Skip to main content

Generator – Gasoline Engine, 3 to 6 KW w/Ground Rod

NFES #
000709
Category
Small Engine Equipment
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Date Last Tested (DLT) not to exceed 12 months.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for evidence of use (dust, oil, starter seal broken), damage or missing parts.
  2. Return to stock if there is no sign of use or damage and date last tested (DLT) does not exceed 12 months.
  3. Refurbish as necessary if unit has been used or fueled, damaged, or shelf life is exceeded.
  4. Dispose of the unit if it is not economically repairable.

Refurbishment procedures

A. Cleaning

  • Remove dirt and oil using compressed air or detergent and shop towels as necessary.

B. Repair

  1. Check condition of engine oil. If engine is equipped with an engine oil filter; replace the filter at each oil change.
  2. Check condition of spark plug and air filter, clean or replace as needed. Foam type air filters can be cleaned, re-oiled with “foam filter oil” and reinstalled.
  3. Inspect power-head (engine) for freeness of all moving parts, ensuring that the crankshaft, piston/cylinder and all engine bearings are not damaged.
  4. Check for loose and/or missing parts or mounting hardware; tighten or replace where needed.
  5. Inspect exhaust system; make sure there are no cracks and or leaks.
  6. Clean spark arrestor screen of excess carbon build up, replace if screen is damaged.
  7. Inspect fuel tank, filler cap, fuel line and fuel filter; clean, repair and/or replace as needed.
  8. Ensure that the recoil starter operates properly and that the rope is not frayed or Ensure proper condition of battery (if equipped).
  9. Ensure all decals (operations and warning) are affixed and legible.

C. Test for Performance

  1. Refer to the owner’s manual for operations and specifications information specific to generator model.
  2. Ensure gasoline is fresh prior to starting the engine. Use a fuel stabilizer in fuel during testing to help ensure proper operation of engine at post storage start up.
  3. Ensure recoil starter functions properly. Check for damage or fraying of pull cord; repair or replace as necessary.
  4. Engine should start easily, run smoothly, be free from fuel leaks, and provide sufficient power to the electrical generator.
  5. Ensure all engine operational controls are functioning properly; stop switch, throttle and choke.
  6. Test for engine performance and electrical output (see owner’s manual for specific performance data).
  7. Should any function fail a test, refer to the manufacturer’s repair manual and troubleshooting guide to correct the problem.
  8. Remove all gasoline from fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is completely empty of fuel.

D. Repackaging

  1. Ensure grounding rod is attached to frame.
  2. Use a nylon “zip-tie” to tie off (seal) starter rope to the frame. 
  3. Attach a certification tag that indicates date last tested (DLT), property #, and name of inspector certifying the performance.
  4. Ensure that all identification (property #, serial #, owner ID) is affixed and legible.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505