The 15-Point Generac Generator Service & Maintenance Checklist: Your Generator’s Best Defense
Your generator needs a check-up, just like your car or your doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.
It’s a complex device that takes the stress out of power outages—if you don’t know what you’re doing and tinker with it, it won’t work when needed.
Our comprehensive inspection ensures all the critical components of your generator are in good working order. It’s lengthy because of just how thorough it truly is.
We examine, clean, and adjust the following items:
Change oil and oil filter
Regularly changing the oil and oil filter is essential to keep the engine lubricated and prevent wear and tear. Fresh oil ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of overheating or damage.
Use the manufacturer-recommended oil type and filter.
Drain the old oil completely.
Replace the oil filter to ensure efficient filtration.
Fill with new oil to the recommended level.
Additional Tools and Parts
New engine oil (per manufacturer’s recommendation), replacement oil filter.
Typically, this should be done every 100 to 200 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first. Check the generator’s manual for specific recommendations.
Inspect for leaks
Check for leaks because there shouldn’t be any. Leaks can lead to a loss of oil or fuel, compromising the generator’s performance and posing safety hazards. Detecting and fixing leaks promptly is crucial to prevent damage and contamination of the surrounding environment.
Thoroughly examine the generator for any oil or fuel leaks.
Check under the generator, around connections, and on hoses.
Address any leaks promptly to prevent environmental damage and performance issues.
Additional Tools and Parts
Flashlight or work light to help identify leaks in dimly lit areas.
Inspect for leaks regularly, especially when you’re performing other maintenance tasks. Look for signs of leaks, such as oil or fuel stains on the ground or around the generator.
Inspect & clean louvers and fan blade
Keeping the cooling system clean and debris-free ensures the generator’s engine remains at an optimal temperature. Overheating can cause engine damage and lead to breakdowns.
Examine the louvers and fan blades for dirt, debris, or obstructions.
Clean these components to ensure proper airflow, which aids in cooling the generator.
Additional Tools and Parts
Soft brush or compressed air for cleaning, degreaser or mild detergent for stubborn debris.
This should be part of routine maintenance and can be done quarterly or as needed, depending on the accumulation of debris.
Check battery electrolyte level and charger
A well-maintained battery is essential for starting the generator. Checking the electrolyte level and charger ensures the battery remains charged and ready to kick in when needed.
Inspect the battery for proper electrolyte levels (if it’s a wet cell battery).
Ensure the battery charger is functioning correctly to maintain a charged battery.
Additional Tools and Parts
Distilled water for topping up electrolyte (for wet cell batteries), battery charger tester or voltmeter for checking charger output.
Monthly checks are a good practice to ensure the battery remains charged and in good condition. More frequent checks may be necessary in extreme conditions.
Clean battery terminals
Dirty or corroded battery terminals can impede electrical connections and hinder the generator’s ability to start. Cleaning the terminals helps maintain a solid electrical connection.
Remove any corrosion or buildup on the battery terminals.
Clean terminals with a wire brush and apply anti-corrosion spray to prevent future decay.
Additional Tools and Parts
Wire brush or terminal cleaner, anti-corrosion spray or terminal protectant.
Check the battery terminals whenever you check the battery, and clean them if you see corrosion or dirt buildup.
Inspect & clean enclosure
The generator’s enclosure protects it from environmental factors. Regular inspection and cleaning help ensure the chamber remains in good condition, preventing rust, corrosion, or other damage that could affect the generator’s operation.
Check the generator’s enclosure for damage, rust, or wear.
Clean the exterior to maintain its appearance and protect against corrosion.
Additional Tools and Parts
Mild detergent or specialized cleaner for the enclosure surface, paint or rust treatment products if rust is present.
Quarterly inspections and cleaning are often sufficient, but the frequency is based on environmental conditions and the level of debris accumulation.
Check to make sure unit is level
Proper leveling ensures that the generator functions as designed and prevents excessive wear on engine components. It also helps with the correct oil level measurement and ensures safety during operation.
Ensure the generator is sitting on a level surface. Leveling changes over time as the soil underneath your foundation changes, so don’t assume everything is level if it was a decade ago.
Proper leveling prevents excessive vibration and ensures optimal operation.
Additional Tools and Parts
A level or leveling tools (bubble level or digital level).
Check for levelness during your routine inspections and adjust it as needed.
Inspect air filter element & spark plugs
A clean air filter ensures the engine receives clean air for combustion, while spark plugs are critical for ignition. Regular inspection and replacement prevent engine misfires and maintain efficiency.
Examine the air filter for dirt and debris; replace if necessary.
Inspect the spark plugs for signs of wear or fouling; replace them as needed.
Additional Tools and Parts
Replacement air filter if the current one is dirty, spark plug socket and gap tool for spark plug replacement.
Check these components every 100 to 200 hours of operation or at least annually, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
Check & clean air intake filter compartment
The air intake must remain clean to prevent contaminants from entering the engine. Regular checks and cleaning maintain optimal airflow and engine performance.
Clean the air intake filter compartment to remove dust and debris.
Ensure the air intake is unobstructed for efficient air supply.
Additional Tools and Parts
Compressed air or a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, replacement air filter if the current one is damaged or excessively dirty.
As part of your routine maintenance, inspect and clean the air intake filter compartment quarterly or more frequently if it accumulates dirt quickly.
Check fuel line integrity
Fuel lines should be free from leaks or blockages to ensure a steady fuel supply to the engine. Maintaining fuel line integrity is crucial for reliable generator operation.
Inspect the fuel lines for cracks, leaks, or loose connections.
Address any fuel system issues promptly to prevent fuel leaks.
Additional Tools and Parts
Replacement fuel lines or hose clamps if any are damaged, and a flashlight to inspect hard-to-see areas.
This should be part of regular maintenance, so inspect it quarterly or during other routine checks.
Check generator control panel
The control panel is the brain of the generator, monitoring and controlling its functions. Regular checks ensure it operates correctly, allowing you to start, stop, and monitor the generator as needed.
Review the generator’s control panel for error codes or warning lights.
Ensure all controls and indicators are functioning correctly.
Additional Tools and Parts
A manual or guide for interpreting error codes and indicators.
Inspect the control panel during routine maintenance checks, which can be quarterly or as the manufacturer recommends.
Complete electrical check, voltage & frequency
Ensuring the generator produces the correct voltage and frequency is crucial for powering connected equipment without damage. Regular checks help maintain stable electrical output.
Use a multimeter to check the generator’s voltage and frequency output.
Verify that the generator is producing electricity within the specified range.
Additional Tools and Parts
A multimeter or voltage meter for measuring voltage and frequency.
Perform electrical and voltage/frequency checks as part of your quarterly or annual maintenance routine.
Check automatic standby system and voltage regulator
These components ensure the generator responds automatically to power outages and maintains a consistent voltage. The proper functioning of these systems is critical for seamless backup power.
Test the automatic standby system to ensure it starts and switches seamlessly during power outages.
Verify the voltage regulator is maintaining stable output voltage.
Additional Tools and Parts
A manual or guide for your specific generator system, voltage and frequency monitoring equipment (e.g., oscilloscope).
Include these checks in your quarterly or annual maintenance routine to ensure they function correctly.
Check power transfer
The power transfer mechanism allows the generator to switch power sources seamlessly. Regular maintenance ensures that this transition occurs smoothly and safely.
Test the power transfer system to confirm it operates smoothly between utility and generator power.
Additional Tools and Parts
A load bank for simulating the load on the generator during testing, necessary tools for manual transfer switch systems (if applicable).
Check the power transfer mechanism during quarterly or annual maintenance checks.
Clean any residue from the generator transfer switch
Residue buildup can interfere with the transfer switch’s proper operation. Cleaning it ensures that the switch functions as intended during power outages.
Remove any dust or residue from the generator transfer switch.
Ensure the switch functions appropriately to maintain reliable power transfer.
Additional Tools and Parts
Cleaning supplies such as rags or wipes, and electrical contact cleaner for removing residue from switch contacts.
Inspect and clean the transfer switch as part of your quarterly or annual maintenance routine.
Please note: Check-ups do not include any repair work.
New London Electric Makes Generator Maintenance Simple
This is a lot of stuff to cover, so of course, you want to ensure you don’t miss anything. At New London Electric, we have you covered.
You can buy all the tools mentioned above and do it yourself, but our maintenance plan is cheaper and comes with our expertise.
With 3 different maintenance plans, we’ll ensure you aren’t paying for what you don’t need.
Everything included is outlined here—and every maintenance plan includes this 15-point checklist.
Try it yourself and contact New London Electric today for a Generac generator consultation.
