole house during a power outage with a relative small Champion 8.5kw standby gas generator, but all my electric appliances are very efficient and only have a 18,000 btu inverter a/c in my master room. Most people don’t realize all the appliances you can energize with these small generators.
If it rains or snows when you need it, pull it out of there and put the patio table over it, several concrete blocks on top in case it’s windy. Can raise the table up to clear it.
Your electrician should have used UF wire if he was going to free air (not sleeved in conduit) it under your deck. Romex isn’t weather rated. So it will deteriorate over time. It will work for awhile though since this setup is temporary.
As you said, being temporary he probably figured Romex was fine. He could always "sleeve" the Romex in flexible grey conduit from just inside the basement into the generator shed junction box (could replace with a plastic to eliminate any grounding), as long as the portion inside the basement is open air, it's considered a "protective sleeve" and not a "raceway".
The things we do for our kids. Boy those Generacs are getting pretty popular. Nice thing about them is they are hooked into the city gas which should still have pressure if the power goes out in town.
That's a good setup Steve may I add a just a piece of sheet metal bent to allow air space screwed to the inside wall of the shed. Then there will be noting to screw with or possibly fall over in a storm
Steve my dad had a Propane fed gas Generac, installed in august, (in MA) They installed a load share device which lets you buy less wattage, and puta delay on the fridge and even the a/c. So the generator wont surge or have a hard start. he is at 16k with a 500gal propane tank. the last storm that just went through they had no power for 1.5 days. it worked and did its job. It also closes off to power to the utility with a transfer switch I think.
Watts = amps x volts ... This seems fine if you stay reasonable on your appliances, especially heated appliances like electric ovens, toasters, and heaters, and blow dryers, and electric clothes dryers... I like that master breaker interlock system. Okay, so its 30amps that provides about 250V... (7500w / 30a) = 250v. A microwave uses about 5amps fyi
Nice job using the Romex and then transition the 10/3 SO whip at the Generator. Some hack would have put the L14-30 plug right on the Romex or MC cable! Many "pros" have an issue with interlocks but I think they are superior to those six switch transfer boxes. With an interlock you can decide what is powered on the generator or not. You aren't locked in to specific circuits on generator. I have mine set up with two digital current meters on the generator inlet box. That way I can monitor the load on each phase of my 87500w Harbor Freight special! Last week I ran on gene for three days with the high winds power cuts in northern Los Angeles.
Carburetor needs to be cleaned sounds like it's running like hot garbage. A battery tender wouldn't be a bad idea to put onto the battery to keep it full.
The generator loaded or not should run decently smooth. Especially an older Briggs engine like that. The battery will lose a charge either way whether it is started or not and can lead to failure in the cold months if it don't have a good charge to it.
Matthew Poole - unloaded, it’s hunting. What matters is if it can take up to full load and stay running at rated speed for 60hz power. After all, it’s not new, and no Honda 😁.
Some electrical codes of some cities, counties, states ..etc. don't allow the use of the manual interlock plate on the panel and only allow expensive automatic switching systems. Check with your local authorities before installing a manual override system. Failure to follow and adhere to the specific code will render your homeowner's insurance policy void in case of any electrical issues.
I wish I could've done that for you, I would've set you up with a automatic transfer switch and you wouldn't have to mess with the electric panel at all, as soon as the power goes out it the automatic transfer switch would kick out the power line and start the generator and have emergency power automatically.
Thanks Steven, GOOD STUFF HERE. I would recommend when switching to generator to turn off all the breakers in the panel then turn on generator breaker then one by one turn on the individual circuits. This allows the load to come up easy on the generator. Leave off circuits not needed or to large for generator. More video like this Steven, good stuff. RG
Not supposed to run that 10 outside like that it's not suited for it it's a violation. It's another violation if you ran that 10 all the way back in the conduit. Supposed to have a plug on the outside of the house than make up a whip with SJ cord or get a premade one already.
Steve another nice video! Never knew they made the service breaker isolation bracket you showed here...Nice! Ol Miss Molly protecting your truck Momma!
It's called an interlock to run the generator goes on the pannel when the power goes out you turn the main power on the house off and the interlock slides over so you can turn the generator on. If you run the generator at the same time as the main power you run the risk of back feeding the pannel which will blow all the breakers
Yeah this whole install is a homeowner special, not remotely code compliant. Wouldn't take much to sleeve the romex in liquidtight outside and make things a bit better.
the generator can only produce 30A max. while technically every circuit in the panel will have power, if you turn on everything in the house at once, it will pop the breaker on the generator. cant use central AC, cant use an electric stove. 10/3 is what you use.
😂😂. City peeos. “Its a 750. Damned numbers😂😂😂. Its just temporary x12. Put wood in front of the exhaust so it doesn’t melt the plastic 🧐 🔥. Incase she loses powa😂😂😂. I miss New England so much. Nope.
Bryan Hensley - treated gasoline even ethanol can last up to a year no problem. Then after a year, use it to gas up the car. Diesel engines are considerably more expensive. If one has a natural gas service probably the best - if installing a permanent unit. I doubt where he is they get frequent outages, perhaps once a year or less. If that’s the case no reason for whole house unit but people like to spend money, and don’t care much to save and invest, instead.
Bryan Hensley - do you use an additive? I use Stabil for my boat fuel, and container I keep at home for the lawnmower, portable generator, and power washer. I use the power washer once a year to clean the boat bottom. No problem, starts right up. I double the dose. I go all winter till May with the boat gas in tank as is, about 8 months, no problem in spring starting it up. Since I use a lot of Marine Stabil, I get the gallon container off Amazon, 4 quarts for the price of 3.
Bryan Hensley - I see, that will work. For some at least for storms, when the forecast is predicting a storm, can get down to the station early as possible and gas up cars and containers. I have five x 6 gallon containers. I gas them all, and hold them until the storm materializes or not, then just use up the gas over the next few weeks in the car. I don’t bother with the additive. So it cost me nothing. I live in the NE, lost power for 4 days when Sandy showed up. The worst of it was no heat, and no hot water to shower. I said never again. Bought a Honda 2kw inverter type. And since then converted to nat gas so hot water heater will always make hot water, and generator for heating system boiler in winter, fridge, and summer A/C. Ironically, no outage since Sandy 8 yrs ago 🤔. I run generator once a month with near full load for 15 minutes, so I’m sure it will run when needed.
Good job Steve.👍
Awesome details explaining.. thanks.
Audience, Kudos Steve. You've got the Power👊🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼🙌🏼.
Steve, I've enjoyed your videos for years. As a licensed electrician I'd like to suggest you install a 30 amp, 240 volt inlet device box in lieu of the junction box for the flexible cord. Other than that you did a fine job. Also, be sure to turn off ALL of the circuit breakers prior to transferring to generator power. Turn those breakers on one at a time once the transfer is complete. This avoid accidentally overloading the generator at start up. 29 years of experience talking here. Great video buddy!
Should he have used UFB instead of romex because the junction is outside? Mainly just curious.
There are electricians then there is J-cord Willie. As long as thaz powa. Its only temporary (3 tears later😂😂😂
Wow That’s a old unit Tecumseh motor. But in good shape. Might need a carburetor clean rebuild at some point. Kohler whole house units are very nice. Looking out for family. Excellent video
You're a good Dad, Steve.
Ernie A - good thing he doesn’t have a bunch of kids, would be his full time job😲
I had a generator setup like that for many years, first on gasoline, then got a natural gas carb. Last year that gen was 40yrs old and dying and me likewise at 81, so I had a Generac installed. Done.
Nice
Keep a good flashlight in the generator shed. That's what I did. Then I switch to the Generac 10k natural gas 13 years ago. Still running strong. 10k will run a 4 bed 2 floor house but you can only use 2 small stove burners if you have electric stove. I get 45amps out of that machine, which I have never tripped. Just remember to check the gas meter. I had to have the gas company put in a bigger meter because my boiler 155kbtu weil mclain would shut down when the generator started up. The old meter was too small and could not pass enough gas through it. Then there is the choice of the transfer switch. I just got the whole house 100A transfer switch since we have 100amp service. Takes about 20-30 seconds to come online depending if she starts on the first crank or not. Sometimes it takes 3 times when it's like -10 out.
Steve that's the same setup I put on my house for my generator. And I love it. Miss Molly was protecting your daughters property she didn't want nobody around that place. Great video Steve I really enjoyed it. Peace brother and Molly
that tecumsem will run forever. build so good. bit loud due to how it build.
Your a good Dad Steve. That's called a generator interlock kit for the electrical panel
Good video Steve as an electrician when I have installed a generator what the fire department has required was an engraved sign mounted on the meter box w/ two sided tape that there is backup generator on site just a suggestion
Similar requirements if you have solar panels generating feeding utility power.
my coleman 6500watt gas takes 5 gallons gas every 10 hours. june 2014 big storm took out power 4 1/2 days across several counties had to drive several towns away for gas waited in line for over hour. when power goes out banks gas stations and hardware stores are closed down. i park mine in the doorway of the lawnmower shed because it's always pouring rain
Shoooot, I took the onan generator out of my motorhome and installed it in a big dog house with windows and ventilation fan. Wired the gen start switch from the motorhome dash next to my breaker box. No need to ever go outside! Nice smooth quit 1,800 rpm.
1,800 units are the best, but cost more. In the case of standby units longevity isn't too important since they usually don't see too many hours. I have an 1,800 rev diesel.
That’s the most I’ve ever heard from Miss Molly! She was talking up a storm....
Nobody commenting on the a-hole that cut across all lanes of traffic to zip in front of Steve's truck and take the exit at the beginning of the video? Is that just universally accepted now? I used to think it was just something that happened up here in Massachusetts.
Great job Steve, I’m short your daughter will appreciate you connecting the generator for her.
What can't Steve Lavimoniere do? Great video, thank you.
Nice change up video Steven, Thanks!
I energize my whole house during a power outage with a relative small Champion 8.5kw standby gas generator. I can use my 18,000 btu inverter a/c, my two fridges, microwave, washing machine, two garage doors, all my lights, a 48” tv, my satellite system, wifi router, my electric cook top and my water cistern 3/3 HP electric pump. Just don’t use all the appliances at the same time during the power outage and at half load it consumes less than 1 galon/ hour propane gas.
You are a family man Steve. Great setup you made too. I'll take notes.
30amp can only push max 7500 watts. People need to realize that BEFORE they go and buy a 12K generator thinking it will power the entire house. For any generator over 7500 you need a 50 amp breaker installed. I find having the 30 amp set up perfect for emergencies. You can run most of the house for a while until the power comes back on.
Steven you’re a genuine Jack of all trades!
No, he's not a Jack of all trades , he's a registered Master Plumber who by serving a 5 year apprenticeship is taught all facets of the trade and is usually capable of solving any problem no matter what it entails.
John Krim I originally started watching his air-conditioning repair videos and didn’t know that he also was a master plumber. So I thought to myself wow this man is good at a lot of things hence “jack of all trades”.
Well can I say I Miss Molly was barking up a storm but she needed it by talking to the other dogs and it's good to help out your daughter when she needs the help
Sometimes what's temporary ends up being permanent.
Pretty much every "temporary" thing I ever installed! :D
I'm in the midst of watching this and it probably won't matter when a load is put on that unit but...the idle circuit is clogged in that carburetor. It's the reason it's 'hunting' (up and down idle). Maybe a carb overhaul would be in order? Or even a replacement. There are Chinese carbs complete for $25.
That little Briggs and Stratton engine can only run a refrigerator, television, and maybe a washer and dryer. But it also depends on what generator, the part that generates power if it's small like this I'd be amazed at how much it powers a whole house. Small generators like this only are good for running a few things.
I can power my whole house during a power outage with a relative small Champion 8.5kw standby gas generator, but all my electric appliances are very efficient and only have a 18,000 btu inverter a/c in my master room. Most people don’t realize all the appliances you can energize with these small generators.
If it rains or snows when you need it, pull it out of there and put the patio table over it, several concrete blocks on top in case it’s windy. Can raise the table up to clear it.
Your electrician should have used UF wire if he was going to free air (not sleeved in conduit) it under your deck. Romex isn’t weather rated. So it will deteriorate over time. It will work for awhile though since this setup is temporary.
That's the only part I don't like about this job other than that it's a cool setup!!!!!!
As you said, being temporary he probably figured Romex was fine. He could always "sleeve" the Romex in flexible grey conduit from just inside the basement into the generator shed junction box (could replace with a plastic to eliminate any grounding), as long as the portion inside the basement is open air, it's considered a "protective sleeve" and not a "raceway".
people here in California NEED TO START THINKING LIKE THAT??? PG&E POWER OUTAGE ATTACKS,,
Good job 👍
Another job well done 👍
Wow Steve almost at 100k subscribers congrats I’ve been watching your channel for years keep up the good work!
The things we do for our kids. Boy those Generacs are getting pretty popular. Nice thing about them is they are hooked into the city gas which should still have pressure if the power goes out in town.
That's a good setup Steve may I add a just a piece of sheet metal bent to allow air space screwed to the inside wall of the shed. Then there will be noting to screw with or possibly fall over in a storm
We put in a 16kw Generac with automatic transfer switch. Was easier than setting up a second set of dedicated breakers.
run a ckt out to the littel shed and put a battery maintainer because that small battery will not start the gen when its cold (0) outside
Nice job
Steve my dad had a Propane fed gas Generac, installed in august, (in MA) They installed a load share device which lets you buy less wattage, and puta delay on the fridge and even the a/c. So the generator wont surge or have a hard start. he is at 16k with a 500gal propane tank. the last storm that just went through they had no power for 1.5 days. it worked and did its job. It also closes off to power to the utility with a transfer switch I think.
Watts = amps x volts ... This seems fine if you stay reasonable on your appliances, especially heated appliances like electric ovens, toasters, and heaters, and blow dryers, and electric clothes dryers... I like that master breaker interlock system. Okay, so its 30amps that provides about 250V... (7500w / 30a) = 250v. A microwave uses about 5amps fyi
Nice job using the Romex and then transition the 10/3 SO whip at the Generator. Some hack would have put the L14-30 plug right on the Romex or MC cable! Many "pros" have an issue with interlocks but I think they are superior to those six switch transfer boxes. With an interlock you can decide what is powered on the generator or not. You aren't locked in to specific circuits on generator. I have mine set up with two digital current meters on the generator inlet box. That way I can monitor the load on each phase of my 87500w Harbor Freight special! Last week I ran on gene for three days with the high winds power cuts in northern Los Angeles.
That air conditioner looks good outside wonder who put that in, lol good job Steve.
Miss Molly making a friend there
Cool Video Steve! Nice break from the usual. Nice set up with the shed. She's ready for those NorEasters now! :-)
Carburetor needs to be cleaned sounds like it's running like hot garbage. A battery tender wouldn't be a bad idea to put onto the battery to keep it full.
Doesn’t have any load on it.
The generator loaded or not should run decently smooth. Especially an older Briggs engine like that. The battery will lose a charge either way whether it is started or not and can lead to failure in the cold months if it don't have a good charge to it.
Matthew Poole - unloaded, it’s hunting. What matters is if it can take up to full load and stay running at rated speed for 60hz power. After all, it’s not new, and no Honda 😁.
The engine should not be hunting at idle or under load. Go to "Taryl fixes all " on you tube and he has a vid on how to stop the hunting .
Some electrical codes of some cities, counties, states ..etc. don't allow the use of the manual interlock plate on the panel and only allow expensive automatic switching systems. Check with your local authorities before installing a manual override system. Failure to follow and adhere to the specific code will render your homeowner's insurance policy void in case of any electrical issues.
I wish I could've done that for you, I would've set you up with a automatic transfer switch and you wouldn't have to mess with the electric panel at all, as soon as the power goes out it the automatic transfer switch would kick out the power line and start the generator and have emergency power automatically.
Thanks Steven, GOOD STUFF HERE.
I would recommend when switching to generator to turn off all the breakers in the panel then turn on generator breaker then one by one turn on the individual circuits. This allows the load to come up easy on the generator. Leave off circuits not needed or to large for generator.
More video like this Steven, good stuff.
RG
Looks like ms molly had fun barking out the truck window
That is awesome
Do you really think those rods will hold up in a hurricane?
He's not in Florida. They usually get the remnants of the hurricane.
Your not supposed to run a hole house on 7,500 kw thats only 30 amps don't listen to this guy
Miss Molly is letting them know who's boss!
Not supposed to run that 10 outside like that it's not suited for it it's a violation. It's another violation if you ran that 10 all the way back in the conduit. Supposed to have a plug on the outside of the house than make up a whip with SJ cord or get a premade one already.
Steve another nice video! Never knew they made the service breaker isolation bracket you showed here...Nice! Ol Miss Molly protecting your truck Momma!
pretty neat huh? its called a generator interlock. cheaper and easier than installing a transfer switch
Cummins has better whole house generators than Generac. Fyi?
Please make a video on how you install the conversion burner., thanks.
Great temporary install. Will work well enough until the permanent gen set is installed.
It's called an interlock to run the generator goes on the pannel when the power goes out you turn the main power on the house off and the interlock slides over so you can turn the generator on. If you run the generator at the same time as the main power you run the risk of back feeding the pannel which will blow all the breakers
Like
Good man Steve. Hooking you daughter up with a gen.👍👍👍
That Romex 10/3, can’t be run outside. And it’s not physically protected. Would never pass inspection. Not even a weather proof box outside?
Yeah this whole install is a homeowner special, not remotely code compliant. Wouldn't take much to sleeve the romex in liquidtight outside and make things a bit better.
Being a good dad.
Thats the exact same setup that I want for my house.
Good dad
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Is it just me, or did I have deja vu at least 4 times watching this?
Did someone mention, how you turn the main breaker off, push the bracket up and turn the generator on?
Good video steve!
Great job Steve. One question how long will the generator run on a full tank?
Ah man it all of a sudden went dark while i was using the can lol 😂 Peace ✌️
100K subscribers
Miss Molly found her Chihuahua voice. That sounds more like home to me. lol
Steve, is this set-up just temporary until they get a generac? I bet you have a similar set up in your garage? Just kidding, nice job Dad!
10-3 seems awfully small for 7500 watts, unless this only has a l530 putlet from the generator
why fuel is it running
The end is near
Please say “don’t be a wise guy!” In one of your videos :)
Running the whole house with 10/3?
the generator can only produce 30A max. while technically every circuit in the panel will have power, if you turn on everything in the house at once, it will pop the breaker on the generator. cant use central AC, cant use an electric stove. 10/3 is what you use.
@@cutrara7 too bad she didnt buy like a Duromax 10k or 12k unit with a L14-50 outlet.
As soon as this video started i knew it was ma lol i live right near there
Licensed electrician too are you?
wow surprised you would try to run a whole house on 7500 watt 34Amps(at220) surge unit that means max continuous draw is about 15amps
👍
😂😂. City peeos. “Its a 750. Damned numbers😂😂😂. Its just temporary x12. Put wood in front of the exhaust so it doesn’t melt the plastic 🧐 🔥. Incase she loses powa😂😂😂. I miss New England so much. Nope.
Long time don’t see you, UA-cam unsubscribed me from your channel...that’s why I wasn’t receiving your videos in my inbox😳😤😥
Probably wont be able to run whole house on 7500 but thats the way do
She's a screamer.
I would put a battery backup emergency light near the panel. So you don't have to find the flashlight.
A 10/3 is that large enough for 7500 watts ?
7500 is surge watts most likely its 5500 running watts
should add a grounding rod to the frame of that genset
That's noisy!
It only work if you can get gas
See California can't even get gas because station have no power
King Tin - store your own gas for the season. Can get portable tanks, or a larger marine plastic tank.
Bryan Hensley - treated gasoline even ethanol can last up to a year no problem. Then after a year, use it to gas up the car. Diesel engines are considerably more expensive. If one has a natural gas service probably the best - if installing a permanent unit. I doubt where he is they get frequent outages, perhaps once a year or less. If that’s the case no reason for whole house unit but people like to spend money, and don’t care much to save and invest, instead.
Bryan Hensley - do you use an additive? I use Stabil for my boat fuel, and container I keep at home for the lawnmower, portable generator, and power washer. I use the power washer once a year to clean the boat bottom. No problem, starts right up. I double the dose. I go all winter till May with the boat gas in tank as is, about 8 months, no problem in spring starting it up. Since I use a lot of Marine Stabil, I get the gallon container off Amazon, 4 quarts for the price of 3.
Bryan Hensley - I see, that will work. For some at least for storms, when the forecast is predicting a storm, can get down to the station early as possible and gas up cars and containers. I have five x 6 gallon containers. I gas them all, and hold them until the storm materializes or not, then just use up the gas over the next few weeks in the car. I don’t bother with the additive. So it cost me nothing. I live in the NE, lost power for 4 days when Sandy showed up. The worst of it was no heat, and no hot water to shower. I said never again. Bought a Honda 2kw inverter type. And since then converted to nat gas so hot water heater will always make hot water, and generator for heating system boiler in winter, fridge, and summer A/C. Ironically, no outage since Sandy 8 yrs ago 🤔. I run generator once a month with near full load for 15 minutes, so I’m sure it will run when needed.