Briggs Generators: Step By Step Instructions for Breaking in a Generator | Myrtle Beach, SC
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If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornados, or other bad storms then having one or two Briggs Generators is not a bad idea. Given the hurricane winds that pass through Myrtle Beach, SC on a regular basis, you likely have purchased one in the past. If you are replacing a generator however you may want to think about breaking it in.
While breaking in a new generator can be a somewhat controversial topic, the truth is that it is one of the best things you can do after you purchase Briggs Generators. If you want to get the full lifespan out of your new generator, take the time to do a test run the correct way. Here is a quick breakdown of why you need to break in a generator and how you should do it
Why Should You Break-In Your Briggs Generators?
To start, you need to break in your generator because doing so can add thousands of hours to its functional lifespan. Like anything else mechanical, the lifespan of Briggs Generators depends on their engines. Breaking in the engine helps to increase internal stability, lubricates it, and helps to flush out any mental contamination that may have built up during manufacturing.
If you choose to skip breaking-in your generator engine, then there is a chance that when you first start your engine it will not be properly lubricated. This is referred to as a dry start, and it can damage your engine. If this isn’t scary enough when an engine is not settled then carbon can build-up over time. The end result is that fumes are able to leak through areas of the generator that are not sealed which can cause steam or liquid to start to blow out of the generator.
With all this in mind, you should seriously consider “breaking-in” your Briggs Generator. You may not always see this practice highlighted in your user manual, but you will see instructions to change the oils after just the first few hours of use. This is essentially a shortcut to breaking in the engine, but if you want to truly break in your engine you need to do it fully.
How Do You Break in Your New Generator’s Engine?
If you are ready to break in your Briggs generators, there are a few things that you need to know. First, check your manual to see if there are instructions. As mentioned, most will only recommend changing your oil, but adding a few more steps can really help extend the lifespan of your generator.
To get started, you will need to make sure you purchase oil, fuel, and oil conditioner. Only use the brands that are recommended by Briggs generators to ensure the best results. You also will want to keep your user manual nearby.
Now that you are ready to get started, you begin by lubricating the Briggs generators’ spark plugs. Simply lift a spark plug and drop in some of your oil conditioner. If it is hard to get to the funnel then consider using a funnel. Once this is done yank on the starter cord about five times. You don’t actually want your generator to start, you just want to ensure the pistons are evenly lubricated. Once you finish your tugs put the spark plug back in place.
Next, find the crankcase and add some conditioner in it followed by oil. If you can’t find the crankcase consult your user manual. While checking it, look to see what the recommended filling procedure is.
At this point, you will want to put fuel into the tank. Follow your user manual’s instructions for this part. Keep in mind that the first time you start your generator you will need to add the maximum amount of oil and fuel you can. You will need to drain the oil later, but everything needs to be filled up to maximum capacity in order for the engine to get proper lubrication. At the same time, you don’t want anything to leak so be sure not to overfill.
Now that everything is properly filled, it is time to actually take your engine for its first run. Most experts agree that for the first run you should not run your generator with any load unless the user manual specifically says that you should. This allows the engine and parts to get properly lubricated before there is an actual load. Once you start the Briggs generator, then drain out the oil and fill it again. You may be shocked to see how dirty the oil is after only one run, but this is because it is the first run. You don’t need to change the fuel and the condition of the oil will change as you continue to break-in the generator.
Now, simply repeat the same steps and run your generator to make sure that all metal contaminants are properly removed. At this point, you are ready to actually try a loaded run. Once again, some people disagree, but it’s never a bad idea to break in Briggs generators by running a third low, 500W load. Now you can rest assured that your generator is working properly and ready to work in case of an emergency outage in Myrtle Beach, SC.
If you own Briggs Generators that are not working the way you like, give Mister Sparky Generators a call. We can also walk you through a break-in process if you are worried about whether your new generator is up to the task. We have made a career out of working, repairing, and replacing generators, and we will be happy to help you get the most use out of yours.