Generator Maintenance
 

When it comes to servicing your generator there is always some confusion, especially if you have never done it before. Down below will be a detailed guide on every step you will need to take to make sure your generator is running smooth and remains healthy!

Petrol Generators:

Servicing your Petrol generator should occur once every 6 months or 100 hours and will require a service kit with the following items below (Items may vary):

• Air Filter
• Spark Plug
• Petrol Filter
• Fuel Pipe
• Oil Filter
• Oil Funnel
• Spark Plug Spanner

Additional Items for Service:

• Oil (According to manufacturer’s standards)
• Trickle Battery Charger
• Oil Pan

Steps for Servicing:

• Remove the battery and place it on charge.
• Remove the sump plug and drain the Oil into a clean oil pan, a clean pan is used in cases of the oil still being clean and it could possibly be reused.
• Replace with clean oil through the sump plug orifice.
• Allow the oil to filter through for a few minutes to make sure the motor is lubricated.
• Drain the petrol via the fuel filter.
• Replace fuel filter and pipe.
• Fill up with clean petrol.
• Remove the dirty air filter and replace with a clean one.
• Remove the spark plug.
• Place the new spark plug in, be very careful not to cross-thread when screwing it in.
• Run the generator for a few minutes to make sure all is running fine!

Please consider watching this step by step video for a visual guide:

Diesel Generators:

Servicing your Deisel Generator should occur once every 12 months or every 300 hours and will require a service kit containing the following:

• Air Filter
• Glow Plug
• Diesel Filter
• Fuel Pipe
• Oil Filter
• Oil Funnel
• Glow Plug Spanner
   

Additional Items for Service:

• Oil (According to manufacturer’s standards)
• Trickle Battery Charger
• Oil Pan
   

Steps for Servicing:

• Remove the battery and place it on charge.
• Remove the sump plug and drain the Oil into a clean oil pan, a clean pan is used in cases of the oil still being clean and it could possibly be reused.
• Replace with clean oil through the sump plug orifice.
• Allow the oil to filter through for a few minutes to make sure the motor is lubricated.
• Drain the diesel via the fuel filter.
• Replace fuel filter and pipe.
• Fill up with clean diesel.
• Remove the dirty air filter and replace with a clean one.
• Remove the glow plug (Only when needed).
• Place the new glow plug in, be very careful not to cross-thread when screwing it in.
• Run the generator for a few minutes to make sure all is running fine!
   

Tip! – Never run your diesel generator on less than 40% of its rated capacity as this will glaze the engine.

What is engine glazing?

Engine glazing is caused when your diesel generator is consistently being used at a load that is less than 40% of its power output. This caused carbon build up and damage to the engine cylinder sleeve.