Maintaining Your Home Generator

Did you know that a generator’s required maintenance is the replacement of the engine oil, oil filter and a complete tune-up at every 200 hours or 2 years, (or whichever occurs first)? Staying on top of your generator’s maintenance can help you prepare for power outages and guarantee a longer operating life span.

Here are some essential requirements to remember about your maintenance plan.

Oil

It’s important to change your standby generator’s oil on a regular basis. To perform an oil change, empty the old oil and replace it with 2 quarts of new oil (don’t forget to replace your old, dirty oil filter). 

Spark Plugs

It’s time to change out your old spark plugs for new ones after a year of use. Installing the new spark plugs can ensure that your generator runs smoothly.

Air Filter

Replacing the air filter is a really easy step in your generator maintenance plan. A new air filter will help your generator perform at full capacity during the next power outage.

A STANDBY GENERATOR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

*Recommending the following checklist to help homeowners maintain their standby generators:

Weekly Maintenance

• Run the generator (typically no-load, automatic transfer switch exercise cycle).
• Verify that the unit ran and has no alarms or warnings.
• Ensure adequate fuel levels.
• Ensure that the generator is in “Auto” mode.
• Check that the circuit breaker is closed.
• Make sure there are no fluid leaks.

Monthly Maintenance

• Check engine coolant level.
• Check engine oil level.
• Check the battery charger.

Bi-Annual Maintenance 

• Inspect the enclosure.
• Check the battery electrolyte level and specific gravity.
• Check battery cables and connections.
• Inspect drive belts.
• Inspect the coolant heater.
• Check coolant lines and connections.
• Check for oil leaks and inspect lubrication system hoses and connectors.
• Check for fuel leaks and inspect fuel system hoses and connectors.
• Inspect the exhaust system, muffler and exhaust pipe.
• Check and clean air cleaner units.
• Inspect air induction piping and connections.
• Inspect the DC electrical system, control panel and accessories.
• Inspect the AC wiring and accessories.

Annual Maintenance 

• Change oil and filter.
• Change the fuel filter.
• Change the air filter.
• Clean the crankcase breather.
• Change spark plugs.
• Check coolant concentration.
• Flush the cooling system (as needed).
• Perform load bank testing.
• Fuel testing & reconditioning (diesel-fueled units only).
• Remove water from fuel tank (diesel-fueled units only)