How to Make a Generator Maintenance Checklist

Taking adequate care of your generator is essential for it to have a long life. Here's how to make a comprehensive generator maintenance checklist.

As a generator owner, a comprehensive generator maintenance checklist comes handy. You have to check to make sure you have oil and gas in your unit. Only 18.3 percent of U.S. single-family homes own a generator.

If you own one, do routine maintenance that meets the generator manufacturer's guidelines. Meeting appropriate care guidelines saves you money because you won't buy a new generator soon or annul your warranty.

Why You Should Make a Generator Maintenance Checklist

If you wonder why you should keep a generator maintenance checklist, then think of reliability. A checklist helps you ensure you have a reliable backup during a power outage.

To grasp the benefit of proper maintenance, recognize why you purchased a generator in the first place. In most cases, you want it to serve as a backup in case of short- and long-term emergencies. You got it because you can rely on it anytime you really need power.

Using your generator as backup comes with challenges. Your unit could remain unused for a long time, increasing the chance the machine won’t function properly. Moving parts may become clogged, rust could set in and fuel might become corrupted.

Unfortunately, you could confront your generator's problems just when you need it the most -- during a power outage. That's why maintenance is crucial.

How to Create a Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist

When you develop your generator maintenance checklist, there are two basic things you need to consider:

• The systems to inspect
• The schedule of inspections

Let's start with the first of these.

The Systems You Should Inspect

Your checklist should start with a general visual inspection of the generator. It's important you do not forget to service all the following systems:

• Alternator
• Coolant system
• Electrical system, including battery and charger
• Transfer switches
• Lubrication system
• Fuel system
• Air system

To inspect all those systems can prove to be daunting. So we narrowed your maintenance checklist to only the most important. It begins with a visual inspection.

Visual Inspection

• Always use a bright flashlight to get a better picture of what is going on.
• Take a thorough look at the unit.
• Preserve the visual image in your memory so you'll notice any difference.
• Make sure the place where air enters your unit is free of debris.
• Ensure there is no corrosion, jackets, fluid leaks or torn gaskets.

The next step involves the inspection of the specific systems.

Electrical System

• Ensure the batteries are charged.
• Make sure the batteries can perform under load. Starting the unit will help confirm this.
• Make sure battery connections are clean.
• Check the specific gravity and electrolyte levels.
• Finally, check the wiring for any insulation breaks. Look for any loose connections

Fuel System

• Ensure you clean or replace the fuel filters using the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Check fuel lines for any leaks.
• Test the fuel to ensure it’s usable.
• If it’s a diesel unit, do not store fuel in the tank for more than 12 months.
• Use suitable fuel additives.
• Keep a record of your generator's fuel consumption. Pay attention to any changes.

Cooling System

• Ensure the radiator is clean and airflow is unrestricted.
• Examine the coolant levels
• Make certain the coolant you use is approximate and in the proper concentration.

Run the Generator

• Run your generator at least 30 minutes every month.
• Make sure it operates under thirty percent load.
• Pay extra attention to any unusual noise or vibration.
• Look for any leaks or fumes.
• Use an infrared thermometer to measure the stack temperature.
• Examine fuel pressure.
• Use a transfer switch to start the generator. This ensures the entire system works well.
• If it has more than one transfer switch, start the generator with a different one monthly.

The Inspection Schedule

How you schedule the inspections outlined above is important. But making sure you follow the schedule is equally important.

The visual inspections should be done monthly. If your generator has an extended run-time, adjust the visual inspection.

The schedule of inspections can be divided into:

1. Weekly
2. Monthly
3. Twice-Annual
4. Annual

Weekly Inspections

This is the scheduling for testing that your unit is running at an optimum level without any fuel leaks or alarms. Ensure that the quantity of the fuel is adequate and the circuit breaker is closed.

Monthly Inspection

After your monthly visual inspection, check the engine coolant level and the engine oil level. Finally, make sure that the battery charger is in a good state.

Twice-Yearly Maintenance

Your generator will need a scheduled maintenance with a certified technician twice a year. They’ll also do what you do monthly:

• Ensure the radiator is clean and airflow is unrestricted.
• Check specific gravity and electrolyte levels
• Examine coolant levels
• Assure the coolant you use is appropriate and at the proper concentration.
• Check the wiring for any insulation breaks and look for loose connections.

Annual Inspection

Like the twice-yearly, it requires the attention of a certified technician. This time all necessary replacements are made, including the fuel filter, oil filter and spark plug. The technician also checks coolant concentration and removes water and other sediments from the fuel tank.

Wrapping It Up

If you stick with this generator maintenance checklist, you'll save yourself lots of repair money, time and stress. Your first step here is to decide who does your repairs, parts installation and parts replacement.

At Generator For Sale, we have a reputation for excellence in all things related to the purchase and maintenance generators. Whether you have or want to buy home generators, commercial generators or portable generators, you're best off talking to us first. Contact us today. We offer free shipping if your order is over $499!