Just like any appliance in your home, maintaining your generator helps prevent it from breaking down or needing untimely repairs. The more attention you give your generator, the longer it will last, and the better it will function.
A diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator (often an alternator) to generate electrical energy. This is a specific case of engine-generator. A diesel compression-ignition engine often is designed to run on fuel oil, but some types are adapted for other liquid fuels or natural gas.
They require less maintenance due to their durability, reliability, and sturdiness characteristic, and also they are considered cheaper to operate due to the low fuel costs as compared to the other types of fuels such as gasoline and propane.
They can withstand heavy load for long hours and start off the power supply on the full load within minutes and must be regularly maintained to ensure they provide quality power throughout their service life. The best generator maintenance practice is following the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer of the generator to ensure maximum service time for the generator and proper operation when it is called upon to provide power.
Start it Up
Most times, generators are a backup precaution, which means you could go months or years without needing to fire it up. But, what happens when you need your generator, and it doesn’t work?
Don’t let yourself get in this situation. Instead, every month, start your generator up to:
- Ensure it’s getting lubricated by oil
- Charge the batteries (if applicable)
- The carburetor is functioning well
But most importantly, to make sure that the generator works and that you have access to power when you need it most.
Do I need to check the oil for a new generator before starting it?
It is always a good idea to check the engine oil before starting your generator. Some generators may be shipped dry, some may have a small amount of oil that was used to perform a bench test on the unit, and some may have a full oil tank.
Running any engine on a dry oil tank will cause it to seize up and you will end up with a 50 pound brick instead of an engine and it won’t be good for much besides a paperweight for the world’s largest desk. Checking and changing your oil should become a regular facet of your generator maintenance.
Is it safe to operate my generator indoors?
No. Engines using fuels such as gas and diesel produce a deadly gas called carbon monoxide. This gas is odorless and colorless, as well as deadly, so it is highly dangerous.
Can my generator handle a load as soon as it is turned on?
No. You should have the generator running before a load is applied. Similarly, you should not shut the generator down while it is still pulling a load. The RPM (Rotations Per Minute) are set in the factory, so you should not change the engine speed.
Key takeaway
To extend the life of your portable generator, you’ll need to take a few precautions after each use. In addition to emptying the fuel tank, double-check that the fuel lines are also empty. Store your equipment in a cool, dry place to decrease rusting, and extend its life.
For additional protection, homeowners can consider purchasing accessories like:
- Generator sheds
- Tents
- Covers
Each of these tools helps store and protect your portable generator so that you can ward off untimely repairs.