Maintainance For Portable Generators: Ultimate Guide

Most of us are going to use a portable generator on very rare occasions, potentially a few times a year or even less. Proper storage conditions and maintenance are key to avoid being without electricity when needed the most.

To properly store and maintain a portable generator is necessary to follow the process indicated in the table below. Each one targets a specific component or part of the generator (like the air filter, fuel, engine) and all of them need to be undertaken, with a certain frequency, to guarantee a long generator lifespan.

Generator Maintenance Procedure	Frequency
Dry and Empty Engine Run	Before storing for a period longer than 2 weeks
Change the Oil	After 10 hours of use the first time – 80-100 hours of use after – every season for sporadic use
Check the Oil	Every other time the generator is used
Check and/or Clean the Air Filter	Every 50 hours or every 6 months
Check-Clean the Spark Arrestor	Every 100 hours or 6 months
Check and (or) Replace Spark Plug	Every 100 hours or 6 months
Valve Lash Clearance Check	Every 300 hours or a year
Fuel Filter	Every 100 hours or 6 months
Battery Check	Every 3 months and before use

Dry and Empty Engine Run Before Storing

If the portable generator is not used in the next 2 weeks it is important to 1) empty the tank 2) have a “dry engine run”. Gasoline and diesel fuel are notorious to start clogging your generators after a few weeks.

To empty the tank, once the generator is cooled down and switched OFF, you need to access the carburetor bolt and, with a tool, open it to allow the fuel to drain. Remember to have a bucket or a funnel to drive the fuel into the can. In this case, the fuel valve needs to be in the ON position.

Any fuel “leftover” in the engine needs to be removed. To remove any fuel in the engine, before storage, it is important to follow the following steps in this order to do what I call a “dry and empty engine run”:

• Make sure the generator is totally disconnected from any appliance or load – the generator will run at “empty load”;
• Place the fuel valve in the OFF position – if you are unsure on the OFF position is the one in which the valve (under the fuel tank) is horizontal. This makes the generator run to be “dry”;
• Turn ON the generator (do not add any further fuel);
• Wait until the generator will turn OFF on its own. This means that it has exhausted the fuel within the engine

The four steps above are not meant to empty the tank. A generator running with the switched valve OFF prevents the generator from accessing fuel that is on the tank (the fuel valve OFF closes the tank). Hence, the generator will run just using the little fuel present in the pipes, engine, and carburetor (that’s the name of “dry run”).

We are talking about a small amount that, however, is more than enough to damage the generator after just a few weeks.

It sounds quite easy, but unfortunately reading around, I found quite a bit of misinformation on what should be done and what should not be done and many things can go wrong.

Here a few things that can go wrong:

“Dry engine run” before emptying the tank (rather than vice versa): if you run the generator at valve OFF and then you empty the tank your generator might still have problems. Indeed, when you empty the generator tank, some fuel might go again in the carburetor. Hence, your effort in the “dry run” is useless.

“Dry engine run” with appliances/load connected (rather than without load): you might be tempted to use as much as you can of the energy produce by the generator by supplying your fridge or air conditioner during the dry engine run (when the valve is in OFF position). Do not do that. Indeed, chances are that you are going to lose your generator for good. This is because inside the engine there are magnets that create a magnetic field for the generator to convert the movement (coming from the engine) into electricity. If you supply your appliances during the dry run, once the last usable amount of fuel is over, the generator will give away the last bit of energy. This is the one stored in the magnets. This implies that you will end with a generator with a demagnetized magnet that will not be able to produce energy anymore.

Do not do the “dry engine run”: in this case, you just empty the tank thinking it is enough. It is not. Indeed, more than the tank, is the fuel that “stagnates” in the carburetor and engine that make the most of the damage;

Do not empty the tank (just “dry engine run”): in this case, your engine is saved (as clean) but only the next time you run the generator again. Indeed, in such a case the fuel stored in the tank starts developing residues that, once you run it again, will clog the engine and the carburetor.

Golden TIPS

Here some extra tips I found from some folks that use portable generator quite often:

If you are planning to leave the fuel in the tank, despite not being ideal, you can do so. However, it is essential to add a fuel stabilizer to it.

Empty the tank even if the generator went off on its own. As we already discussed, especially if the valve is OFF, the generator can have still fuel in the tank;

Gasoline is quite bad for generators. Never leave it, even with fuel stabilizer, if possible, take it out if you are not planning to use it within less than 2 weeks;

Apply an automatic transmission fuel engine. This substance is widely used, especially in the car industry, to keep engines clean and last way longer. This liquid is indeed formulated to protect from rust corrosion, to remove particles from the motor, and is also a lubricant. As it works for cars, it works for generators too.

To apply the ATF to a portable generator, after emptying the tank and having done the empty dry run, you should drop some droplets in the tank (with the fuel valve in ON position so it can reach the engine) and pull the hand crank to distribute the liquid in the engine.

Change The Oil: Not So Obvious

The first time the generator is used, the oil should be changed just after 10 hours of use. However, after the first replacement, the oil needs to be changed after 80-100 hours of use.

I do not know the precise reason to change the oil so early the first time. I believe it is because the generator has never been used before and so it might have some impurity due to the manufacturing process or the generator is simply totally dry and more oil is needed.

The 100 hours rule applies if you use the generator regularly. If the generator is used once every so often (like every other year) then the oil might be changed way before the 100 hours of operation, ideally every 3 months.

This is because even the oil, over time, tends to degrade and potentially damage the engine. No need to worry of course for 1-2 years, but if you use the generator once every 2-3 years then your oil, following the 100 hours, should be left in the generator for decades. This is of course something that does not make much sense.

How to change the oil in a portable generator? The oil can be changed following steps:

Turn ON the generator: let run the generator for 5-10 minutes. It does not need to be connected to anything (empty run). This is necessary to warm up the oil and make it more fluid. This will greatly facilitate its removal.

Turn OFF the generator

Place the generator on a horizontal surface: this is important to guarantee that all the oil is removed;

Disconnect the spark plug wire: place it in a place far from the spark plug to avoid any accidental contact between the two. The spark plug looks like a plastic/rubber cylinder and it is connected to the spark plug. It can be removed just with your hand strength (you do not need) a tool. You need to pull it out.

Place a container below the drain oil plug: this is to collect the oil as you do not want to wash the floor (considering that is also hard to remove as it requires soap and hot water). Ideally, you would like to have a funnel to make everything cleaner. If you do not have space below the generator, you can elevate the generator from the ground level by placing at the bottom of it some bricks, pieces of wood, or study material. Be sure to keep it horizontal.

Remove oil drain plug: this is usually a bolt and you need a tool to unscrew it. Many generators adopt a 12-14 mm bolt so you need a 12-14 mm wrench. I usually have an adaptable one.

Screw back the drain plug: this should be done once the oil stopped dripping.

Refill: To know the amount of oil that needs to be placed in the generator you need to make sure that the oil stick is wet with oil until the “full” mark. Remember that the generator should be on a horizontal surface.

Trick

If the oil was old, black it would probably be very dense. This makes its removal harder and very likely there is still oil left inside the engine that just did not go away just by simple gravity. In this case, I place a bit of fresh oil and, with adequate support, shake the generator in both directions so that the new oil can “collect” some of the leftover oil that can drain again.

However, this should be done with an extra person with you and with the generator on the ground as it is quite heavy in case it falls.

One of the causes of why a generator will not start is the lack of oil. Indeed, some modern portable generators are equipped with a so-called oil switch that prevents them from turning ON. This is a smart feature that prevents the user from inadvertently damaging the generator.

Small trick

To know how much oil you need to refill just let the old oil you collected drip in a large measuring cup. So, once the cap is filled, you can read the level and place, in the same cup, new fresh oil at the same amount you took out. However, this should not be necessary if you still have the original oil cap.

Check The Oil

The oil level should be checked at least every other time the generator is used (ideally every time). This should be done before starting teh generator for safety reasons. The oil check is necessary depending on how long the generator is used every time, depending on the environment (very hot or very cold) the oil might need refilling more often than in other conditions.

The oil inspection is the only way to know if this is the case.

I know, many of you might think that this is overkill and not many folks do that, but, it takes only 30 seconds and it is for the advantage to have a long-lasting generator.

How to inspect the engine oil level?

Here how to inspect the generator oil level in 5 steps:

1. Place the generator on a horizontal surface. This is important otherwise the level indication will be unreliable;
   
2. Remove the oil fill cap. You can recognize the oil cap as it is usually plastic and colored (yellow, orange, red, or blue depending on the brand);
   
3. Once unscrewed the cap, you can see the dipstick. Clean it with a cloth or kitchen towel;
   
4. Insert the dipstick and extract it again. Check the oil level. This is the oil mark on the dipstick. There are two levels: one at the top marked with H (high) and one at the bottom marked with (L);
   
5. If the oil level is very close to L then add the oil, replace the dipstick again. It should be close to H. Repeat until this is done.

It is way longer to read than do it. So, if you never did it before, do it now!

Filter Checks

Each portable generator has at least two (if not all) of this filter:

1. Air Filter
2. Oil Filter
3. Filter Cap
4. Fuel Filter

Check and Clean The Air Filter

Each portable generator needs air to run. This is mixed with the fuel within the engine where the mix so created gets ignited and produces a movement that is then converted into energy.

Hence, the air gets inside the engine. If the air is dirty (contains particles or dust) your engine can be seriously damaged.

Damages due to air particles are prevented through the air filter. A portable generator should have the air filter checked and cleaned every 200 hours.

How to check and clean the air filter? Here what to do in

• Remove the plastic cover: the air filter of the most common generators is covered with a black rectangular cover made of hard plastic. It is usually as large as your hand so very easy to spot. At the bottom, there should be a large circular knob. This can generally be unscrewed just with your fingers;
  
• Check the filter: once the cover has been removed you should be able to see the air filter. This appears as a spongy grey material an inch thick. This prevents any dust from ending up inside the engine. If the filter is dirty you will spot patches of different colors on it (oily material, dust) and it will also make your hands dirty.
  
• Clean the filter: use the normal dishwasher or hand soap underwater. Press and release the sponge until the water running out of it is clean. Remember, this is a sponge very similar to the ones you normally use for your dishes, but slightly lighter. The only thing to remember is to not break the sponge during washing.
  
• Let the filter dry: you can shake with your hands to remove the water that is stuck to it and let it dry for one-two hours.
  
• Clean the filter box: use just a wet kitchen towel to remove dust that might be there.
  
• Place the filter back: just place the filter inside the box and close it manually with the bolt.

In some generators, the filter box is visible (especially in the large models). However, for many small inverter portable generators, this is below a large plastic panel that you need to remove first.

Check and Clean The Fuel Filter Cap

Some generators have a fuel filter cap. This is just a small grid, within the fuel inlet in your generator. Such a filter prevents particles that might be on the fuel (especially if old) to reach the engine.

It is generally very small and it is very good practice to clean it.

How to clean the fuel filter cap? Here how can be done in a few steps:

1. Open the fuel inlet: this is the inlet where you place the fuel;
   
2. Remove: with your fingers the filter cap. You should be able to touch it by gently placing the fingers inside the fuel inlet. Remove it gently, you do not want to break it. Remember that not all generators have a fuel filter cap.
   
3. Wash underwater and soap until clean (you will notice);
   
4. Dry: Let the filter dry one hour and you can place it back in the fuel filter;

Check, Clean, Replace The Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is often a forgotten component in a generator as it is often not easily accessible compared to the air filter or engine oil plug.

However, the fuel filter needs to be checked regularly as it allows to stop particles that might be present in the fuel (especially) if old, to reach and damage the engine.

A dirty fuel filter limits the rate by which the engine receives the fuel, important to work correctly. This will cause the generator to choke and, in extreme cases, preventing its start.

Hence, how to check, clean, and repair a fuel filter?

Let the generator cool down: the fuel filter cannot be checked when the engine is operating. The engine needs to be stopped and let cool down.

Empty the fuel tank: this is a must procedure. Indeed, if the fuel tank is not emptied first you might end up with fuel all over the generator and yourself. To empty the thank check the instruction on the previous point

Identify the fuel filter: to find the fuel filter check for the fuel valve first. This is located below the fuel tank. The fuel filter is located “before” the fuel valve (between the fuel valve and the fuel tank). You will not see the fuel filter as it is partially inside the fuel tank and one outlet of the fuel valve. If you think about it this is the best position as it cleans the fuel just out of the fuel tank;

In some type of portable generator, the fuel valve is not there, especially for the cheapest inverter generator. These, for transportability reasons, are made on purpose very small and “smooth looking” with plastic cover on all sides to “hide” the engine.

If you have one of those (and not a portable open generator), all the plastic covers need to be removed first. Once done, you can see the fuel tank and a pipe below it to drive the fuel to the engine.

Take the fuel filter out: once you identified the pipe that is coming out from the fuel valve or directly from the fuel tank (in case there is no fuel valve as in some inverter generator) you need to slide out that pipe.

If you have a portable generator, that is easy, just push gently the pipe down. You will see that at the top there will be a white (probably yellow now) plastic cylinder. That is the fuel filter.

In case you have a large open frame generator, and a fuel valve, you need to remove the fuel valve first. To do so, you need to lose the bolt at teh bottom of the fuel valve. The fuel valve will come out (disconnecting from the fuel tank) and so the fuel filter.

Check the fuel filter: this filter is just a hard plastic grid. Hence, if you see that those tiny holes are clogged with a small slimy piece of something (that is fuel deposit) it is time to wash it.

Clean the fuel filter: to clean the fuel filter you cannot use water. It is not recommended as you do not want the water to go inside the engine once you place it back. Hence, it is common practice to wash with fresh fuel. Use an old toothbrush ideally or your finger to wash off all the impurity in the filter. Once done, let it try for an hour on a clean and dry surface. You want the filter to be free of any residue. If the filter is clogged or damaged it is good practice to buy a new one.

Place everything back: once the fuel valve is clean, place it inside the pipe or the fuel valve and close everything as it was

Check The Valve Lash Clearance

Hopefully, this is something that hopefully is not very needed very often. This can be a problem if you are running your generator for a very long time or if you bought it second hand. In the latter case, the previous owner (which happened to many of my friends) tried to put it top-notch before selling by over adjusting the valve lash.

The valve clearance in a generator is the space between the rocker arm and the pushrod in the generator. Between the two it is normal to have a very small space (fraction of a millimeter). You also have to be sure this clearance is good for both the intake and the exhaust valve. They are easy to locate as the exhaust valve is on teh side of the engine exhaust (where the burned products come out).

To perform this task you need a feeler gauge as otherwise, it would be impossible to set so small a clearance.

Hence, how to set the check and set the proper valve clearance? To set the valve clearance in a portable generator it is necessary to

Engine off: this operation should be run only when the engine is cold with no load attached to it.

Remove the valve lash cover: In a generator, this is a relatively large metal cover with a bolt on top of it. If you are unsure where it is check your manual. If you do not have a manual just type the name and model on Google and it will come out with a pdf version of it.

Check the clearance: with your feeler gauge check the clearance. By moving them with your finger you will easily realize if there is too much clearance (remember, it should be a fraction of a millimeter) or too little. If you are using the generator for long the clearance is likely too large.

Adjust the clearance (if needed): the next step is to adjust the clearance. Place the feeler gauge of the size required (the clearance in the user manual). Then regulate with your hands the adjustment nut. This should be rotated just enough rocker arm and the pushrod to touch the feeler gauge. Once done, keep fixed (with a wrench) the adjustment nut and rotate the Jam nut to fix everything in place. The jam nut is on top and the adjustment just below. Check your generator manual and the video below.

Place back the cover: once done cover the valve lash and your engine ready to go again.

Inspecting and Cleaning the Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor is a device, present in all portable generators, that, as the name suggests, prevents sparks (i.e., very hot particles) from reaching the outside. This is very important as it prevents fire especially if you are using your generator for instance on dry grass during summer.

The spark arrestor needs to be checked and cleaned otherwise the exhaust might remain trapped within the engine.

How to inspect and clean the spark arrestor in a portable generator? It is relatively easy and it can be performed in a few steps:

Turn off the generator and let it cool down: this maintenance operation, as many others before, should be performed on a cold generator.

Find the spark arrestor: this is usually located on the back of the generator. It comes in different shapes and sizes, but is usually round and has the aspect of a small net from the outside. You might need to remove some plastic panels, especially for the small inverter generators.

Extract the spark arrestor screen: very often here you need a screwdriver to remove the screw that fixes the spark arrestor in place. Some spark arrestors also have a screen cylinder. Check your generator manual. If placing one finger within the hole left by the grid you can take out a cylinder net then it is part of the spark arrestor.

Check, Replace, or Clean: If the spark arrestor screen shows signs of any clear damage it needs to be replaced as will be unable to fulfill its purpose. If the spark arrestor does not show any clear sign of damage then you can clean it with a toothbrush to remove any trace or residue on it.

Screw everything back: place the cleaned/new spark arrestor in place. Screw the spark arrestor screen and the eventual generator plastic side you might have removed in the process;

Check and Remove Spark Plug

Having a faulty spark plug will not simply prevent the generator from starting. A faulty spark plug can cause a large variety of issues such as sudden acceleration and bad fuel usage.

The spark plug, as the name suggests, is that small device (a few inches long) that creates the spark needed to ignite the air/fuel solution within the engine.

How do you check and replace the spark plug in a portable generator? This can be done by:

Turn off the generator and let it cool down: again this is another maintenance process that requires the generator to be off.

Identify the location of the spark plug cap: the spark plug itself is quite small and not visible. However, the cap that is very easy to spot can be unplugged with your bare hand (no tool needed). The spark plug cap is easy to recognize as it is located at the end of a pipe and presents a kind of handle (check the figure below). Just pull it out with your hands.

Unscrew the spark plug: the spark plug should be now exposed. You should use a spark plug wrench. It is often included when you buy the generator.

Check the gap: one of the reasons why the spark plug might not work correctly is the gap at the top. This should not be over a certain range as indicated in the manual. In case the distance (usually slightly less than a millimeter) is too high you can either reduce it (with a feel gauge) or just buy a new spark plug. Given that a spark plug is a slightly more complex device than a simple filter I usually replace it.

Replace the spark plug (check the code): check your generator manual and or the old spark plug to identify the code number. This will allow you to identify the spark plug that perfectly fits your generator.

Battery Check and Replacement

Those portable generators with electric start and inverter are also equipped with a battery. Of course, this is not meant to provide energy to your appliances as such batteries are way too small. Their purpose is to allow the generator to start (providing energy to the spark plug) and supply the electronics that your generator might have such as part of the inverter electronics and those lights and buttons you might have on the front panel of the generator.

The battery needs to store and deliver energy to some components of the portable generators. A faulty battery can also prevent a generator to start. Besides, the battery tends to deteriorate over time.

If a portable generator is not going to be used for a long time (a few months or more) it is good practice to remove the battery and place it in a cold, dry, and dark place. A shelf in a garage is an ideal place.

How to extract, check, and replace a battery in a portable generator? This can be done by:

Turn off the generator: the generator should be off and not connected to any appliances or device.

Identify the battery: this is relatively straightforward. Indeed, independently from the generator model you have, batteries are black, rectangular plastic boxes that are always visible in an open frame generator and you can identify easily in an inverter type once removing the (eventual) side panels. They are relatively small in size (5-6 inches long).

Remove the battery: remove the rubber boots (just pull it up) and this should you the battery terminal. Unscrew the terminal, remove the cables connected to it (one red cable and one black cable) and remove the battery from its socket. It is suggested to remove first the red cable (+) and then the black (-).

Store the battery: place the battery in a cold, dry, and dark space. This applies if you are not planning to use the generator in the close future. This operation guarantees a longer battery life. In this case, I would recommend, if you have it, to connect the battery to a trickle charger. This will keep your battery young, fresh, and more importantly charged when you need it. Remember, this device will consume very little electricity as will not provide energy to the battery if already charged of course. Another way to keep the battery charged is to turn on the generator for 15 minutes (empty dry with no devices connected to it). This will keep the charging level up until the next 2-3 months.

Replace a new battery: if the battery has any evident sign of deterioration or simply does not provide the energy for the start (you need a multimeter to verify this) then buy a new one and replace it following the previous instruction. Remember, to screw back the black first (- terminal) and then the red terminal (+ terminal).

The battery in your portable generator follows a similar principle to your car battery. It recharges through the movement produced by the engine itself. This means that if you use your portable generator often the battery is very likely fully charged.

However, the opposite is also true.

If you are using your generator after a long break and you did not take care of your battery (as discussed above), then the generator battery will be totally or almost discharged. So remember to use a trickle charger as suggested or at least run the generator every so often.

Backfeeding

This is a strange and very dangerous common practice among those using portable generators. Many of those users do not even know of the risks they are causing to others.

backfeeding happens when a portable generator is providing electricity to a house (or part of it) and also to the main electricity network.

How does this happen?

The main electricity network is connected to your house through so-called “switches”. These are normally closed and let the energy of the network come through your house. However, the opposite is also true. If the generator is giving energy to your house and those switches are closed, the main network will be “under tension”.

In case a person from the electricity company is working to repair the problem in that network (this because if you are without electricity there is a problem) that person can get electrocuted and potentially be severely injured.

backfeeding happens when the generator is connected to a house plug through a male to male cable leaving on the main house switches.

What you should do, especially if you have not much idea of the danger, is to use a transfer switch. This is good practice and avoids other dangerous mistakes.

Air Compressor Clean and Lock Before Storing

If you use the generator during your RV excursion or for outdoor work (perhaps involving woodcutting) then there are very high chances that your generator can get clogged with dust. This is a problem in the long term and can cause serious damage to your generator if such a part ends up in the engine.

Hence, on top of checking the air filter and the spark arrester (that might be already saturated) remember to give a good air compressor clean (if you have any) to your generator before storing.

You do not need an expensive air compressor (that can be useful for many other things) or a big one.

Depending on where you live you want to lock the portable generator when stored (and even in use if left unattended).

Indeed, portable generators are relatively easy to carry and the open frame model (if you have one of them) they are quite expensive. You can use something as simple as a long bike chain lock if you can lock close to sturdy support or a really heavy object in your garage.

Stocks Up For When Needed (Fuel and Replacement Parts)

If you use your generator during emergencies, having the energy to supply your house when you want to, is a must. Having the generator in place, with a good maintenance schedule is not enough. You do not want to run to a probably shut shop after a serious weather event to look for that piece of the component needed for your generator.

Having a small stock up the following on your garage it is a very good idea to make your generator ready to supply your house in an emergency:

Engine Oil: this is a must to have in your garage given that if you seldom use your machine it is a good idea to replace the oil before each use. If you buy the engine oil and you keep it close it can last up to 2-3 years.

Fuel: this is kind of controversial. Indeed, diesel and gasoline have a short lifespan. For this fuel, you can add to the fuel tank where you are storing them (not the generator tank!) some fuel stabilizer so they can last at least one to 2 years. However, if you have propane buy a tank or two. They will last decades if nothing wrong with the tank itself (quite rare).

Spark Plug: this is a cheap item that you can buy for a tenner or less. It lasts many years if stored in a dry and cold place.

Air Filter: this is more a plus as in general, the generator can work (even if I do not recommend it at all) with a slightly dirty air filter. Given its cost, why not buy a new one and keep it in the garage. It lasts many years (it is a sponge).

Check (and Save) The Receipt and Warranty

Every generator comes with some kind of “promise” from the manufacturer to help you out when the generator does not work. Of course, what you need to check is what the warranty exactly says. More precisely

1. Warranty Length: some generators have a one-year warranty while more expensive models can have up to 3 years. Any problem beyond that date and there is not much assistance you can ask the manufacturer;
   
2. Running hours: some generators have also a limit in running hours. This can be as low as 600. This is good enough if you use the generator just in an emergency. But, 600 hours, is less than 30 days of continued use;
   
3. User mistake not covered: if the generator receives any visible damage (a fall)there are very low chances to receive any help from the manufacturer;
   
4. Third-party repair not allowed: if the generator has been repaired by a thrid party (that is not authorized in any way by the generator manufacturer) chances are that the manufacturer will consider breaching the warranty

Tip

Remember to save the receipt. If you can scan it or even better convert it in PDF (some apps can do it for free on your phone with just a simple picture). Indeed, the ink in the current recipe tends to fade in just a few months.

Calendar Schedule and Label

I do not know you but I do like being organized. It is really convenient and it saves lots of money, time, and troubles for all the problems you can avoid. Think about it.

A 10 minutes check 3 times a year can save you hundreds of dollars of food that will go to waste, the frustration of not even being able to take a warm shower in winter when your generator does not work as it should.

However, when time passes, we tend to forget (at least me) of such important checks until the very last moment when the time comes and we need to turn on the generator after not being touched for a year or so.

The ideal app I do use it on my phone. It is Google Calendar. If you have a Gmail account that comes for free. Just place a control every 3 months, ideally on a weekend morning, so you are used to doing it. It sends you a reminder on the phone when times come.

The check can be as simple as running the generator for 10 minutes and connecting a small portable appliance to it (whatever power tool you have in your garage). If all works, you are done. The battery indeed has been charged, the oil (due to the engine movement) has been moved around and everything is up and running.

Once you are done leave a little label on top of the generator (In my case is just a piece of paper with a tape with the date the last time I ran it).

If the generator is going to be off for a long time, the air filter, spark plug do not need to be checked as often. However, the oil needs to be checked (level and color) as it tends to degrade over time.

Do not forget to remove the fuel when you are done. For the fuel, you are saving in a tank (if diesel or gasoline) do use a fuel stabilizer. Otherwise, the next time you run the engine to check its state, the fuel might be unusable.

If your generator does not work check the above list. And be grateful! Better find out now than when you needed it!

2 Common Mistakes During Your Generator Maintenance

Making your generator last longer is not difficult. You just need to be a bit organized and follow these guidelines and you will be sorted. However, there are a few things that can go wrong and I hear many people complaining off.

Here a compilation of the most common mistakes in maintaining a portable generator.

Fuel Valve ON During Transport

As discussed above the fuel valve has the main objective to let the fuel slowly drip in the engine during normal operation. When the valve is OFF (horizontal position) the fuel will remain in the tank. The fuel valve should always be OFF when the generator is not in use. However, this is something that many (me as well) forget to do.

Suppose you want to move your generator. This is not a massive problem however, in case you lift and move too much (wabbling) the fuel in the tank can move too quickly and access parts of the engine that are normally accessed, especially when the engine is off. More precisely, it can pass through the carburetor and up to the intake valve.

This can cause permanent damages to the generator engine. The engine will try to compress the fuel in liquid form (that should not be in that part of the engine) causing permanent damage of the generator.

Filling The Oil Twice

Some generators (as many of the generac brand) have two points where the oil can be placed. This allows the user to choose the closest point or the one accessible at the moment.

However, you should not fill the oil in both inlets as this can cause problems to the filters and even engine choke.

Choose one oil inlet and stick to it.

Takeaway

A portable generator can be one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your garage and one of the most valuable when a hurricane or tornado leaves you and your family without electricity.

Maintenance is then extremely important especially when you are going to use a generator only during an emergency.

The most important maintenance checks you need to do are:

• Empty and dry charge before storing
• Do not leave fuel into the generator tank if not for short period and with the addition of fuel stabilizer
• Check and eventually change the engine oil
• Check and clean the air filter
• Check and eventually replace the spark plug
• Clean the generator from dust
• Stock up in fuel, oil, and a replacement part (especially the cheap ones)
• Make sure you know where to find the generator receipt of purchase and warranty
• Make a schedule on your phone or any visible calendar you use regularly. One quick generator run every 3 months will be ideal, but at least every 6.