How do I maintain my generator?

Read the manual thoroughly and understand all instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, call Generac Customer Support at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or visit www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.

Generator maintenance is crucial to help ensure continued generator reliability. Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, preventing unexpected failures during power outages. Enhance the longevity, efficiency, and dependability of your Generac generator, and gain peace of mind knowing you are protected when needed most.

Why is generator maintenance important?

Regular maintenance contributes to:

• Optimal performance: Regular servicing helps the generator run efficiently, providing consistent power output when needed.
• Longevity: Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of the generator, protecting your investment.
• Reliability: By addressing potential problems early, maintenance enhances reliability and reduces the risk of failure.
• Fuel efficiency: Well-maintained generators tend to operate more efficiently, reducing operating costs.
• Readiness: Regular checks help ensure the generator is ready for use during emergencies.
• Warranty eligibility: To remain eligible for warranty coverage, regular maintenance is required.

Environment

Home standby generators: This article applies to Generac home standby generators, but you should always check your user manual to confirm required maintenance for your model.

Portable generators: This article applies generally to Generac portable generators, but you should always check your user manual to confirm specific required maintenance steps.

Article contents

• Before you begin
• Home standby maintenance
• Portable generator maintenance
• How to request maintenance
• Can I perform maintenance myself?
• Maintenance for warranty
• Track maintenance with Mobile Link

Before you begin

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, thoroughly consult the owner’s manual and understand the risks associated with performing your own maintenance. You can also contact a local dealer using the dealer locator for help with maintenance tasks.

Tools required to perform maintenance include:

• Replacement maintenance parts (oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, etc.)
• 10 mm wrench
• 3/8" drive socket
• Torque wrench
• Spark plug gap gauge
• Oil pan (use an oil pan when changing the oil and dispose of used oil properly)

Maintenance kits

Generac offers pre-assembled maintenance kits that include OEM parts required for routine maintenance tasks. See the What Are Generator Maintenance Kits? article for more information.

Home standby maintenance

Home standby owners should always reference their user manual for maintenance intervals, tasks, and required parts. User manuals can be found using the product lookup page. See the How Do I Find a Copy of My Home Standby Generator Owner's Manual and Spec Sheets? article for more information.

Maintenance intervals for home standby generators

Determine the maintenance schedule for your specific generator model using the owner’s manual. See Where Can I Find the Maintenance Schedule for My Generac Home Standby Generator?

Maintenance tasks & articles

• 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 (does not apply to engines with hydraulic lifters): How do I perform a valve adjustment on my air-cooled home standby generator?
• Inspection of lines and connections for fuel leaks: How to perform a Fuel System Leak Test
• Inspection of enclosure louvers for dirt and debris
• Looking for water intrusion: Inspecting 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 corrosion around contact points: How Do I Inspect the Battery On My Home Standby Generator?

Accessories

• Generac offers fascia base kits or base plugs for air-cooled home standby units up to 26 kW. 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. Generac offers touch-up paint in tan, bisque, and gray, which keeps your generator looking new and protects it from rust.
• For more information, see: What Accessories Are Available for My Home Standby Generator?

Portable generator maintenance

Portable generator owners should always reference their generator's user manual prior to performing maintenance. To locate a user manual, reference the I Can’t Find My Original Owner’s Manual for My Portable Generator, How Can I Get Another Copy? article.

Maintenance intervals for portable generators

Reference the How Often Should I Perform Routine Maintenance on My Portable Generator? article.

Maintenance tasks

General maintenance tasks are described in the How Do I Maintain My Generac Portable Generator? article. These articles focus on individual tasks:

• Charging the battery (electric start only): How Do I Charge My Electric Start Portable Generator?
• 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?

How to request maintenance

1. Visit the service request page and enter your generator serial number, then complete the form.
2. Generac Power Systems will notify a qualified local Generac Service Professional that you have requested maintenance.
3. A Generac Service Professional will contact you to schedule a visit, then send a technician to complete your annual maintenance.

Can I perform maintenance myself?

Generator owners who feel comfortable doing so may perform maintenance themselves. Before performing maintenance, ensure you have thoroughly read your owner’s manual and understand the risks associated with performing your own maintenance versus working with an authorized service dealer.

• Maintenance can be performed by purchasing a maintenance kit and ensuring you have the proper tools. If you need help with performing your own maintenance, see How do I perform the yearly maintenance for my home standby generator?
• Purchase a maintenance kit or individual maintenance parts at generac.ordertree.com.
• Individual maintenance parts, such as spark plugs and air filters, can also be purchased at generacpowerproducts.com.
• After maintenance is complete, keep detailed records of what maintenance was done and when it was done.

Maintenance for warranty

Regular generator maintenance ensures reliability during crucial times and keeps you in compliance with warranty requirements. Proof of performance of all required maintenance must be available, as stated in your generator manual and warranty statement. Generator warranties cover repairs resulting from manufacturing defects and parts that require premature replacement. Some items not covered under the warranty may be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. If desired, inform your insurance provider when you purchase a home standby generator so it can be included in your policy.

For more information on what is and is not covered under warranty, see What Does My Home Standby Generator Warranty Cover?

Note: If you are unsure what warranty coverage you have, review the warranty tab in Mobile Link and/or contact Customer Support at 888-436-3722 for assistance.

Track maintenance with Mobile Link

Never lose sight of maintenance again! Track your maintenance directly in the Mobile Link app or let a Generac Service Professional monitor and maintain your generator for you, ensuring expert care whether you are home or away. Request professional service here.

Need support?

To find more information about maintenance, visit support.generac.com.

For additional help, contact Customer Support: 888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).