Dual fuel generator break in

[BlessedVeteran0305]

I understand the process of breaking in a generator before putting a load on it. What about dual fuel? I've never owned a dual fuel generator, and I was wanting to know if you just break it in using the gas tank or do you have to also do a propane break in process? TIA

God Bless

BV
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[Greenheadless]

I would follow the directions that come with the generator.

[Hills of Texas]

I would think it would be the same but I could be wrong. I think I cycled mine three or 4 times with increasing hours between oil changes before putting a load on it. Probably overkill but it makes me feel better about it.

[txbowman12]

Break in process is to set piston rings and get any metal shavings out of the oil. Can’t imagine why the fuel source would matter, combustion is combustion

[BlessedVeteran0305]

Break in process is to set piston rings and get any metal shavings out of the oil. Can’t imagine why the fuel source would matter, combustion is combustion

Exactly what I was thinking. I couldn't find anything about using the propane side for break in that's why I asked.

[Bill]

Interesting. I have a dual fuel Cummins (same unit as a Westinghouse with different color paint) and there was nothing in the owners manual about break-in. Basically said add oil, turn on and run it.

If there are small pieces of metal on the initial hours of running, why aren’t they caught in the oil filter?

Why break-in procedure for a generator and not all small 4 stroke engines?

…… asking for a friend!

[waterdog]

change the oil after first break in .

[BlessedVeteran0305]

Interesting. I have a dual fuel Cummins (same unit as a Westinghouse with different color paint) and there was nothing in the owners manual about break-in. Basically said add oil, turn on and run it.

If there are small pieces of metal on the initial hours of running, why aren’t they caught in the oil filter?

Why break-in procedure for a generator and not all small 4 stroke engines?

…… asking for a friend!

My thoughts exactly the same as your friend

[Low Fence]

The motor don’t know what it’s running on….. break in is to set tolerances and flush those particles out

[Bill]

The motor don’t know what it’s running on….. break in is to set tolerances and flush those particles out

If that’s the reason, why isn’t this required for every 4 stroke engine? Lawn mowers, motorcycles, side by sides?

Is there something in the size of metal particles that may be in the initial engine operation that are not caught in the oil filter that particles after the break-in period are caught?

I’m not looking for an argument, just trying to understand the engineering reasoning behind doing it and most manufacturers don’t require it? Cummins does not build the small engines but certainly understands the engineering.

[Low Fence]

It’s recommended on every single small engine 2 or 4 stroke. Bigger engines wouldn’t hurt to break in but at the price tag and expected run time of a Cummins vs a Briggs and Stratton the tolerances, finishes and materials are juuuustttt a little better

[Greenheadless]

I think you’re onto something.

A break in period should be for any 4-stroke engine in principle. I tend to follow this theory even if not included in the mfg. instructions. Typically run for 30min to an 1hr then change oil. Never under load (i.e. with a lawnmower, without blade engaged). If there are instruction for break in, I follow them. I run pretty much all Honda products and they have all have had break in instructions.

I quickly looked at the Cummins dual fuel gens online. The non inverter gen only had available a ‘service manual’, not an ‘owners manual’. Seems it was more geared to maintenance, troubleshooting, and the such.

Their inverter gen models had a true ‘owners manual’ and had a break in recommendation, not more than 50% of capable load over a certain amount of time.

[Chronotrigger]

I think you’re onto something.

A break in period should be for any 4-stroke engine in principle. I tend to follow this theory even if not included in the mfg. instructions. Typically run for 30min to an 1hr then change oil. Never under load (i.e. with a lawnmower, without blade engaged). If there are instruction for break in, I follow them. I run pretty much all Honda products and they have all have had break in instructions.

I quickly looked at the Cummins dual fuel gens online. The non inverter gen only had available a ‘service manual’, not an ‘owners manual’. Seems it was more geared to maintenance, troubleshooting, and the such.

Their inverter gen models had a true ‘owners manual’ and had a break in recommendation, not more than 50% of capable load over a certain amount of time.

Is it possible to start a push mower without the blade engaged. I bought a new Honda push mower last year and don't think that's even possible. How if so?

[Greenheadless]

Is it possible to start a push mower without the blade engaged. I bought a new Honda push mower last year and don't think that's even possible. How if so?

All the Honda’s I have owned have a blade engage feature. That’s only two over +25 years though, because, well, they are Honda. Current one is only 1-2 years old.

[justletmein]

If you're breaking it in just to store it for emergencies I'd do it on propane to keep everything clean with no possibility of bad gas or gummed carb when the time comes. If you're planning to use it then gas is cheaper.