A generator is there to provide power in remote areas or to deliver electricity during a power outage. To ensure you always have the power you need, when you need it, regular maintenance is critical.
Some maintenance tasks should be performed each time you use the generator, while others can be spaced out over weeks, months or years. You may perform certain maintenance tasks yourself, but it’s best to leave more involved tests and procedures to maintenance professionals.
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Ideally, you’ll divide your generator maintenance tasks into daily, weekly, monthly and annual tasks. The preferred schedule for your generator depends on how frequently you use it and under what conditions.
Some maintenance tasks should be performed each time you use the generator, which means you may need to perform basic maintenance daily. Others can be reserved for weekly or monthly updates. The big maintenance tests, such as an inspection by a certified technician or oil and filter changes, can be performed once or twice a year.
Whether you use your generators for standby power or to supply electricity in a remote area, there are multiple benefits to keeping them in the best condition possible:
Our skilled technicians are steadfast in their commitment to maintaining the peak performance of your generators, conducting routine inspections and attentive maintenance services. And when unexpected need arises? We’re always ready, offering around-the-clock emergency services, 24/7 for unprecedented peace of mind.
Whether performed daily, weekly, monthly or annually, every generator inspection should start with looking at the equipment to see if there are any notable or new signs of wear. You should also look for signs of leaking or dirt on the generator.
After a quick visual inspection, the tasks you perform depend on where you are in the maintenance schedule.
If you run your generator daily, here’s what to look for:
You’ll usually be able to see signs of an oil leak on the floor or ground around the generator. Signs of a rodent or insect infestation can be harder to spot. Keep an eye out for chew marks, droppings or the critters themselves.
When you power the generator on for the day, pay attention to any warning lights that come on or alarms that sound. Never ignore warning lights — you’ll want to correct any issues they indicate quickly, before they cause damage to the equipment or lead to more problems.
If you only run the generator weekly, you’ll perform the daily maintenance tasks at that time. On top of those tasks, there are a few other things you’ll want to check:
You’ll want to run the generator in automatic mode to ensure that feature is functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to turn the generator on and examine the exhaust system weekly. Inspect the manifold, muffler and exhaust pipes to ensure they aren’t leaking or overheating.
Listen to the engine — it should purr, not buzz. It shouldn’t smoke or vibrate excessively either.
Certain inspection and maintenance tasks need to be performed monthly, such as battery and coolant inspection.
Inspect the coolant level and the oil level, making sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines. It’s also a good idea to inspect the coolant concentration. A 1:1 ratio of antifreeze to water is ideal.
You will likely need to clean the battery cables and cell ports monthly, using a soft toothbrush to remove dirt and corrosion.
You may also need to replace the oil and spark plugs monthly as well, depending on how much use your generator sees. You might consider performing load testing each month to confirm the generator operates correctly.
Most maintenance tasks should be performed annually to keep your generator operating smoothly, as doing so will extend its service life. While you can perform daily, weekly and monthly tasks yourself, you may consider bringing in a certified technician to perform an annual maintenance inspection.
Some of the tasks that should be performed as part of an annual maintenance schedule include:
The exact maintenance procedures your generator needs during its annual inspection will depend on the type of equipment you have, its age and your technician’s recommendations. If you keep up with weekly and monthly maintenance, your generator will likely need less care and attention during its annual tuneup.
H.O. Penn is a full-service provider of Cat® commercial power systems, which provide reliable electricity even in remote locations. Our technicians can provide regular inspections and maintenance service for your generators. We’re also on call and available to provide emergency service 24/7.
To set up your generator’s maintenance and inspection schedule, contact us today for a quote.