Episode 28 - Gas Generator Maintenance

Most of us own generators that we carry with our rig. Many even have a generator that is part of their rig.  Keeping it maintanined and operating properly is critical to safe and happy sojourning.

In this episode I remind us about some simple although important maintenance we should be doing for our gas powered generators.  

Transcript

Hello fellow Sojourners.  I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Travel With A Purpose, a podcast designed to keep Sojourners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired.

Like any other piece of power equipment, maintaining our generators is important.  We never know when there will be a power outage, and if there is an outage, how long it will last.  So making sure the generator is ready is important.

This episode focuses on the common gas-powered generator.  If you have a whole house generator, there is special maintenance you need for that and usually it has specific instructions.   Also, some generators are powered by either gas, diesel, or propane.  These also have unique maintenance requirements, so the owner’s manual is important.

We keep a 3500 watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight with our rig when we travel.  It has given us excellent service.  Our rig is a 30 amp so this size powers most of what we need it for, including our air conditioner.  Of course, if you have a larger rig or one that requires 50 amp, you will need to get one for your application.

If you have a generator that is part of your rig, you will have specific maintenance and care specifications.  Don’t skip this important maintenance requirement.

We have a 7500-watt gas generator for our home.  Obviously home power needs are different than our RV.

We have periodic outages where we live mostly caused by weather, so a reliable generator is critical for us.  We still remember being without power for a week because of Hurricane Ivan in our area about 20 years ago.  We didn’t have a generator then and there were none available anywhere in our region.  We learned quickly how important they are.

But having one is only part of being prepared.  We have to keep it maintained and operating properly.   

A lot of what I mentioned in this episode sounds like the maintenance we keep on our lawn mowers or tractors.  And they are similar.  But the special application of a generator needs additional checking. Your owner’s manual for your generator will have information on regular and periodic maintenance.  This information I’m covering is from my experience and some good advice from other generator owners.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

Just like maintenance on our vehicles and rigs, it’s a good idea to keep a maintenance log about when you performed testing and maintenance.  

 It is important to regularly test your generator.  I check ours each month.  I let it run for about 15 – 20 minutes with a load on it. (by the way, I keep dedicated power chords with the generator, so I don’t have to look for them when needed).  I also keep everything covered to keep it dry and free of debris.  

Testing the generator also gives me a chance to keep the gas fresh and visually inspected to make sure all the components of the generator ok.  I especially check gas lines for dry rot and to make sure they are tight.  We live in an area that is infested with squirrels, and they are known to chew on things. 

Regular maintenance, good fuel, and good oil are critical.  Some folks use only manufacturer recommend fuel and oil.  Again, that is your choice.  Just don’t put bad gas or cheap oil in your generator if you want to have good operation.

If you are going to store the generator for a while, adding fuel stabilizer is important.  Many don’t know that gas will go bad after a while.  Also, some folks do not leave fuel in the generator fuel tank but store it in a fuel can.  That’s your choice.  Whether it is in the tank or stored in a fuel can, stabilizer is important.

We don’t want to get caught in a situation where we need power but have bad gas in the fuel tank.  It takes a while to drain off the bad fuel, clean the lines, and clean the spark plug.  Even with stabilizer, it’s a good idea to refresh the fuel every 3 to 6 months.  One other often overlooked component on a generator is the fuel filter.  

If your generator has an electric start, check the battery for corrosion and tight connections.  Most generator batteries are sealed so they won’t go dry.  You might also check the voltage to make certain it has sufficient starting power.

So all of this is about regular checks.  As I said, keep a maintenance log and check regularly.  

Let’s talk now about some periodic maintenance.  Again, refer to your owner’s manual for much of this information. 

A common schedule for periodic maintenance is for 50 to 100 hours of use.  If I run my generator for 8 hours continuously, I change the oil soon after.  It probably isn’t necessary, but I just like to do it.  

Changing oil is important.  Check your owner’s manual to see how many hours to run it.  But a common schedule change is 50 – 100 hours annually after the break-in time.  

If you generator has an air filter, clean or replace it when you do the oil change.  That way you know its done.

If your generator has a cooling system, check the coolant and change as needed. 

Much of the checking and maintenance of a generator is mechanical but don’t forget to inspect the electrical parts as well.  Usually, they are maintenance free but check for corrosion, frayed wires, or any other visual signs of a problem.  Oh, by the way, don’t forget to check the plug in sockets.  They seem to be just what mud dauber wasps like for home.  I’ve had to clean mine out several times.  Speaking of wasps, if your generator has a cover on it, sometimes wasps like to build a nest under it.  Just be careful lifting it.  And I won’t even talk about snakes.  If you want to hear me scream like a girl, have a snake jump out at me…it is ugly!

I’m sure there is much more that could be talked about, but these are some tips that any of us can do.  I think I’ll wrap up and try to get images of snakes out of my mind.

 Thank you for listening to this podcast.  If you are interested in being a guest on our podcast or know someone we should have as a guest, or if you have a topic you would like to hear more about, please email me at:  sojournersevangelize@gmail.com.  

 I’m your host Dave Laton and remember we glorify God as together we, “Travel With A Purpose”!  Happy Sojourning!