How Do I Maintain My Generator?

Generator Maintenance

Safety Precautions

Generator owners and service technicians should follow proper safety precautions before attempting to service a generator. See the What Safety Precautions Should I Take when Performing Maintenance on My Generator? article for more information.
 

Tools

Before performing maintenance on your generator, owners should ensure they have thoroughly consulted the owner’s manual and understand the risks associated with performing their own maintenance versus calling a Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer. Tools required to perform maintenance include:
 

• 10mm wrench
• 3/8" drive socket
• Torque wrench
• Spark plug gap gauge
• Oil pan (When changing the oil, use an oil pan and dispose of the old oil properly)

Maintenance Kits

Home Standby Generators

Maintenance Intervals for Home Standby Generators

Maintenance Tasks

• Changing the oil and oil filter: How Do I Change the Oil and Oil Filter in a Generac Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
• Check/change the air filter: How Do I Check and Change the Air Filter On My Home Standby Generator?
• Inspect/change the spark plugs: How Do I Service the Spark Plugs in a Generac Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
• Valve adjustments (for engines without hydraulic lifters, see owner's manual)
• Inspection of lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks
• Inspection of enclosure louvers for dirt and debris
• Looking for water intrusion
• Assessing and cleaning the sediment trap as necessary (applies only to home standby units): What Does the Integrated Sediment Trap in My Home Standby Generator Do?
• Check the battery voltage and inspect the battery for any corrosion around the contact points: How Do I Inspect the Battery On My Home Standby Generator?
• Generac offers fascia base kits or base plugs for air-cooled home standby units up to 26kW. These keep unwanted rodents and debris from entering the underside of your generator. 
• Fascia kits and base plugs are not available for the CorePower or PowerPact.
• Paint is also a protectant against corrosion. We offer touch-up paint in tan, bisque, and gray, which not only keeps your home standby generator looking new but also protects it from rust.

Portable Generators

Maintenance Intervals for Portable Generators

Maintenance Tasks

• Charging the Battery (electric start only): How Do I Charge My Electric Start Portable Generator?
• Changing the Air Filter (see manual)
• Changing the Oil: How Do I Change the Oil in My Portable Generator?
• Long-term storage: How Do I Prepare My Portable Generator for Storage?