Getting Your Generator Ready for the Season

Before the generator season swings into full gear, it’s crucial to ensure your generator is in top condition. Follow these steps to prepare your generator for reliable operation:

1. Service Check

• Frequency: Regardless of usage hours, oil can degrade over 6-12 months. A recent service is essential for optimal performance.
• Action: If unserviced recently, schedule a maintenance check.

2. Fuel Inspection

• Issue: Old fuel can accumulate condensation, leading to poor performance.
• Action: Replace any old fuel in the tank with fresh fuel to avoid water contamination.

3. Coolant Level and Quality

• Check: Ensure the radiator is filled to the filler neck, just below the radiator cap.
• Coolant Condition: If the coolant isn’t green, drain and replace it with fresh green coolant.

4. Battery Charge

• Verification: The starting battery should have a sufficient charge (at least 12.5-13v).
• Solution: If undercharged, connect a trickle charger and retest after a full charge.

5. Operational Test

• Procedure: Run the generator for 1-2 hours to ensure everything operates smoothly.
• Check: Verify that all outlets are functional and the battery charges effectively with the generator connected.

Troubleshooting Start-Up Issues

If your generator has trouble starting after a period of inactivity, here are specific checks based on the model:

Air Cooled 5.7Kva:

• Fuel Stop Lever: Ensure it’s correctly positioned to the right and securely latched. This lever controls fuel flow and must be engaged for start-up.

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Airlock Check: If the generator struggles, it might have an airlock. Loosen the nut at the fuel injector on top of the generator. Starting the generator now should release air bubbles and fuel, indicating the airlock is clearing.

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Battery Health: Even a fully charged battery can fail if it has a dropped cell, showing a full charge but dropping significantly under load. This can prevent the generator from starting.

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Water Cooled 9-62kva:

• Fuel Stop Lever and Pump: Check if the fuel stop lever activates the fuel pump lever during start-up. If there’s no movement, the operation cable might need inspection. This cable runs into a protective sleeve and may require adjustment or replacement if the fuel pump lever doesn’t actuate.

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Starting Issues Due to Air Locks or Water in Fuel: If the generator turns over but doesn’t start, air locks or water in the fuel lines could be the culprit. Loosen the nut at the top of the fuel filter housing and manually pump the primer next to the fuel pump. Continue until you see a steady stream of fuel, indicating the air lock has cleared or water has been flushed from the lines.

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Starter Motor Engagement: A non-engaging starter motor might have a jammed solenoid. Gently tapping the solenoid can free it. If the starter still doesn’t engage, check for full power to the starter motor when the start button is pressed. A lack of power suggests a failed 12v start solenoid.

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