One thing you might want to do: run 89 Octane Silver grade or middle grade
regular unleaded gasoline *instead of* 87 Octane unleaded regular.
The lowest grade 87 Octane gasoline has a higher amount of methanol (or is
it ethanol?) and that is an extremely hot burning fuel. But, just because
it burns hotter does *not* mean it burns better OR that your engine will
live longer. Quite the opposite is really the truth.
Unleaded 89 Octane unleaded gasoline will give you longer run times due to
the fact that the mixture of that grade of fuel burns at a more even rate
and it burns cooler. Ever seen how hot alcohol burns? Ever seen alcohol
burning and see the blue part of the flame? Ever burn alcohol and NOT see
the flame but feel the heat?
Next time you use gasoline in that generator use 89 Octane unleaded regular
and make some notes such as run times. You won't be able to measure the
power output due to the fact that the rpm's are a steady 3600 and the engine
will just sit there and make power. But, you WILL be able to notate how
much longer the engine was able to make power before needing to be refueled.
There could be more to this engine problem than a stuck valve - but you
didn't say as they wouldn't tell you either. You just might have had a
burned aluminum piston from the higher heat levels produced by 87 Octane
fuel. John Deere replaced many mower engines due to the higher heat from 87
Octane fuel and once the dealers "advised" you to step up to 89 Octane
warranty claims for burned pistons dropped dramatically. There was an
"unscientific study" done concerning this matter and you won't find any
dealer willing to *tell* you to use 89 instead of 87 Octane gasoline but
trust me the switch is worth it. You will save money due to longer run
times AND your engine will thank you. Who knows IF your next time offline
with that generator will find you out of warranty? I wouldn't take the
chance for a few dimes.
Tom
WBCCI 5303