Generator Maintenance Tips

These instructions are for maintenance of a modern 3,000 to 5,000 watt, air cooled, gasoline engine generator for residential service. Most points, however, apply to all generators.

Remember: gasoline and diesel fuels require special care for proper and safe storage, so they don’t become unusable as gums and gels form when not in use, or they become contaminated by water and dirt. Special additives can prevent these problems.

Warnings and Cautions

■      Is your generator wiring safely insulated AND properly grounded?

■      Disconnect main breaker (and non-critical circuits) before starting generator.

■      Connect auxiliary breaker panel to generator output. Observe correct polarity.

■      Never refuel engine while it is running. Fire Hazard!

■      Once you have started your generator, do not start all your appliances at once. Turn them on one at a time. Avoid using the biggest loads simultaneously.

■      Most generators are not designed to work inside your home. They should be placed outside, secured and protected from the weather to avoid carburetor or breather icing.

■      A generator should not be left running without someone nearby to supervise. It may overheat and cause a fire. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.

■      If your generator causes a fire, your fire insurance may not pay if your generator was not CSA-approved or was not installed by a master electrician.

After the first five hours

■      Change oil. Use 10W30 motor oil or 5W30. Use synthetic oil to prolong engine life and ease starting in cold weather.

After every 50 hours

■      Change oil.

After four months

■      Start engine and run for 15 to 20 minutes with electrical load to maintain engine and generator.

Annual maintenance—fall is best

■      Start engine and run with electrical load until it runs out of fuel—this can take all day.

■      Refuel with fresh fuel (ethanol blended regular gasoline is recommended and burns 30% cleaner).

■      Clean and lubricate battery terminals with wire brush and petroleum jelly if there is corrosion.

■      Inspect air and fuel filters and fuel shutoff for cleanliness.

Every five years

■      Replace battery, air filter and fuel filter.

■      Replace fuel lines if deteriorated.

General

■      Check oil level with every tank of fuel used.

■      Use a fuel stabilizer for fuel storage of up to one year.

■      If not using a fuel stabilizer, do not store or use fuel more than one month old (stale gasoline is not a dependable fuel).

■      Keep generator fuel tank full to reduce condensation in tank (less of a concern if using ethanol blend).

■      Keep a spare spark plug and wrench nearby.

■      Have the generator tuned if it has been used extensively or runs poorly.