Understanding Your Generator
If you are not very mechanically inclined and you just bought a new generator you might need some instruction on how to care for If you really are a newby and don't know where to start find a schematic of a typical generator with the parts already laid out on it and study it. A generator like your car needs regular maintenance to keep it at optimum running levels. You wouldn’t neglect checking your oil or putting fuel in your car, the same holds for your generator. This guide will take you through the basics.
Regular Maintenance
Generator maintenance begins by consulting your user manual. All the necessary steps should be in there along with the type of fuel and oil which works best on your generator. Maybe the most important part of regular maintenance is checking the oil. In general it should be changed every 50-60 hours of use. If you are not using it, three months is about the time you want to change your oil whether you think it needs it or not. If your generator has just been sitting for a while it’s a good idea to run it for about 30 minutes every month just to keep all the moving parts lubricated.
Checking for Wear and Tear
Always be looking out for signs of wear and tear. This usually comes in the form of the machine making noises that do not sound normal. Or if you see black or white smoke coming out of the exhaust. Problems are usually minor but some can be devastating and actually break your machine.. If you cannot diagnose the problem yourself, call a qualified technician to take a look at it for you.
Keeping it Clean
A very easy but very important aspect of generator health is just to keep it clean. Wipe the dust from its exterior. Checking the air filter for any clogging. As long as the machine is not running when the power is out you can remove the air filter and clean it with warm water and a mild soap. Otherwise keep an extra on hand during those occasions. Always follow these steps when cleaning your generator in this order
- Turn off the Generator.
- Remove the Spark Plug.
- Drain the Fuel Tank.
- Start Cleaning the Exterior.
- Clean the Air Filter.
- Clean the Cooling System.
- Clean Oil and Fuel Filters.
- Clean the Air Filter.
storage
Store your generator in a cool dry place.. Keep it covered to prevent excess dust getting on it or hard rain. It should never be stored or used inside a living space because it can give off carbon monoxide fumes.
Conclusion
Taking care of your generator might seem like a big task, but it's quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. Plus, a well-maintained generator ensures your peace of mind during power outages, making it worth the effort!
