Something to keep in mind for any new generator owner is the common problems that can keep your generator from running at full capacity. Nothing is worst is needing your generator in a blackout only to find it unresponsive or getting bogged down. Recognizing the main problems can help you avoid them completely or recover from them quickly.
Bad Fuel
The average user does not realize that fuels will go bad over time. This is especially true for gasoline and even diesel. Gas left sitting in the generator can erode and gunk ups the engine, making for an expensive repair. To avoid fuel going bad make sure that you are not buying large quantities and leaving them sit for long periods of time, and do not keep the generator full if you do not plan on using for a long while. If you need to stockpile gasoline, and you probably want to if you have a generator, you need to take steps to make sure it does not go bad. Mix Sta-Bil with your gasoline if you plan on keeping it for months on end. Still, it is recommended to rotate your stock of gasoline at least once a year.
Failure to Upkeep
Just like a car engine, a generator engine needs upkeep as well. Your Jetta will seize up and the engine can be ruined if you do not change the oil. The same can happen to your generator engine as well. Gas generators require upkeep on oil, filters, spark plugs. Diesel generators require their own unique parts like filters to keep running effectively, and there are other generator types that also need unique parts. Generators often use brushes that… well brush, against a spinning aperture to create the magnetic field that is needed to develop electricity. The constant friction can wear out the brushes quickly with continued use, and even more so if the generator is maintained. Old brushes will lead to lower power outputs and eventually will make the generator fail all together.
Transportation
Sometimes, generators are often used in remote locations and, due to their heavy nature, are not treated very gently in their travels. Bouncing around in truck beds, sitting for long periods in the elements, and rough man handling, and more can lead to damages over time to your generators body. Generators are usually pretty robust, but some are more prone to travel related damages than others. If you plan on carting your generator around a lot make sure you have a good way to secure it down and that you inspect it regularly for damages you can fix early, saving you a costly repair or replacement.
Overloading
People often miscalculate how much they can run on their generator and overload it. This adds extra stress to the generator and will cause it to become bogged down and fail faster. Make sure you understand the rating for your generator and are not constantly maximizing it with heavy use.
Understanding the common problems with generators can help you avoid them and keep your generator in top shape. This will save you money and time in the long run.
