A generator can be a great safeguard, because it will keep your home safe and comfortable during an outage. All you have to do is start the generator to get your house back to normal. But if it doesn’t start up quickly and easily, it could be because it has internal damage that needs to be serviced or repaired.
Your generator will eventually have to be repaired, because it will start to experience signs of wear and tear (which will happen over time). They can become inefficient and unnecessarily noisy. It can also become a fire hazard. But even with regular maintenance, an unforeseen set of circumstances will require warrantied, non-warrantied, or emergency repairs.
Common Generator Repairs
Standby generators can experience a number of problems. Some of them include the following:
- The generator battery dies.
- The generator won’t start properly.
- The generator won’t keep running as it should.
- The generator seems to run rough.
- The generator makes a lot of noise while it’s running.
- The generator has a low coolant level.
- The block heater isn’t heating.
- The generator won’t start automatically.
Other problems associated with backup or standby generators include:
- Coolant, fuel, or oil leaks.
- Contaminated fuel.
- An overfilled fuel tank.
If you’re having a problem with your generator and don’t know how to fix it, you should have a licensed electrician take care of it.
Signs That Your Generator Needs to be Repaired
Here are some of the signs that your generator needs to be repaired:
- It has a hard time starting — This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you’re in a situation where you’re depending on your generator. If it doesn’t start up quickly and easily, it could be a sign of internal damage that needs to be serviced or repaired.
- The power output is inconsistent — This is another sign of potential damage that will require a generator technician, but it’s easy to put off or ignore. You might see flickering lights, or your generator may shut down at random intervals (both of which are signs of internal damage).
- You notice abnormal smells or noises — If your generator is emitting strange odors or is making odd noises, it could be caused by a gas leak. If you think that’s the case, you should schedule a generator repair service as soon as possible.
- You notice internal or external leaks — If your generator is leaking fuel or coolant fluid, you’ll be able to see the mess it’s making. Look out for fluid with a rainbow-colored tint. If your generator is leaking, you should move it to a well-ventilated area so the fumes don’t build up. You should also check the hoses to make sure they’re not leaking.
- It wasn’t installed properly — For the generator to work properly, it must be installed on a level surface. Otherwise, the fuel won’t be evenly fed to the motor (which can lead to inconsistent performance).
Hiring a professional for generator maintenance and repair is a great way to prevent future problems and additional costs.
The Importance of Regular Generator Maintenance
Like your car, backup generators have a gasoline engine that needs to be regularly maintained because it will make sure it works properly when it needs to. A generator that has been well maintained is more likely to start and run smoothly. It’s also less likely to break down, which is especially true if it’s used as a backup in case the grid goes out.
The frequency of regular generator maintenance will vary from model to model, but a good rule of thumb is every 6-12 months or every 500 hours of operation (whichever comes first). A portable generator will need new spark plugs every 100-150 hours of operation, because it will make sure all the parts are in working order and there’s no buildup of dirt or debris. But if you live in an area that experiences a great deal of severe weather, you may need to increase the frequency of your generator maintenance.
Generator maintenance will often include an oil and filter change, an air filter replacement, a spark plug replacement, as well as the greasing of moving parts. If the technician only needs to perform a visual inspection, the process shouldn’t take more than an hour. But if a more detailed inspection is required, it can take 2-4 hours (depending on the size of the generator).
Generator Repair FAQ
If your generator isn’t starting, see if it’s in AUTO or STANDBY mode. You also want to make sure the battery is charged and has been replaced in the last two years, because battery failures are among the most common reasons why generators don’t start. If it runs on LP or diesel, check the fuel level. Make sure it’s connected to a fuel source. You also want to check the fuel shutoff valve to make sure it’s not in the “off” position. If you’re still having problems, look at the user manual or contact a generator repair service.
If you’re having problems with your generator battery, you should start by checking the battery voltage with a multimeter. Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If the battery is over two years old, it may need to be replaced.
If your generator isn’t producing power while it’s running, check the generator’s circuit breaker and reset it if it tripped. You should also inspect the transfer switch to make sure it’s in the right position. If you’re still having issues, it could be because there’s a problem with the voltage regulator or the generator’s internal wiring.
Unusual noises from your generator may be caused by loose parts, components that have been worn out, or improper maintenance. Look for any loose screws or bolts, and tighten them as needed. You should also inspect the engine for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure all the moving parts have been properly lubricated. If you’re still hearing noises, reach out to a generator repair technician to find the source of the problem.
If you want to keep your generator running at its best, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. It’s a good idea to do an oil and filter change every 200 engine hours or at least once a year (whichever happens first). You should also perform a visual inspection every month and after every storm.
As you perform your monthly inspection, pay close attention to the generator’s oil and fuel levels, as well as the condition of the battery. Make sure there are no visible leaks or damage, and make sure it’s free from any debris or obstructions. You should also check the generator’s status by making sure it’s set to AUTO or STANDBY mode without any warning lights or messages.
If you want to keep the battery performing at an optimal level, you should keep it clean and free from corrosion. Check the battery terminals on a regular basis, and be sure to tighten any loose connections. You should think about testing the battery’s voltage on a regular basis, but it’s a good idea to replace it every two years.
You’ll need a wrench or screwdriver to remove all the screws being used to secure the main panel. You’ll also need a 3/8 socket wrench to get rid of any old spark plugs. Some of the other tools you may need include the following:
– Pliers.
– Ratchet.
– Spark plug gap gauge.
If you have to change the oil, you’ll need a funnel and a cloth. You may also want to use a plastic container or drip pan that can be used to drain off the old oil.
There are three types of oil that can be used to maintain your generator, but the type you need will depend on your area’s climate.
While some basic maintenance tasks can be performed yourself, you should hire a professional for routine servicing and repairs (which should be done at least once a year). If you want your generator to run reliably for many years, regular maintenance and care are important. If you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and schedule regular inspections, your generator can supply backup power to your home for many years (which will give you peace of mind during unexpected power outages).
If you’re looking for one of the best places for repairing and maintaining generators in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.