Since the generator is something you will likely need in an emergency (which is why I assume you bought it), then I'd take it out, fill the crankcase (if 4 cycle), and put some gas in it, and see what happens. There should be instructions for storage -- usually drain gas, run dry, and mist the cylinders (remove plus(s) to do this). There should be instructions that came with the generator that address these issues. Years ago, in a former life, I was a part-time engineer for an AM radio station in Connecticut. We had an emergency generator. Part of my job was to fire it up once a week, just see if it would run, etc., check oil, fuel, and so forth.