If you have a generator and want to ensure it ages like fine wine, it’s important to know what is required and how to follow the steps needed to keep it in good health. A lot of owners will do this for a few months and then forget. It is essential to stay as committed to the process as possible. If you are not doing this, you are going to see awful results and the generator is going to give out over time. Here is a breakdown of what you need when learning how to maintain a generator.
Generator Maintenance
Clean Regularly
You will want to clean the generator to make sure debris does not ruin one of the components. It is common for this to happen if you are taking the generator from place to place. Don’t take any chances and make sure to clean the generator whenever you get the chance. Most people will have a schedule set up for this part of the maintenance. The goal is to clean it after every use and ensure you create a separate cleaning schedule that is far more thorough. If you do this, the generator is going to age gracefully.
Store in a Safe Spot
You will want to always keep the generator in a safe spot on-site. This will ensure it does not get damaged when being moved around. This alone is a real concern and it is something you will want to stay on top of at all times. If you don’t, it will get ruined.
Empty The Tank After Each Use
You will have to see whether or not the tank is empty. Always empty the tank when you have used the generator. You don’t want the fuel to be sitting inside the tank as that can ruin the generator. If you own a multi-fuel generator or use propane instead of gasoline, this is a piece of cake.
Check the Wattage Capacity
The generator’s performance will always be important and it is one thing you will have to think about in greater detail. This includes determining the wattage capacity. If you don’t do this, you are not going to be sure about the overall health of the generator. Check it often and ensure it is at 100%. This is especially important if you are using the generator as a backup power source for your home.
Check The Fuel Lines
The fuel lines tend to give a lot of trouble when you are not checking up on them. The goal is to ensure the fuel is going through to where it needs to at all times. If there are any issues in this regard, the generator is either going to start blowing smoke or it won’t work at all. The main issue is ensuring the fuel line is unobstructed and has no damage to it. If it does, you will want to fix the issue before something gets ruined or the generator stops working.
Regular Oil Changes
Follow the manufacturer’s suggested schedule for changing the oil and do not deviate from the plan. Regular oil changes help to ensure the engine parts are properly lubricated and functioning at peak performance at all times. Also, ensure that you change the oil after breaking in the generator and start with a fresh fill.
Inspect The Exterior
Yes, the interior of the generator is of utmost importance but that does not mean you forget about the exterior during the process. It’s important to go through everything and make sure you are inspecting it in full detail. This includes assessing each part of the exterior and whether or not it is holding up well. If not, you will want to fix the problem before the generator gives out.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a generator is all about taking your time to understand what it requires and following through with that requirement. You will have to set a schedule where everything is kept up to date. This includes checking the wattage capacity, fuel lines, oil, and overall durability. Keeping your generator in top working condition is essential to extending its life. It doesn’t take much time as long as you follow a schedule and are consistent in following the maintenance steps.
