Knowing the type of engine on your Pulsar generator and using the right fuel will keep you from damaging the engine or causing other fuel-related issues.
- Pulsar generators with 2-cycle engines require a gas-to-oil mixture at a 30:1 ratio.
- Use unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and a maximum ethanol content of 10%.
- Add premium air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil.
- Mix gas and oil before adding them to the fuel tank.
- Pulsar generators with 4-cycle engines have separate fill ports.
- One fill port for unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and maximum ethanol content of 10%.
- One fill port for an SAE 10W-30 engine oil.
If you are unsure what type of engine you are running on your generator, refer to your Pulsar operator’s manual. Always refuel in a well-ventilated area away from combustible products.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Old or Bad Gas in a Pulsar Generator
Old gas is often the primary reason a generator starts to run sluggishly and bog down. This is because when gas ages, it breaks down and becomes less effective.
The ethanol found in most gas attracts moisture to the fuel system. It leaves behind a varnish that clogs fuel passageways and corrosion that damages the engine and fuel components.
Because of its negative effects, never use gas with an ethanol content greater than 10%.
Use Fresh Fuel and a Fuel Stabilizer:
Because gas breaks down quickly, it is important to purchase fresh gas and consume it within 30 days. Add a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment to stabilize the gas and reduce moisture so it lasts a little longer.
Fuel stabilizers cannot reverse the effects of old fuel. Add fuel stabilizers to fresh gasoline.
Use of Ethanol-Free Fuel for Pulsar Generators:
To avoid the negative effects ethanol has on a Pulsar generator engine, you may choose to use an ethanol-free fuel. You can find this type of fuel at select gas stations.
It is sold as recreation fuel or REC-90. Check out Pure-Gas.org to find a fuel station near you.
Gas and Oil to Use in a 2-Cycle Pulsar Generator
2-Cycle Gas and Oil Mix in a Pulsar Generator
All 2-cycle Pulsar generators require a 2-cycle air-cooled premium oil to be added to gas before adding it to the fuel tank. Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas to your 2-cycle generators.
This will cause the engine to seize up and no longer run. This is because gas runs very dry. Without the lubrication provided by the addition of oil to the gas, the internal parts of the engine won’t be able to move freely.
Most likely, if you accidentally add straight gas to your generator and start it, you will have to replace it with a new one. The engine will be damaged beyond repair.
Your Pulsar 2-cycle generator requires a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 30:1. This means 30 parts gas is mixed with 1 part oil. Refer to the mixing chart below.
When creating this mix, use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (mid-grade) and maximum ethanol content of 10%. Add an air-cooled 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
How to mix gas and oil for a Pulsar 2-cycle generator:
- Use the chart below to determine how much fuel mix to prepare.
- Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 89 octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
- Using the chart for ounces of oil required, add the 2-cycle oil to the gas can.
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add to the Pulsar generator’s fuel tank.
You can use a good air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil like this one from Briggs & Stratton.
2-Cycle Pulsar Gas-to-Oil Mix
| Gas to Oil Mix Ratio | 1 Gallon Gas | 2 Gallon Gas | 2.5 Gallon Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30:1 | 4 oz. Oil | 9 oz. Oil | 11 oz. Oil |
Gas and Oil to Use in a 4-Cycle Pulsar Generator
Gas for 4-Cycle Pulsar Generator
While Pulsar still manufactures some 2-cycle generators, most of their current generators use 4-cycle engines. These types of engines have separate ports for fuel and oil so there is no need to mix fuel and oil.
4-cycle Pulsar Generators require unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher and an ethanol content of 10% or less.
It is best to add a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam or STA-BIL to keep the gasoline from breaking down quickly and to help reduce moisture and gummy deposits in the fuel system.
While using gasoline with a low ethanol content is acceptable, it is not the best option available. The best fuel to use in a pulsar generator is an ethanol-free fuel, but is a more expensive fuel choice.
Engine Oil in a 4-Cycle Pulsar Generator
4-cycle engines have separate fill ports for the engine oil and the fuel. DO NOT mix the oil and fuel together for a 4-cycle engine. Never use 2-cycle oil in a 4-cycle generator.
Oil is required to keep the engine components lubricated. When the wrong type or not enough oil is used, friction can build in the engine and overheat causing your generator not to start and possibly ruin the engine.
Pulsar recommends SAE 10W-30 air-cooled engine oil.
4-Cycle Pulsar Engine Oil Viscosity
| Manufacturer | Engine Oil |
|---|---|
| Pulsar | SAE 10W-30 |
In Summary
The fuel used in your Pulsar generator affects performance. When fuel ages, it can cause corrosion and fuel restrictions.
Follow these simple steps when choosing a fuel for your Pulsar generator:
- Always use fresh gas.
- Make sure the gas contains no more than 10% ethanol.
- Know the type of engine on your Pular (2-cycle or 4-cycle).
- 2-cycle: Mix gas and oil together before adding to the fuel tank.
- 4-cycle: Use straight gas.
- Add a fuel stabilizer so your gas has a longer shelf life without breaking down. Mix with fuel before adding to the fuel tank.
- Store gas in a dry location away from moisture and combustible products.