Your generator is one of your most useful and reliable investments. As with all investments, it is essential to look after it so that it keeps performing at its best. Maintaining your generator can be done, and following a Generator Maintenance Checklist will ensure that you don’t miss any vital steps.
Generator Maintenance Checklist:
- Lubrication: the oil of your generator should be routinely checked using the dipstick. It is best to keep the oil level as near as possible to the full mark on the dipstick.
- Both the oil and the filter should be changed at regular intervals. This should be done every 150 hours of running time.
- Cooling system: the coolant level is another fluid that must be regularly checked. Some generators require a mixture of water, antifreeze and coolant additives. The radiator can be carefully cleaned of dirt and foreign particles by washing it out with low-pressure compressed air and water.
- Fuel system: diesel can be subjected to both corrosion and contamination. It is advisable to use up any diesel before it degrades. In addition, the fuel filters must be regularly changed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Fuel should preferably be changed every three to six months.
- Batteries: these are an important component of your generator. Without them, it will not start. Hence, the batteries should be routinely checked. They should also be kept clean. This can be done by wiping them down with a damp cloth when they appear to be excessively dirty.
- Alternator and transfer switches: both of these components require a manual inspection to ensure they are performing as they should.
Regular Maintenance
Your generator ensures that your business continues running during a power outage. To ensure that it continues to work when it is needed, it is essential to perform routine maintenance as this will identify any faulty parts. It is also important for a monthly run for five or ten minutes to lubricate all the moving parts.
Preventative maintenance of your generator is definitely better than reactive maintenance. It is a good idea to conduct a regular maintenance check and ensure that any possible problems are seen to before they become too big – and costly – to handle.
Speak to Generator Parts today for more information regarding the right generator maintenance.