START SAFE. STORE SMART. BE READY.

A portable generator should be ready before the lights go out—not discovered to be hard-starting during an emergency. Use this professional guide to protect your family, your equipment and your investment.

⚠ CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY — NON-NEGOTIABLE

• Operate the generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.

• Point the exhaust away from the home and occupied areas.

• Never operate it inside a garage, carport, shed, crawlspace or enclosed patio—even with the doors open.

• Keep working battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home.

• Keep the generator dry. Never operate it in rain or standing water without a properly designed open-sided cover.

• Never connect a generator directly to household wiring without an approved transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.

BEFORE YOU START — 60-SECOND CHECK

✓ Place the generator outdoors on a dry, level surface.

✓ Check the engine oil with the unit level.

✓ Inspect for leaks, loose wires, damaged cords and blocked vents.

✓ Confirm that the fuel is fresh and the fuel valve is ON.

✓ Disconnect every appliance and turn the generator breaker OFF.

✓ Confirm that the electric-start battery is connected and charged.

✓ Review the owner’s manual for your model’s choke and starting procedure.

HOW TO START YOUR GENERATOR

1. Move the generator to its safe outdoor operating location.

2. Disconnect all loads and turn the generator breaker OFF.

3. Check the oil and add the recommended type if needed.

4. Add fresh fuel and open the fuel-cap vent if equipped.

5. Turn the fuel valve ON.

6. Set the engine switch to ON. For a cold engine, set the choke to START/CLOSED.

7. Start the engine with the recoil cord, electric-start button or remote.

8. As it warms, slowly move the choke to RUN/OPEN.

9. Let the engine stabilize for 2–3 minutes, then turn the breaker ON.

10. Connect appliances one at a time. Never exceed the rated running or starting wattage.

IF IT DOES NOT START

Check the fuel valve, fuel quality, oil level, engine switch, choke, battery and air filter. If it still will not start, stop repeated cranking and schedule professional service.

PROPER SHUTDOWN

1. Turn off and unplug every appliance.

2. Turn the generator breaker OFF.

3. Run with no load for 2–3 minutes to cool gradually.

4. For storage, turn the fuel valve OFF and let the engine run until it stops.

5. Turn the engine switch OFF and cool completely before covering or moving.

HOW TO STORE YOUR PORTABLE GENERATOR

SHORT-TERM STORAGE — UP TO ABOUT 30 DAYS

• Use fresh non-ethanol gasoline whenever possible.

• Add quality fuel stabilizer according to the product directions.

• Run for about 10 minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor.

• Turn the fuel valve OFF and let the engine run until it stops.

• Store upright in a clean, dry, ventilated place away from flames, sparks, pilot lights and direct sunlight.

LONG-TERM OR SEASONAL STORAGE

• Follow the owner’s manual for draining the tank and carburetor when required.

• Never leave untreated ethanol-blended gasoline in the system for months.

• Check the oil, air filter and spark plug.

• Maintain the electric-start battery as directed.

• Clean the cooling vents only after the generator is completely cool.

• Store gasoline only in approved containers.

• Exercise the generator only if the manufacturer recommends it.

WHY NON-ETHANOL GAS MATTERS

Ethanol attracts moisture. During storage, this can cause phase separation, corrosion and deposits inside small carburetor passages. The result is often a generator that surges, leaks fuel or will not start when an outage begins.

For the best storage protection, use fresh non-ethanol gasoline with fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer slows deterioration, but it cannot restore old gasoline or replace proper storage procedures.

HURRICANE & EMERGENCY FUEL PLAN

During a hurricane or extended outage, fresh regular unleaded gasoline may be used if the owner’s manual permits it. Many gasoline generators allow fuel containing up to 10% ethanol, but requirements vary by model.

AFTER THE EMERGENCY

✓ Use up or safely transfer the remaining regular gasoline.

✓ Turn the fuel valve OFF and let the engine run until it stops, or drain the system as directed.

✓ Refill with fresh non-ethanol gasoline and the correct amount of stabilizer.

✓ Run the treated fuel through the system before shutting down.

✓ Schedule service if the generator surged, leaked, smoked or struggled under load.

NON-ETHANOL GAS AROUND HOUSTON

NORTH HOUSTON / HUMBLE

• QuikTrip #7949 — 6306 Aldine Bender Rd, Humble, TX 77396 — Near I-69/US-59 North — (281) 318-2294

• QuikTrip #7941 — 121 W Richey Rd, Houston, TX 77090 — Near I-45 North — (281) 885-0289

WEST & NORTHWEST

• Buc-ee’s Katy — 27700 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494

• Buc-ee’s Waller — 40900 US Hwy 290 Bypass, Waller, TX 77484

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST

• Buc-ee’s Texas City — 6201 Gulf Fwy (I-45), Texas City, TX 77591

• Buc-ee’s Angleton — 2304 W Mulberry St, Angleton, TX 77515

• Buc-ee’s Lake Jackson — 899 Oyster Creek Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

• Buc-ee’s Brazoria — 801 N Brooks St, Brazoria, TX 77422

⚠ CALL BEFORE YOU GO

Fuel grades, pump availability and inventory can change. Call ahead or check the current fuel listing. At the pump, confirm that the dispenser is clearly labeled ETHANOL FREE.

WHEN TO CALL DR. GENERATOR

Schedule professional service if your generator will not start, surges, leaks fuel, produces unstable voltage, shuts down under load, was stored with old gasoline or has not been serviced before hurricane season.

DR. GENERATOR — MOBILE PORTABLE GENERATOR SERVICE

Houston and surrounding areas

Book Mobile Service — $199 starting call-out