Whether you use your generator for standby power or to supply electricity in a remote area, following a comprehensive generator maintenance schedule will help keep it in top operating condition. A big part of a generator’s maintenance involves changing its oil. The frequency of your generator oil changes will depend on the type of generator, usage, and manufacturer guidelines.
A good rule of thumb is that most portable units require an oil change after every 100-200 hours of use. If your generator is brand new, the owner’s manual may tell you to change the oil after the first 25 hours of usage, known as the break-in period. After that, the 100–200-hour interval will begin to apply for all routine oil changes.
Following A Generator Maintenance Schedule To Keep Your Investment Running
Checking other components like filters and spark plugs makes sense when changing your generator’s oil. Make sure to add the following items to your routine generator maintenance schedule:
- Change the Oil Filter – a generator’s oil filter keeps dirt and debris out of the oil. It is important to keep the filter clean and change it often. However, before installing its replacement, lubricate the oil filter gasket with fresh oil to ensure optimal operation.
- Maintain the Air Filter – as a rule of thumb, it’s best to replace your air filter each time you change the generator’s oil. But if you want to clean it between changes instead, simply wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it gently with a clean cloth. Just be careful not to tear the filter.
- Check the Spark Plugs – if you’ve run your generator for any period, it’s a good idea to check your spark plug. In extreme conditions, you may want to check them more frequently. If a spark plug is dirty, you can clean it with a wire brush and replace it using a torque wrench. But if you can’t clean it effectively, replace it with a new one. Just be careful not to overtighten it or break the plug’s porcelain casing.
The Benefits of Regular Generator Maintenance
There are many benefits to following a generator maintenance schedule. Buying a generator is expensive, so you want to make sure to keep it in peak operating condition for many years. Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your generator by:
- Helping you detect issues early – early detection is the best way to minimize performance problems. When you spot an issue while it’s still small, it typically requires less effort to fix. Conversely, if a problem goes undetected, it can cause significant damage to your generator equipment.
- Saving time – small problems take less time to fix than bigger ones. Your generator will be up and running again with less downtime, which increases your productivity and minimizes time waste.
- Saving money – fixing small problems is more cost-effective than dealing with larger ones. If an issue with a generator becomes large enough, you may need to replace the entire piece of equipment.
- Extending the life of your generator – ongoing, regular maintenance helps you maximize the life of your generator and make the most of your investment.
- Increasing the equipment’s efficiency – the less fuel your generator needs, the more money you save. Well-maintained generators burn fuel more efficiently, which will keep your energy costs in check.
- Reducing carbon monoxide production – diesel-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide (an odorless, potentially fatal gas) if they aren’t maintained. Regular maintenance ensures the generator’s engine burns fuel correctly and vents properly.
Am I Responsible For The Maintenance Of My Rental Generator?
Generator rental offers cost-effective, flexible, and reliable power solutions.Renting a generator is a popular option for businesses that have not yet invested in a permanent generator solution. But who is responsible for keeping track of the generator maintenance schedule if you are renting an industrial generator from a rental company? Most generators require a professional service call after 200 to 250 hours of runtime. In some instances, the rental company’s contract makes the customer responsible for servicing the generator while it is in their possession. Other companies will send trained generator technicians to inspect and service their rental generators, which is an added convenience for customers. Make sure to clarify upfront who is responsible for servicing and maintaining all rental equipment, as well as any associated costs for this maintenance before you sign a contract.
A Weekly Generator Maintenance Schedule
Even if the rental company provides technicians for routine service calls, there are some weekly tasks you should add to your generator maintenance schedule to keep the generator at peak operating capacity. These tasks include:
- Starting and running the generator.
- Checking for fluid leaks around the unit.
- Making sure that no alarms have been triggered on the device and that the generator is working properly.
- Checking to make sure the circuit breaker is secure and closed.
- Confirming that the generator is primed and ready for an automatic start.
In addition to this weekly generator maintenance schedule, generator owners (and renters) should follow monthly, semi-annual, and annual service schedules to keep their generators in top operating condition. Even if you’ve only been using your generator for a minimum of 30 minutes a week for routine exercise, you still need a regular generator maintenance schedule to make sure the generator will start during an emergency. Proper prior planning keeps the lights on – and your generator humming along – when grid power fails!
