There are few better feelings than cranking up your generator for the first time on an early spring afternoon, tailgating outside of Alex Box Stadium. There are few bigger reliefs than hearing your window unit, refrigerator and TV come back on after a storm passes during hurricane season. There are also few bigger disappointments than going to start your generator and having nothing happen. However, while storms and baseball season come through south Louisiana every year, the third incidence can be easily avoided with a little maintenance.
If you don’t plan to use your generator for an extended period of time, there are a series of steps you can take to make sure that your generator is prepared for long-term storage (30 or more days). In addition to ensuring it’s ready when you need it, this routine maintenance will extend the life and performance of your generator.
- Drain the Fuel Completely from the Generator
Failure to completely drain the fuel from your generator can create gum deposits in the carburetor, fuel tank, and other areas of the fuel system. These deposits can cause irreparable damage.
How to Drain the Fuel:
Use an automatic-style siphon to move the fuel into an appropriate container.
Once it is drained, run the engine until it stops.
After it stops, drain the generator’s oil from the crankcase while it is still warm.
Refill with the appropriate oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
Replace the Spark Plug
This is also a good time to replace the spark plug on your generator. However, be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire while it is in storage.
These are few easy, but necessary steps to take before your generator is stored for an extended period of time. If you aren’t comfortable with any of the steps, are due for a generator upgrade or replacement, or are ready to make that purchase, the experts at Bozeman Distributors are here to help.