Keeping your generator in good shape means keeping it tuned up so it’s ready for action. If you’re handy, you can perform your own tune-ups; if you’re not too handy or you’d rather not be bothered by tune-ups and all they entail, we can perform a tune-up for you. Give us a call at (732) 536-0444 and we’ll be happy to schedule one for you.
If DIY is more to your liking, here are some tips to help you get started:
- First, take your generator outside if you have it stored in a garage or shed, or wheel it away from your house if you’ve got it stored outdoors. Keeping it in a clear, open area while tuning it up prevents carbon monoxide poisoning and reduces the risk of setting something on fire if something goes wrong.
- Next, look it over for any signs of wear, like cracked or broken parts or frayed wires. Check the exhaust to make sure it’s clear. Make a note of any parts that need to replaced.
- Change the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is when it pays to have plenty of supplies on hand, tucked away on a shelf in your basement or garage; it’s no fun having to leave what you’re doing to go out and buy parts and supplies.
- If your generator has been stored unused for a long period of time, drain the old fuel to prevent it from “gunking up” your engine. Add fresh fuel and a stabilizer if you plan on returning it to long-term storage.
- Check the air filter and spark plug and replace them if they’re damaged or dirty.
- Make sure all the connections are solid and all bolts are firmly tightened to prevent vibrations that can cause damage over time – not to mention make operation much noisier.
- Once you’ve completed your tune-up, turn the generator on and make sure it’s providing power the way it should.
- Turn it off and wipe it down well with a dry cloth before returning it to storage.
- Wait a minute – you’re not done yet: Add regular tune-ups to your calendar to make sure your generator is ready for use whenever you need it.
Of course, after all is said and done, your user manual can provide you with a lot of the information you’ll need to perform a tune-up for your generator. Every generator is different, so take the time to dig out that manual and read about your generator so you understand its unique needs, both for maintenance and for operation. Tuning up your generator now means you won’t have unexpected – and unpleasant – surprises when you actually need to use it. Just a small investment of time and supplies now can yield huge returns later on.