The oil in a two-cycle gas can helps keep the gas from degrading. If you smell a straight gas can after 2 years, it will not smell like gas at all and I would bet the octane is half of whatever it started at.

 

I've never heard of that before. I have used 3-year old gas in my lawn tractor, and that was OK.Not sure why oil would keep gas from degrading. I would guess the activity coefficients would cause the lighter components to coalesce with the ethanol to increase gum formation and actually make things worse. But I've long ago learned that going with my gut is not worth a paycheck in these matters. Is this an established phenomenon, like is there API or ASTM on this? It's just that I'm not sure what to believe when I read random things of course and if this is true I would like to know for both personal and perhaps even professional reasons.But, if that's true, does it mean there's no reason to follow the directions in the generator manual? That was what I brought up.

You read the manual? I'm sorry, I belong to the Tim Taylor School of Manhood and I don't do directions or manuals! I know what I know from 48 years in the automotive/marine industry. Like all postings, everything is IMHO. Chao!

Caved in and spent a bit extra to pick one up last night..

 

Just a heads up to anyone that is looking for the future. Lowes had a few returned generators for $100 off original price. Still had the warranty and they were tested after being returned. Got a Briggs & Stratton for $700, regularly $800, plus it came with the the cord that takes the 240v and splits it to several 120v outlets with a 25foot extension. Looks like that cord is regularly like $75 so it seemed like a pretty good deal...

Caved in and spent a bit extra to pick one up last night..

 

Just a heads up to anyone that is looking for the future. Lowes had a few returned generators for $100 off original price. Still had the warranty and they were tested after being returned. Got a Briggs & Stratton for $700, regularly $800, plus it came with the the cord that takes the 240v and splits it to several 120v outlets with a 25foot extension. Looks like that cord is regularly like $75 so it seemed like a pretty good deal...

 

Good deal. Sounds like one that'd be big enough to run a decent portion of the house.

yeah 5500watts seems like it will certanly be enough to run at least the 2 fridges, furnace and TV or lights. Anything more and ill just unplug a few things. It should also be enough to run the central air and furnace fan in the summer if needed, but thats prob about it. I figure run the air for a few hours then run the fridges for a few hours and switch back and fourth in the worst case situation. Figured the central air is about 5000 watts...

Do you know a mayor or police chief, Just a suggestion..

Good one Tony