Tips to Keep Your Generator Running for a Long Time | Generator Service in Marion, SC
Generators are a major investment for your home. And like any major appliance, they will need generator repair in Marion, SC, from time to time. Here are 14 ways you can keep your generator up and running for a long time.
Invest in an Enclosure
Using a portable generator comes with a few caveats. It shouldn’t be used indoors and you would need to make an enclosure for it. That’s not only to dim down the noise, but also to contain the heat and keep out any external elements that can harm it.
It’s a great way to avoid unnecessary generator repair in Marion, SC. It also benefits the function of the generator and its safety, as well as, yours. Toxic fumes from generators can incapacitate you before you even notice. The damage that a generator can cause if it’s running out of the air can be catastrophic.
Fresh Oil
New Generators usually require an oil change after 25 hours of continuous operation. Hence, every 60 hours of real-time, you’ll have to throw away the old oil and refill it. So it’s a good idea to store oil and filters a couple of days before.
Lubrication
Regularly check the engine oil in your generator every time you shut it down. In the upper portions of the engine, the oil should be allowed to drain back into the crankcase. You should try to keep the oil at level and as close as possible to the full mark at all times. Consider this as a basic generator service in Marion, SC.
Plugs and Filters
In order for a generator to function, there has to be a way to ignite the gas in the cylinders. Hence, you should change the spark plug and air filter every 200 hours of operation. Or, you could do this at the start of each season as general generator service in Marion, SC.
This keeps the fuel-air ratio at an optimum and helps the engine run much more smoothly and efficiently. It will also extend the lifespan of the generator.
Fuel Stabilizer
If you don’t run the generator for a while, the fuel may get contaminated. Once that happens, running it will cause damage to the engine. To prevent this, it’s advisable to invest in a fuel stabilizer which will maintain the fuel properties of gasoline and maintain the optimal functioning of the generator.
Don’t Fuel Directly
It’s a very dangerous practice to put fuel into a running generator. It can damage the equipment and cause burns on exposed and unexposed parts of your body.
Drain Old Fuel
The standard procedure of generator service in Marion, SC is that you should drain the old fuel in the generator. If you’ve filled the generator with fuel and haven’t used it for a while, it’s better to give it a fresh tank.
This is important because gasoline deteriorates quickly. It’s volatile and hence has a short shelf life. It can also get contaminated and throw the fuel-air ratio out of balance. This can cause damage to the generator and can leave all sorts of unwanted pollutant deposits in the internal machinery.
Charge Batteries
Dead and weak batteries can cause system failures in generators. To keep your generator maintained and working at optimum capacity, you should make sure that its batteries are fully charged. Have the batteries inspected at regular intervals so that you aren’t taken by surprise.
You can also have the battery plugged into a trickle charger so that it’s kept fresh and ready when you need it.
Clean Spark Arrestor
In order to get the best out of your generator, you should clean its spark arrestor regularly. It’s located inside the muffler and it’s important for it to operate well because it prevents the emissions from the combustion source.
Use Good Power Cords
Power cords vary in the amount of load they can handle. If the cord is going to be exposed to rain and sunshine, get one that is well shielded against them. They will last longer and be a safe option for you to handle as well.
Check Volts
While this is a bit technical, it’s a good way to do generator service in Marion, SC. Measure the voltage issuing from the generator with a meter. If the volts don’t match with the rating on the generator, get a professional to inspect it. Voltage above or below the rating isn’t a good sign.
Use a Transfer Switch
Don’t run a cable from the generator to whatever needs power. This can result in back feeding. Transfer switches stop this from happening. Some generators have built-in transfer switches, but never assume that. Examining your generator for a transfer switch can save you a lot of money in generator repair in Marion, SC.
Run It at Regular Intervals
Mechanical equipment rusts or withers away if it’s not used. This can be said about a car, a motorcycle, and especially a generator. Over time dust, insects, all manner of things can break it down. If you don’t use your generator often, or if you don’t generally have power issues, you should run it for 30 minutes every single month. That way, you won’t regularly need generator repair in Marion, SC.
Running your generator at regular intervals won’t just keep it from rusting, but it’ll also help maintain maximum efficiency. Usually, when you buy something you would want to get the best and most use out of it, therefore, it is important to understand that running a generator every now and then serves you more than it costs you.
Cooling System
After you’ve run the generator, you should allow it to cool down. This can be considered part of generator service in Marion, SC. First, remove the radiator cap and allow the engine to cool down. You can also add coolant to the radiator until the level is about ¾ of the way full. Coolants consist of equal parts water, anti-freeze, and coolant additives so they can cool a piece of equipment pretty well without affecting it adversely.
You should also clean the exterior of the generator so dirt, dust, or any other obstruction can’t affect its long term performance.
If you want the best Generator Repair Services in town, contact Mister Sparky Generators today!