Portable Power Generator Maintenance Tips
If you need a reliable backup power source, portable generators are a great choice, as they’re convenient, easy to store, and affordable. No matter how you plan to use your generator, it’s important to properly maintain it. After all, your unit isn’t going to provide you with the performance you desire if you don’t keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule.
At Arizona Honda, we want our customers to have all the information they need to make sure that their power equipment keeps running smoothly, season after season. That’s why we’ve created this generator maintenance guide with some useful tips to get you started. If you’re still looking for the perfect unit for your home or business, get in touch with us at our dealership in Snowflake, AZ, to explore our wide selection of portable generators for sale.
Run Your Generator Regularly
We recommend starting up your generator at least once every couple of months. This helps keep the internal components in working order, distributing oil and lubricant, and preventing any buildups that could cause maintenance problems in the future. Just let the generator run for around 30 minutes, giving it time to charge the battery for the electric starter. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your unit is going to turn over and start whenever you need it to.
Oil and Filter Change
As you may already know, any equipment with an engine will need to have its oil and filter checked and changed from time to time. The same goes for your generator, too. New generators will need to have their first oil change after 30 hours of use. Once that is done, you’ll need to change the oil after every 100 hours of operation or at the beginning of each season, whichever occurs first. It’s wise to stock up on filters and oil as you gear up for the season. This will help you avoid last-minute trips to retail stores when a storm hits and there are chances of frequent outages.
Fuel Storage
There are a few options when it comes to fuel storage. This is essential for keeping your generator free of problems. It also ensures your fuel is effective and reliable. When you’re not using your machine, you should always remember to drain the fuel to prevent gum deposits from developing. Fuel with an alcohol blend is especially prone to moisture, which can lead to separation inside the tank. Acidic fluid and gas can build up over time and damage the fuel system if not drained properly.
If you don’t plan on using your generator for a month or more, you’ll need to perform some preventive maintenance before storing it. First, add a gas stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the generator for about ten minutes. Allow the engine to cool and then remove the gas from the tank. Start your generator once again and let it run until it stops from lack of fuel.
Ensure Proper Wattage
Finally, you need to make sure that you have the right wattage for your applications. Each generator has two capacity ratings, one for continuous watts and the other for starting. The continuous wattage rating refers to the maximum power that your generator can supply on an ongoing basis. This is the most important rating to consider when choosing a model.
The starting rating refers to how much extra power the unit can produce for a few seconds when the machine starts up. However, you shouldn’t use this figure alone to determine what equipment you can hook up to your unit. Overloading a generator may cause unexpected system failures and a reduced lifespan. It can also lead to overheating of the engine and alternator, which may result in electrical fires.
By following these portable generator maintenance tips, you should be able to keep your unit working smoothly. If you need professional help to fix any issues, get in touch with us at Arizona Honda. You’ll find us in Snowflake, AZ, where we proudly serve all those in Show Low and Holbrook.