How to Drain Your Generator's Carburetor for Storage

If you’ve ever tried to start your generator when the power went out, and the dang thing just wouldn’t start, you know the importance of regular maintenance. One of the best things you can do for your generator, and make sure it starts easily when it’s needed most, is to drain the carburetor before storing it. Follow the easy steps below to help keep your generator’s fuel system in tip-top shape.

You’ll need the following items:a Phillips-head screwdriver or 10mm wrench or socket, an approved gasoline-storage container, gloves, and your generator's owner manual.

1. Turn the fuel valve on the generator OFF.

2. Locate the carburetor.

• On WEN open-frame generators, and most other non-inverter generators, the carburetor is located left of the recoil starter, between the air filter housing and the cylinder head cover (which usually has “OHV” printed on it). The carburetor itself looks like a gray cylinder with a metallic bowl on the bottom.
• On WEN closed-frame inverter generators, and most other closed-frame inverter generators, you will probably need to remove a side panel to access the carburetor. The carburetor is located above the air filter housing, next to the cylinder head cover.

3. Prepare a gasoline storage container. Put on some gloves – gasoline can irritate your skin. If you get gas on your skin, just make sure to wash it with soap and water.

4. Locate the carburetor drain screw. It is usually an angled bolt located on the bottom of the carburetor bowl, or it might protrude from the side of the carburetor. Note that on some WEN closed-frame inverter generators, there is a Phillips head screw above a drain hose.

Side drain screw on a WEN DF475T carburetor.

Angled drain screw on a WEN 56475 carburetor.

Phillips-head drain screw on a WEN 56235i generator.

5. Loosen the carburetor drain screw until gas starts flowing out of the carburetor and into the storage container. You may need to remove the drain screw completely.

6. Once the gas has fully drained from the carburetor, replace and tighten the drain screw. Store the gas appropriately.

That’s it! Pretty easy, right? For more handy tips and guides on maintenance, part installation, and more, be sure to read our other posts. As always, if you ever have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-847-429-9263 (M-F, 8-5 CST), or drop us a message at orders@wenproducts.com, to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable technical support team.