Generator Maintenance
If you need a reliable and money-saving source of power for your home or work operations, you should invest in a portable generator. These machines can give you the power you need in an emergency when a serious storm wipes out the surrounding electric grid. They also give you the necessary juice to run pieces of equipment on a construction site or in the barn.
Like any other big machine, though, you’ll need to keep your generator in good working order with some regular maintenance so it can serve you year in and year out. HLMP Adventure Toys has the lowdown on all the maintenance tips you’ll need to keep your generator in top condition. We proudly serve High Level, AB.
Change Oil & Filters
All motorized equipment needs regular oil maintenance to keep the engine parts well-lubricated for optimal functioning. With a brand-new generator, you’ll want to change the oil after only 30 hours of use, but following this initial change, you can change it every 100 hours instead or at the start of every season. Change the filter at the same time. Stock up on filters and oil ahead of time so you’re prepared in the event of a sudden storm and you won’t have to fight lines at the store!
Run Your Machine Regularly
Leaving your machine to sit for months on end will reduce its functioning and potentially result in build-up or corrosion over time. Run your portable generator every few months to keep its internal components functional by distributing lubricant and oil evenly throughout the engine. A half-hour should be sufficient to charge up the battery for the electric starter so you can rest assured your generator will work when it needs to.
Store Fuel Properly
You have a few different options when it comes to properly storing your fuel to keep it reliable and keep your generator operating smoothly. When not in use, drain the fuel to prevent it from gumming up the systems and parts in your engine, like the carburettor, fuel hose, and tank. If you’re using fuel such as ethanol-containing gasoline, you’ll need to be aware that alcohol attracts moisture, which can lead to separation in the tank. Most gasoline sold at the pump contains ethanol these days, so you may want to use an alternate fuel source if this is a problem for you. You don’t want the system to become damaged by acidic build-up.
When storing your generator for longer than a month, you’ll want to perform a few preventative maintenance tasks to make sure it’s ready and raring to go when you pull it back out of storage. First, add a stabilizer to your fuel tank and run the engine for about ten minutes to circulate it. Let your engine cool, drain the gasoline, and start it up again until it stops from lack of fuel.
Don’t Exceed Available Wattage
You should look at the capacity ratings on your machine to see what wattage it supports, but only one number is truly relevant. The rated/continuous watts will tell you the maximum amount of power that your generator can put out when it’s on for a long time. This is the essential rating to check with the items that need powering. The starting rating will only tell you how much extra power the generator can produce when it starts. If you try to rely on this and hook up too much equipment, your generator will eventually melt down and malfunction.
Are you in the market for a new generator? Visit HLMP Adventure Toys in High Level, AB, today to view our selection of generators for sale. We look forward to serving you!