For portable generator maintenance, we recommend contacting your Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) to service your generator. Before performing any maintenance on your own, please consult your Owner’s Manual to ensure you are using the correct maintenance kit and following all safety precautions. It is the owner’s responsibility to retain all receipts of proof of maintenance in the event that warranty service is needed in the future. Find your nearest dealer here or shop online for your maintenance kit at generac.ordertree.com.
Regular maintenance for portable generators consists of changing the engine oil, inspecting and cleaning the spark arrestor, replacing the spark plug(s), checking valve clearance, and cleaning or replacing the air filter. It is also important to ensure all cooling air openings on the generator are free of debris or dirt. Clean the generator daily or before each use. Do not use a garden hose to clean your generator. Water can damage the engine, rotor and stator windings, which may leave the generator inoperable. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces and a vacuum to pick up loose dirt and debris.
Replace the engine oil every 100 hours or every year, whichever comes first.
1. Place the generator on a level surface.
2. Run the generator for a few minutes to warm the oil. Then, shut it down and let it cool before working.
3. To avoid accidental startup, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the boot where it cannot contact the spark plug.
4. Clean around the oil fill and drain plug.
5. Place a suitable container to catch the oil under the oil drain.
6. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and the oil drain plug to release the oil into the pan.
7. Once all oil has drained, install the oil drain plug and tighten.
Note: For XT, XG, XP and select GP series, the oil filter will also need to be replaced before adding new oil.
8. If the generator has an oil filter, this will need to be changed before adding new engine oil Remove the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise.
9. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the gasket on the new oil filter.
10. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket lightly contacts oil filter adapter.
11. Tighten filter an additional 3/4 to one full turn.
12. Using the funnel included in the maintenance kit, slowly pour the recommended amount of oil into the oil fill.
Note: Refer to your Owner’s Manual for oil amount recommendations. Use Generac 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil for the best performance.
13. Install the oil fill cap/dipstick and hand-tighten.
14. Wipe up any spilled oil. Properly dispose of oil in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Replace the air filter:
1. Locate the air filter box. Refer to your owner’s manual for the location.
2. With clean hands, remove the cover and old air filter.
3. Dispose of the filter properly. If necessary, clean the air filter box.
4. Insert the new filter.
5. Re-install the filter cover.
Check your spark plugs.
1. Clean the area around the spark plugs before removing them to keep any debris and dirt out of the engine.
Note: Depending on the size of your generator’s engine, you may have one or two spark plugs. Your scheduled maintenance kit will have the correct gap and number of spark plugs.
2. Remove the spark plug(s) using a spark plug socket.
3. Use a feeler gauge to inspect the electrode gap. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper gapping.
4. If the spark plug looks worn, re-use is questionable or the gap is out of specification, replace with a new spark plug.
5. When installing a new spark plug, turn until finger tight. Then, tighten an additional 3/8 to 1/2 turn using a spark plug wrench.
Portable generators may also have a spark arrestor that must be regularly maintained
Replace the arrestor if it is damaged or there is carbon blockage. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for location.
Note: For states such as California, it is unlawful to operate your generator without one.
Note: Once you have finished performing maintenance on your portable generator, remember to place the spark plug wire back on the spark plug(s).
