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 Honda 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
Fuel, left in a generator over a long period of time, can gum up in the carburetor, fuel tank, and other fuel system components. These deposits can cause irreparable damage. 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. Draining the Carburetor Bowl is also important.
Most all carburetors have a drain screw/port for the bowl. Even though you cut the fuel supply to the carburetor off and drain the tank, fuel remains in the carb bowl. Once you drain the carb bowl, try to start the engine without the fuel being turned on. The engine will hiccup, as it burns off any excess fuel or fuel residue. At this point, the carb is as dry as you can get it, without removing the carb from the engine, which we do not recommend, unless you have a new gasket /o’ring for the carb bowl. Sometimes the gasket/o’ring will swell, break, or split and not go back into place. If this is not noticed or corrected while replacing the carb bowl, the next time the fuel is turned on, fuel will leak out of the bowl and create a dangerous situation with a risk of fire or explosion.
If you like to keep fuel in your generator year-round, make sure you keep the tank full. We recommend using a fuel stabilizer with fresh, Non-Ethanol Fuel and run the generator about once every 1 to 3 months. When running the generator, make sure to put a load on the electrical system to make sure the unit is producing power. Just because the engine is running, does not mean the unit is producing power.
Also, make sure you check and clean the air filter. Air Filters will deteriorate over time and can get sucked into the carburetor and cause engine damage. Cleaning or replacing the spark plug is also recommended.
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.