Factor e Farm Generator Maintenance

This page is designed to give new visitors to Factor e Farm a simple, step-by-step guide as to how to run the power generator on site.

The first step is to test the voltage to see if it's time for the generator to be refilled. Head towards the back left corner of the workshop and find this:

This one.

Turn this on and see 0.00.

Find the red and black wires sitting on top.

Place the red wire here.

While holding the red wire in place, put the black wire here.

As you do this, a number should pop up on the reader. It's good to keep this above 11.50.

If it's below 12.00, the generator can use a refilling.

This is the generator. Uses gasoline (unleaded) and motor oil.

This is the gasoline (uses about 2.5 gallons at a time).

This is the motor oil (uses about half a quart at a time).

Measure the oil level with this.

The end will show you when it is full, and when it needs more oil.

The oil goes in where the silver bolt is (half quart).

The gasoline goes in here (2.5 gallons).

Find the choke and start knobs.

Pull the choke if necessary, and tilt the switch clockwise to 11 o clock (the start). Be sure not to pull the choke knob out for too long, so you don't flood the engine. When the engine starts, turn the switch counter-clockwise back to 9 o clock (run). Make sure the plugs are all the way in, and leave the door open for ventilation. Congrats, you are finished. The generator will be loud for a bit, then will shut off automatically when it is done. Check this at least once every 24 hours to ensure that the power is not low. If you lose power (and hence internet access) in an off-grid style living environment, you won't be able to access these instructions to turn it back on again.