Maintaining Portable Generators

A generator is probably one of the easier pieces of equipment to keep in good running condition. Let's be clear here.  This post is about portable generators such as the one shown above.  There are a few different configurations but most will be similar to the above picture.  In this I will discuss some of the features and maintenance of generators.

For those of us on the East Coast or in the Midwest we had a pretty interesting winter to say the least.  Which to many means we can expect the other seasons to be just as interesting, and possibly different than what we usually expect from our 3 or four season.  I can't speak for everyone, but here in Maryland we have 4 distinct seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall).  Generators don't get much use in the winter and so, therefore they sit all winter long.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your generator sit for the winter.  For the winter you should treat your generator just as you would your other outdoor power equipment.  Winterizing most equipment, including your portable generator, consists of usually the same basic steps.  Either stabilize the fuel using a fuel treatment such as Star Tron by Starbrite or another available fuel treatment or completely run the machine until there is absolutely no more fuel in the system.  Many people chose to stabilize their fuel but I, personally, prefer to run the machine until it stops, and is out of fuel.  I do this because I feel more comfortable knowing there is no fuel to eat at my fuel lines, gaskets, rings, and carburetor parts.  For more on this you'll want to read the post about Lawn Mower Killers.  As I said, preparing for winter storage isn't too bad.  To go even further many small engine shops do offer to winterize your equipment for you which consists of a bit more than what you would do at home.  Now comes the fun part! Spring Summer and Fall; the times of the  year when you'll probably find your generator the most useful.  You hear there's a huge tropical storm on the move, so you go outside like all your neighbors and try to start your generator only to find that it no longer starts even though it did the first day of spring.  Much of this is caused by ethanol and the other is just due to the fact that, like pressure washer, generators don't like to sit.  The pure boredom of being alone in the garage is enough to kill them.  It is recommended that you start your generator once a week.  The chances of that happening are usually very slim.  I usually tell people to start their machine and let it run a few minute at least once or twice a month.  Preferably twice a month.  You don't have to go plugging things in. Just start it let it run a few minutes and you're done.  Believe it or not that little task is the number one way to keep your generator running.  You will find that some generators have an electric start on them.  This is an awesome feature as long as you keep the battery charged.  So by starting your equipment once or twice a month will also help you realize when the battery needs to be charged again.  Follow the steps we went through in this post and all you'll need is a tune up every once in a while and you and your machine will be happy together for years to come!