Give a generator a tune-up: At-home maintenance tips

Let’s face it: when the power cuts out, your generator is your lifeline. To make sure it’s always ready to kick in when you need it most, a bit of routine maintenance goes a long way. So, let’s check out some easy at-home tips to give your generator the TLC it deserves.

Keep in mind, this info might not match your generator exactly. We aim to help with all sorts of DIY generator fixes, but different models can have unique steps and parts. For the best advice, it’s a good idea to check your generator’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Regular check-ups

Take a good look

First things first, give your generator a once-over. Keep an eye out for any obvious wear and tear.

• Loose bits and pieces: Make sure all the bolts, nuts, and screws are snug. Loose parts can mess things up.
• Frayed wires: Check the wiring for any frays or exposed spots. Wonky wires can be downright dangerous.
• Rust and corrosion: Spot any rust on the metal parts or gunk on battery terminals? These can throw a wrench in the works.

Watch out for leaks

Have a peek around and under your generator to see if anything’s dripping.

• Oil leaks: If you spot oil stains, it might mean a seal or gasket has gone bad.
• Fuel leaks: Smell gas or see any fuel? Could be a fuel line leak.
• Coolant leaks (if you’ve got ’em): For liquid-cooled generators, puddles of coolant can point to trouble with the cooling system.

Give it a good clean

Spruce up the outside

A clean generator not only looks sharp but also runs better.

• Wipe it down: Grab a soft cloth and dust off those exterior panels.
• Tidy up the area: Get rid of leaves, grass, or any junk around the generator so it can breathe easy.

Clean under the hood

Junk inside the generator can cause headaches down the road.

• Pop it open: Check your manual on how to safely open up the generator casing.
• Clear out the gunk: Carefully remove any dirt or debris with a soft brush or some compressed air.

Swap out the oil and filters

Keep an eye on the oil

Regular oil changes keep your engine happy.

• Peek at the oil level: Use the dipstick to check the oil every 50 hours or so.
• Top up or change it: If it’s low or gunky, drain the old stuff and pour in fresh oil as the manual suggests.

Swap the air and fuel filters

Clean filters help your generator run smoothly.

• Air filter: Find the air filter, take it out, and if it’s dirty, swap it for a new one. A clean filter helps the engine breathe.
• Fuel filter: Change out the fuel filter to keep gunk from clogging up the engine. Usually, this is a once-a-season thing or after heavy use.

Battery care

Show the battery some love

Without the battery, your generator won’t fire up.

• Test the charge: Grab a multimeter and see what the battery’s putting out. Full charge should be about 12.6 volts.
• Clean up the terminals: Unhook the battery and clean off any corrosion with baking soda and water.

Give it a regular run

Keeping the generator running every now and then keeps it in good shape.

• Monthly spin: Run the generator for about 30 minutes each month. This keeps things lubricated and the battery charged.
• Give it a test drive: While it’s running, hook up a small load to mimic real use.

Safety first

Stay safe out there

Safety first, folks!

• Keep it outside: Generators and indoor spaces don’t mix, carbon monoxide is no joke.
• Shelter it properly: Use a canopy or tent to keep it dry but make sure there’s plenty of airflow.

Watch your wattage

Understanding your generator’s capacity prevents overload.

• Add up the watts: Total up the wattage of everything you want to power. Make sure it doesn’t exceed your generator’s limit.
• Don’t overdo it: Overloading can wreck your generator and your appliances.

Be ready when it counts

By keeping up with these simple maintenance tips, you’ll make sure your generator’s good to go whenever the power plays up. Regular check-ups and a bit of elbow grease not only help your generator last longer but also give you peace of mind when the lights go out.

Need parts or more advice? Swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. Our repair help section‘s got extra resources to help you tackle your DIY projects.

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