How to Prep a Portable Generator for Winter

With winter fast approaching, you should winterize & prep your generator in case you lose power.

• Always store portable generators in a dry, clean area that is easy to get to (such as a garage or shed). When the lights go out, you don't want to trip over things to get the power going.

• Remove your generator from storage; drain the old gasoline (if necessary) from the tank and dispose of it properly. Inspect the fuel line and components for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.

• Fill the generator with fresh gasoline. If the generator is likely to sit long periods of time before being run again make sure you use a gasoline stabilizer.

• Start your generator at least once a month and let it run for a short period of time with a light load on it. If your generator has electric start, trickle charge the battery from time to time to ensure it is ready to go.

• After the generator has warmed up, put a light load on it to exercise the alternator (after about 15 minutes of running). Turn off the fuel valve and run the fuel line dry.

• After the engine stops, turn off the run switch and change the oil (if necessary) and put the generator back in storage following the manufacturer’s storage procedures.

• Change the oil using winter weight oil (lower viscosity) to help the generator start easier. Switching to lower viscosity oil in winter ensures that the oil will start lubricating the moving parts sooner because it is thinner and flows better at lower temperatures than thicker oil.  Because every manufacturer has their own recommendations on oil always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil to make sure that you don’t void the warranty. 

• With multi-viscosity oils such as 10W-30 or 5W-30, there is no need to change oils types based on the season or temperature.

• If you had any trouble with the generator during this test, take it to an authorized service center to ensure that it's in good running condition before the snow starts falling.

• When running your generator in the sleet or snow, keep it protected using a portable shelter such as the GenTent.

Stay warm and jolly this holiday season, and keep your family happy with a backup generator.

Portable Generator Maintenance Tips

Properly maintaining your portable generator is crucial if you want it to start every time you need it. Below are some tips to help you maintain your portable generator.

Change the Oil

The most important thing for you to do is change the oil on a frequent basis! Most new generators need their first oil change after just 20 hours of use. Beyond that, you'll have to change it every fifty to sixty hours depending on the generators maintenance schedule. Keep in mind that for extended run times (e.g. 36 hours) you will want to check (and possibly change) the oil when you top off the fuel.

Generators work extremely hard and it shows in the engine oil. That's why it's important to conduct more frequent oil changes than you do with a car. Keep some extra oil around so you’re not scrambling around during a storm trying to find some at a local auto parts store. If the generator you have has an oil filter make sure you replace it with a new one when changing the oil also.

Change the Spark Plug

Another thing to check and possibly change on a regular basis is the spark plug. If you notice the generator starting to take longer than usual to start, the spark plug could be the culprit. Over time, the spark plug will build up carbon around the electrode, affecting the “spark” which is needed to start and run the engine. This is a very inexpensive item, and it's good to have on hand.

Clean or Change the Air Filter

When the generator is running, it is sucking in air which goes through an air filter. When the filter gets clogged, the engine will be hard to start and will run very rough. Depending on the generator you have, you might be able to clean it. Not all filters can be cleaned though, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to see which kind of filter you have and keep it clean!

Use Fuel Stabilizer

Bad fuel is the #1 cause of generators not starting. Many manufacturers advise adding fuel stabilizer to the gas to help minimize fuel breakdown, varnish and gum buildup. But it's no guarantee against problems.

If you’re going to be storing your generator for a long period of time add some stabilizer and run the generator out of gas. If you decide to store the generator with fuel in the tank make sure the fuel tank is topped off so it does not have a chance to collect moisture inside and also add fuel stabilizer.

Give it a Workout!
Last but not least Exercise Your Generator. It is recommended you start your generator every 1-3 weeks according to most manufacturers and let it run for about 20 minutes with a load on it. If your generator has electric start this would be a good time to charge the battery also.

When in doubt, always check your owner’s manual, which is the bible of generator maintenance. Click here for manufacturers' phone numbers should you need to order a manual.