(7 Quick) Portable Generator Maintenance Tips (+FAQs)
“A properly maintained portable generator will never let you down when you need it the most in worst-case scenarios.”
That’s what I think whenever someone asks me whether it’s worth keeping a generator maintained or not.
Mind you, if you do not care enough about your generator, it will not run properly the next time there’s a power outage or any other problem.
So, to keep it properly running, here are the 7 must-follow portable generator maintenance tips you should learn by heart:
Portable Generator Maintenance Tips
- Run it Every Few Months
- Check the Fuel in Your Generator
- Remove Clogging from Fuel Lines
- Changing the Oil Frequently
- Replacing or Cleaning Air Filter
- Check the Spark Plugs Once in a While
- Keep the Exterior Clean and Covered
1. Run it Every Few Months
Running the generator randomly after few months will not only keep it maintained, but it can also keep the battery charged enough.
This way, you will not have to worry about the overall condition of your portable generator in case a storm strikes your area.
Make sure that you run it at the house or job site once for at least 5 to 10 minutes every month to ensure its optimal condition.
Must read this guide too “how to make the most out of your generator?“
2. Check the Fuel in Your Generator
You mostly have to run your generator only a handful of times a year, right?
Well, if that’s the case, make sure that you keep a check on the presence of fuel in its tank.
If there’s any fuel present, do not let it get clogged into the tank of the generator.
I will suggest emptying the tank to make sure that it remains clean and away from any foreign debris.
The story doesn’t end here!
As soon as you clean the tank from old fuel, use fresh gasoline in it and run it a couple of times for proper maintenance.
3. Remove Clogging from Fuel Lines
Checking and removing gunk from fuel lines could prevent the generator from running into a problem.
Keep in mind that your portable generator could develop dirt and debris in its fuel lines that will prevent it from running smoothly.
So, while you are at it, make sure that the generator fuel lines are away from any dirt.
You could try out some DIY methods from YouTube tutorials to make the fuel lines cleaner.
Moreover, a better idea is to simply replace the worn-out fuel lines with newer ones at the expense of a small amount of money.
4. Changing the Oil Frequently
The more load you put on the generator, the harder it gets for its oil to utilize the engine’s efficiency at its best.
Appliances such as an air conditioner or a freezer could go hard on your generator’s oil, and that’s what you need to keep in mind.
What I want to imply here is that you should change the oil more frequently.
For that, you should keep extra oil bottles in case if there’s an emergency so that you can change them without any hassle.
5. Replacing or Cleaning Air Filter
Another important tip for maintaining the portable generator’s life is to replace or clean the dirty air filter.
On the one hand, I do recommend replacing the air filter as it’s the best possible solution.
However, if you are keen on cleaning the air filter instead, then keep it away from anything spooky.
It’s better if you wash it in soapy water and let it dry in the open air for a while.
This will surely keep the portable generator safe and maintained enough for a long time.
6. Check the Spark Plugs Once in a While
The spark plug plays a direct role in starting the generator’s engine.
If it’s not cleaned properly, you cannot expect it to provide enough current for the machine to start.
So, to maintain your generator properly, you need to check its spark plug every once in a while to ensure that it’s cleaned enough.
If it is already clogged with dirt and foreign debris, then you better clean it up with a wire brush.
Blow it up with your mouth’s air a couple of times before inserting it back into the generator.
You must also know about the “generator transfer switches” as they are a very important part of any emergency.
7. Keep the Exterior Clean and Covered
Last but not least, keeping the exterior of your generator clean enough will ensure that it cannot attract any dust or foreign debris.
For that, you can use a soft and dry cloth and rub it over the generator thoroughly.
After you get done with cleaning, keep the generator covered with a clean cloth if you are not using it.
You must ground your generator before using it. You can ground generator during camping too.
FAQs: Portable Generator Maintenance Tips
How often should I service my generator?
A generator must be serviced at least once a year by a professional.
The professional should also change the oils and filters during the service to get the best and long-lasting performance results.
What maintenance does a portable generator need?
- Run it Every Few Months
- Check the Fuel in Your Generator
- Remove Clogging from Fuel Lines
- Changing the Oil Frequently
- Replacing or Cleaning Air Filter
- Check the Spark Plugs Once in a While
- Keep the Exterior Clean and Covered
How long should I run my generator for maintenance?
To ensure your generator is running at peak performance, we recommend that you run it for 15-20 minutes once every week.
This will allow the lubricating oil in the engine to heat up and circulate throughout everything as well!
Can the generator maintain for van life?
Yes, you can maintain any generator, even if you are using it for van life or rowing trip.
Even you can also maintain your welder generator by following the tips given above!
Final Verdict
The 7 portable generator maintenance tips I mentioned above could help you increase the life span and durability of your generator.
Follow them one by one and keep your generator away from any uncanny situation.
If you manage to maintain it from time to time, I assure you it will not cause any problems in near future.
