Prevent Common Generator Problems with Regular Maintenance

Sometimes, it’s hard to care about generator maintenance until you’re sitting in the dark during an outage, and the food in your fridge is at risk of spoiling.

Like any mechanical device, generators are not immune to potential failures.

You can’t take your generator for granted.

If you neglect regular upkeep, minute issues can become big, costly problems.

The good news is that most of these issues are preventable with regular professional maintenance and proactive care.

Simple Causes with Simple Solutions

It’s important to start with the basics: check the battery and the liquids.

Fuel Problems

Signs: Difficulty starting, irregular idling, and sudden shutdowns.

Solution: Regularly inspect and clean fuel filters, change the fuel as per manufacturer recommendations, and keep fuel tanks clean and free from contaminants.

Contaminated fuel can lead to clogged filters, which restrict fuel flow, causing starting issues and poor performance. It turns out your generator can get a clog, just like your sink.

Battery Issues

Signs: Cranking difficulties or failure to start.

Solution: Check and replace weak or old batteries, keep connections clean and tight, and ensure the battery charger is functioning correctly.

Just like when the tv remote stops working—check the batteries before you hit it with a hammer.

Oil and Coolant Levels

Signs: Overheating, unusual noises, and warning lights.

Solution: Regularly check and maintain proper oil and coolant levels, and replace them at recommended intervals.

Low oil levels can lead to increased friction and overheating, while insufficient coolant may result in the generator's engine running at higher temperatures. 

There’s an engine in your generator just like there’s one in your car—both can overheat.

Common Signs of a Bigger Issue

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to some other signs of potential problems and their professional solutions.

This is where, no matter your mechanical know-how, you need to leave it to the experts.

At this point, you’re beyond a DIY solution. Trying to fix it yourself could void your generator warranty—then you’ll be left in the dark with a costly repair bill.

If you fall behind on regular upkeep, these are some potential maintenance issues you should be aware of…

Failure to Start

Signs: The generator only sputters or makes no sound when attempting to start.

Potential Issue: Battery problems, faulty starter motor, or issues with the ignition system.

Professional Solution: Perform regular battery maintenance, check the starter motor, and keep the ignition system in good condition.

Rapid Wear and Tear

Signs: Frequent breakdowns and parts replacement.

Potential Issue: Lack of regular maintenance, operating the generator under excessive loads, or ignoring minor issues.

Professional Solution: Adhere to a strict maintenance schedule, avoid overloading the generator, and address any problems immediately.

Excessive Vibration or Unusual Noises

Signs: Unusual shaking during operation; Knocking, rattling, or grinding sounds.

Potential Issue: Loose bolts, misalignment,  damaged internal components, worn-out parts, faulty exhaust system, or issues with the engine.

Professional Solution: Address excessive vibration or any unusual noises promptly by seeking professional maintenance

The last thing you need is a loose screw rattling around. Generators making weird noises should be treated similarly to your car squealing.

Oil Leaks

Signs: Puddles or oil stains near the generator.

Potential Issue: Damaged gaskets, seals, or loose connections.

Professional Solution: Fix oil leaks immediately to prevent more significant damage from increased friction.

 Just like your car, forgetting to check and change the oil can be very bad.

Black Exhaust Smoke

Signs: Thick, black smoke during startup or operation.

Potential Issue: Incomplete fuel combustion or dirty air filters.

Professional Solution: Regularly replace air filters and perform engine tune-ups.

Don’t be that person wasting fuel and increasing emissions when it can easily be avoided.

Overheating

Signs:  Warning alarms, generator becomes unusually loud, heat radiating from the generator, or high-temperature readings on the gauge.

Potential Issue: Clogged cooling system, malfunctioning thermostat, or insufficient coolant.

Professional Solution: Clean the cooling system regularly, replace the thermostat if needed, and ensure the coolant level is adequate.

Low Power Output

Signs: Flickering or weak indoor lights, intermittently stopping and starting appliances.

Potential Issue: Dirty fuel injectors, worn-out spark plugs, or a malfunctioning voltage regulator.

Professional Solution: Clean or replace fuel injectors and spark plugs, and ensure the voltage regulator is working correctly.

Key Components of Regular Generator Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of a generator. This is where small problems are addressed to prevent bigger issues.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule a professional inspection every six to twelve months or per 400 hours of run time.

Here is a short list of key components that require regular upkeep:

Battery: The primary cause of most Generac generator failures can be attributed to an aged or damaged battery. It is crucial to replace the generator battery at least every two years without exception.

Coolant: Inadequate coolant levels trigger a sensor that forces the generator into a "no start" mode. Ensure the coolant cap is securely tightened and that the coolant levels are within the acceptable range.

Sensors and Electrical Components: Electrical malfunctions often result in a complete failure of the generator to start. Generac generators are designed to prioritize safety, refusing to engage if any issues are detected.

Easily Prevent Generator Failure

You may not smile when you write the check, however small, for your regular maintenance. However, you’ll definitely have a chuckle when you have power during the next outage, and your neighbor doesn’t.

By treating your generator with care and getting regular professional maintenance done, you can easily prevent big issues. The investment pays off when the rest of your street goes dark.

Don’t take your generator for granted.

Find a reputable group of local technicians, like New London Electric, that offer highly competitive maintenance plans and warranties with their generators.

New London Electric also offers an exclusive FREE 10-year warranty* with every Generac Generator installation.

Request your free Generac Consultation and claim your 10-year Generac warranty*!

*Terms and conditions apply. Call for details.