singfu
May 12th, 2013, 06:24 PM
Generator maintenance is essential to being prepared for a power outage or any other emergency. To be prepared, you must follow a maintenance list and keep your generator in running order. A few general guidelines help you avoid having a gummed up or otherwise inoperative generator in a time of crisis.
Lubricating System
First check for any leaks from the lubricating system, and repair as needed. Replace your oil filter as prescribed by your manufacturer or after heavy use. Drain oil and replace with proper viscosity oil after heavy use or as recommended by the manufacturer's specifications.
Fuel System
Check for any leaks in your fuel system. Drain and repair as needed. Check the condition of fuel filters and replace them as needed. Check for excess sediment in sediment tanks. Clean as needed. Inspect the throttle linkage for snags or improper functioning. Adjust or replace as needed.
Exhaust System
Check the exhaust system for leaks, and repair as needed. Check all risers, hoses and brackets for correct fit and function. Replace or repair as needed.
Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks or leakage. Repair or replace as needed. Inspect any thermo blankets for tears, leaks or disrepair. Replace as needed.
Cooling System
Inspect the water pump front end for leakage. Replace as needed. Check the cooling system coolant level and condition. Replace or add as needed.
Inspect the cooling system belt condition and tension. Pay close attention to any cracks or tears. Replace as needed.
Double check cooling system belt tensions. Adjust as needed.
Inspect all cooling system hoses for cracks or bulges. Replace as needed.
Replace the radiator cap yearly.
Air Intake System
Inspect your air intake air filter element. If it is not clean and free of debris replace it with a new one.
Inspect all air intake piping and connectors. They should be free of obstruction and clean.
Replace any crankcase breathers yearly or after heavy use.
Base Engine System
Inspect your engine mounts. These should be solid and functioning. Replace as needed.
Perform a compression test. Use your manufacturer's manual to obtain proper psi readings for the cylinders. Low compression can be a sign of poor maintenance.
Electrical System
Inspect your alternator connections. These should be clean and free of corrosion. Clean or replace as needed.
Inspect all ground wires. Maintain clean and functioning grounds. Application of anti-corrosion spray is desirable.
The isolation or battery kill switch should be in perfect working order in case of an emergency shut-off situation. Inspect and test the function of the switch. Replace as needed.
Inspect the condition of your battery. Use a battery tester to surmise the condition of the battery. Add distilled water as needed or replace.
Inspect the battery terminals. Keep them clean and free of corrosion. Replace as needed.
Ignition System
Replace your spark plugs every six months or after extreme use. Inspect your rotor and cap for corrosion and replace as needed.
Gearbox Assembly
Inspect the fluid level and condition of your gearbox assembly. Level off fluids or replace as needed. Check for any leaks of the gearbox assembly and repair as needed.
Inspect the shift linkage. Adjust for proper function as needed or replace.
Replace any gearbox assembly filters as needed or after heavy use.
Generator System
Carefully inspect the electrical system for poor connections. Follow the manufacturer's specifications when replacing any generator system hardware.
Test load the voltage regulator to ensure proper functioning. Replace as needed.
Lubricating System
First check for any leaks from the lubricating system, and repair as needed. Replace your oil filter as prescribed by your manufacturer or after heavy use. Drain oil and replace with proper viscosity oil after heavy use or as recommended by the manufacturer's specifications.
Fuel System
Check for any leaks in your fuel system. Drain and repair as needed. Check the condition of fuel filters and replace them as needed. Check for excess sediment in sediment tanks. Clean as needed. Inspect the throttle linkage for snags or improper functioning. Adjust or replace as needed.
Exhaust System
Check the exhaust system for leaks, and repair as needed. Check all risers, hoses and brackets for correct fit and function. Replace or repair as needed.
Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks or leakage. Repair or replace as needed. Inspect any thermo blankets for tears, leaks or disrepair. Replace as needed.
Cooling System
Inspect the water pump front end for leakage. Replace as needed. Check the cooling system coolant level and condition. Replace or add as needed.
Inspect the cooling system belt condition and tension. Pay close attention to any cracks or tears. Replace as needed.
Double check cooling system belt tensions. Adjust as needed.
Inspect all cooling system hoses for cracks or bulges. Replace as needed.
Replace the radiator cap yearly.
Air Intake System
Inspect your air intake air filter element. If it is not clean and free of debris replace it with a new one.
Inspect all air intake piping and connectors. They should be free of obstruction and clean.
Replace any crankcase breathers yearly or after heavy use.
Base Engine System
Inspect your engine mounts. These should be solid and functioning. Replace as needed.
Perform a compression test. Use your manufacturer's manual to obtain proper psi readings for the cylinders. Low compression can be a sign of poor maintenance.
Electrical System
Inspect your alternator connections. These should be clean and free of corrosion. Clean or replace as needed.
Inspect all ground wires. Maintain clean and functioning grounds. Application of anti-corrosion spray is desirable.
The isolation or battery kill switch should be in perfect working order in case of an emergency shut-off situation. Inspect and test the function of the switch. Replace as needed.
Inspect the condition of your battery. Use a battery tester to surmise the condition of the battery. Add distilled water as needed or replace.
Inspect the battery terminals. Keep them clean and free of corrosion. Replace as needed.
Ignition System
Replace your spark plugs every six months or after extreme use. Inspect your rotor and cap for corrosion and replace as needed.
Gearbox Assembly
Inspect the fluid level and condition of your gearbox assembly. Level off fluids or replace as needed. Check for any leaks of the gearbox assembly and repair as needed.
Inspect the shift linkage. Adjust for proper function as needed or replace.
Replace any gearbox assembly filters as needed or after heavy use.
Generator System
Carefully inspect the electrical system for poor connections. Follow the manufacturer's specifications when replacing any generator system hardware.
Test load the voltage regulator to ensure proper functioning. Replace as needed.