When the sky turns gray and a heavy ice storm begins to rattle your windows, your generator becomes one of the most important pieces of equipment that you own. You rely on it to keep your heater running and the food in your refrigerator cold. However, if you allow it to sit for some time without giving it necessary TLC, chances are high that it will not work when you need it. It is best to give your generator some care before and after the winter to make certain that it remains dependable.
Pre-Winter Fuel and Oil Checkup
Old gasoline that has been sitting for some time is the #1 killer of small engines. Gas will start to degrade and turn into a sticky varnish after only 30 days. When this happens, the sludge can easily plug up your fuel system and cause some serious damage.
To prevent this problem, add a high-quality fuel stabilizer to a fresh tank of gas. Then, run the engine for 10 minutes. This will make sure the treated fuel will successfully reach the carburetor.
While the engine is still warm, use a dipstick to check the oil level. If you notice a dark, chocolatey color, you must change it out. If the oil appears thin or smells like gasoline, the internal seals might be wearing out. Make sure you address this so that the freezing temperatures do not put extra stress on the metal parts.
Battery Care and Spark Plug Inspection
If your generator has an electric start button, the battery is its most vulnerable component during a cold snap. Extreme cold can drain a battery’s charge in a matter of days. Because of this, consider keeping it on a “trickle charger” or a battery tender during the off-season.
You also need to pull out the spark plug to see if the tip is covered in black soot or if the gap has become too wide. When a spark plug is dirty, it will make the engine sputter and cough. This is the last sound that you want to hear when the power grid stops working.
Provide Care After the Winter Ends
Once the spring flowers start to bloom and the threat of ice has passed, your generator needs a different kind of attention before it goes into storage. Never leave a generator full of fuel to sit for the entire summer. The heat and humidity can cause moisture to build up inside the tank.
Drain the remaining gas into a safe container for your lawnmower, or run the generator until it completely runs out of fuel and stalls. This will make certain that you clear the fuel lines and keep engine components safe from corrosion while the machinery sits in the summer heat. If you see any rust forming on the frame or the exhaust pipe, spray these areas with a rust-inhibiting coating. This will keep the metal strong for years.
You should also have a professional inspection from an electrician at least once each year. This is an opportunity for them to find and fix problems that can quickly turn disastrous if you do not handle them in time. For generator repairs, maintenance, and inspections in Nashville, TN, call our team at Pioneer.