Useful Generator Maintenance Tips
Proper generator maintenance is essential for its optimal functioning. When a generator is regularly and properly maintained, it can operate without a problem for many years, and that means you will reap the most from your investment. It also ensures that you do not face power outages from time to time. Maintenance of a generator has to be done every time it is used and when it has been stored for long without being operated. You must never wait until the generator stop working because that will be too late. Here are proven generator maintenance tips that will keep your generator running smoothly for long.
Check and change the oil regularly. The single most important thing that your generator needs to keep it functioning like a new one is to change its oil at least after about 20 hours of running. This mostly applies to new generators but for new ones you change the oil every 100 hours of using it. You should keep extra oil and filters where the generator operates for emergency purposes. You never know you will need to change the oil at precisely what time, and that can be inconveniencing a lot if you have to move out and look for oil and filters in times of emergency. Many generators have an effective low-oil indicator as well as a low-oil shutoff. You should, therefore, be checking the oil level in your generator to be sure that there is enough. Waiting until the oil is extremely low might gradually damage the engine.
The other tip to maintaining the generator is never to let the gas run out entirely.Many generators run for some hours before they are completely out of gas. It is always advisable to power down the generator before the last drop of the fuel is used up. Letting your generator stop running due to fuel exhaustion may damage the generator coils. This is because the engine will cut out while the machine is still giving out power. Therefore ensure that there is enough fuel on the generator at all times to avoid frequent replacement of the coils. It is also advisable that you unplug any appliances from the generator before you power it down to decrease the chances of damaging the generator.
Allow the generator to cool down before you refuel. You should never be in a hurry to start the generator after refueling because of the potential fire breakout, especially if there are gasoline spills on the hot engine parts. The possibility of any fire breaking out is dangerous for the user and can damage the generator completely. You should wait for about 17 minutes for the generator to cool off before you refuel.
You should also avoid using state gasoline as it can damage the engine permanently. You should, therefore, empty your gas tank if you are planning to put the generator away for some months. Use the drain that most generators have to empty the carburetor easily and completely. You should also consult an expert technician whenever you notice any unusual behavior in the generator.