10 GENERATOR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Generac air cooled gen

The insufficient power supply in Nigeria have made generators an important piece of equipment to light up homes and power on businesses. Generators won’t last without some regular maintenance. Here are ten easy to-do basic maintenance checks to keep your generators running.

1. Check the oil before each use: Running your engine without oil is like saying goodbye to your generator. The engine will knock down becoming useless. If it is a new generator, change the oil after the first 20 hours of use to remove collected impurities inside the engine created during the break-in period. Otherwise change the oil every 100 hours for liquid cooled machines (E.g. water cooled Leicester gen) and every 30 - 40 hours for Air cooled machines (Example “I better pass my neighbour”)

2. Avoid filthy fuel: Always buy your fuel from Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) approved filling stations. Avoid black market fuel at all cost, as it is usually a mixture of gasoline and other pollutants. Store fuel in approved receptacle

3. Clear the air: check the condition of the air filter daily. Regardless of how dirty it is, clean the filter every 100 hours and change it monthly.

4. Spark plug Inspection: Inspect spark plugs every 50 hours for damage, dirt and excessive carbon build-up. Wire brush any carbon deposits on the plug. It is generally best to replace the spark plug annually.

5.  Fuel filter: Clean and inspect the fuel strainer and fuel filter every month. If there is sediment in the fuel strainer, shut off the fuel line valve before cleaning.

6. Battery care: ensure the battery terminals are free from sulphate coatings. Wire brush off any coatings on the battery terminals. Top up acid when the battery can’t start the engine.

7. Loading your generator: When starting the engine, ensure that it is not loaded. Allow it to run for some seconds to allow the lubricating oil to circulate and then gradually bring on the load one at a time. For example, switch on the lighting units in the home and after some seconds load television, etc.

 8. Operation: Never operate generators indoors. Engines using fuel such as gasoline or diesel produce a deadly and toxic gas called carbon monoxide. This gas is odourless and colourless and kills within seconds of inhalation.

  9. Cleaning: Keep the gen neat and be on the look out for leaks.

 10. Storage: Store properly if not in use after 30 days: if the gen wont be used for more than 30 days, take special steps to protect the engine. First, conduct all suggested daily maintenance items. Then, remove battery, clean the posts and ensure it is fully charged. Next drain the fuel from the fuel tank and carburettor float chamber. To prevent corrosion in the cylinder bore, remove the spark plug and inject a few drops of oil through the plughole. Additionally pull the recoil starter knob until resistance is felt and leave in the position. End the process with a final cleaning, ensuring that all cooling air slots and openings are unobstructed. Place a protective cover around the gen and store in a dry place. If the gen needs to be stored for an extended period of time, be sure to exercise it every two to three months. Start the gen and let it run for at least 10 minutes while carrying a load.