Generator Maintenance Tips
Portable generators are extremely useful in situations that prevent you from relying on the local power grid. Of course, if your generator itself is unreliable, that can be a major problem. That’s why the experts at Lawn Land have created this guide to generator maintenance.
Oil and Filters
A new portable generator will usually require its first oil change after its first 30 hours of usage. Subsequent oil changes should occur every 100 hours. You should also remember to swap out the oil filters every time you perform an oil change. We advise performing an oil change at the beginning of each new season, even if it’s been less than 100 hours since the last oil change.
Run Your Generator Regularly
Oil and other lubricants tend to build up if a generator goes for long periods of time without being used. That’s why we recommend running your generator for about half an hour every two months if it isn’t otherwise being used. If you’re actively using your generator this isn’t necessary, but keep this information in mind for the off-season.
Fuel Storage
Unused fuel that sits in your generator’s systems for too long can cause gum deposits to form on important components. If your generator is going to go unused for a month or longer, add a fuel stabilizer and run the generator for about 10 minutes to clear out some of the gunk. Then, let the engine cool and completely drain the fuel tank. Restart your generator and allow it to run until it stops due to lack of fuel. You can then safely store your generator.
Ensure Proper Wattage
If you look at your generator’s manual, you’ll see two listed capacity ratings. The first rating represents continuous watts, a representation of the amount of power the generator can put out on a prolonged basis. The second, higher rating includes the extra power that the generator can produce when the electric motor first starts up. This second number is deceptive because the generator will only provide that much power for a few seconds after start-up. If you expect your generator to output that much power on a sustained basis, it will quickly burn out. That’s why you should use the first rating when shopping for generators.
Shop generators at Lawn Land. Our dealership in Denton, Texas offers convenient access to communities like Granbury and Gainesville, Texas, so stop on by!