Before your generator goes up for the winter there are some important steps that need to be taken. Taking the time to do this simple maintenance and preparation can not only ensure it will be ready to go the next time you need it but can also increase the life and performance of your unit. Here are a few easy steps to take before the generator claims its spot in storage.
Clean your generator
Removing the dirt, dust, and anything else in, on, or around your generator can present the opportunity to find any leaks or other damage. It can also help to increase the lifespan and improve the appearance of your generator.
Change your generator’s oil
It’s important to change the generator’s oil at this time of the year, especially if it has been used frequently. This simple task will leave your generator with fresh oil and ready to perform its next time out.
Remove the fuel from your generator
When fuel is left in a generator over a long period of time, gum deposits can form in the carburetor, fuel tank, and other fuel system components. These deposits can cause damage to the fuel system and prevent the engine from starting in an emergency situation. Leaving fuel in the tank that is untreated, especially ethanol fuel, can attract moisture and rust can form in the tank. This can be an expensive repair. Running the engine until it is empty, and/or siphoning out the remaining gas can prevent these problems and should be done anytime your generator will not be in use for an extended period of time.
If you decide to store the generator with fuel in the tank, it is recommended that you use Non-Ethanol Fuel. Schedule a reminder on your mobile phone to run the generator once a month for about 15 to 20 minutes and check to make sure the generator is producing power by plugging various appliances into the unit and turning them on. This puts a load on the generator, and you will know it is performing. If you use Ethanol Fuel, it is recommended that some type of Fuel Treatment (Sea-Foam, Sta-Bil, etc.) be used to stabilize the fuel and run the generator once a month, as described above.
If you have any questions about your Honda generator, or simply need service, the experts at Bozeman Distributors have been Baton Rouge’s premier source for over 50 years.