How do I perform the break-in maintenance for a home standby generator?

This article defines a break-in maintenance, when it is performed, why it is performed, what is performed, and links on how to perform it.

  • Aug 26, 2025
  • Knowledge

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How do I perform the break-in maintenance for a home standby generator?
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Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns. 

How do I perform the break-in maintenance for a home standby generator?

Generac Home Standby generators require a specific set of maintenance tasks after the first 25 hours of run time, often referred to as break-in maintenance. 

Environment

 

This article applies to Generac Guardian series manufactured after 2017 and Next Generation series air-cooled home standby generators that have reached  its first 25 hours of run time. This article also applies to PowerPact 7.5 kW generators that have reached 20 hours of run time.

25-hour maintenance for new generators

When the break-in maintenance interval of 25 hours of run time has been reached, it is important to complete a full oil and oil filter change. Generac recommends using our specially blended 5W-20 full synthetic oil (part number A0001412874) for this oil change, and at every oil change thereafter. It is important to perform the required break-in maintenance tasks when the 25-hour run time interval has been reached: no earlier, no later.

The valve clearance inspection/adjustment portion of the break-in maintenance interval is also crucial for ensuring the proper operation and longevity of the engine. As the engine heats up during operation, internal components of the engine expand as a result of this heat. Ensuring the proper valve clearance allows for optimal engine performance and prevents damage as these components heat up. 

Note: Next Generation series and Guardian series generators in sizes 14 & 18 kW incorporate hydraulic lifters, and do not require a valve clearance adjustment. For more information, see Do I need to do valve adjustments on a home standby generator?

 

Break-in maintenance tasks 

Note: You may notice metal particulates in the oil after your first oil change. This is normal and is an expected result of the break-in period.

How do I check run hours? 

See the How do I find out how many run hours are on my home standby generator? article for detailed steps to check a generator's run hours.


Who can perform these tasks?

Generac recommends contacting your local Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) for service. see How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? for more information.

Maintenance can also be performed by homeowners. Regardless of who performs the maintenance, it is important to keep records of all maintenance and services performed as indicated in the terms and conditions of the manufacturer's warranty statement. The Mobile Link app provides functionality for creating and tracking maintenance tasks. See Viewing, Adding, Deleting, & Exporting Maintenance Schedule Records in Mobile Link for more information.

Next steps

After maintenance procedures have been completed, it is important to follow the post-maintenance check procedure to ensure the home standby unit is "ready to run" as well as document/record the maintenance performed.

You can also use the dealer locator to find an Independent Authorized Service Dealer near you.

What if I haven't reached 25 hours yet?

If the generator was installed over 1 year ago, but has not reached the 25-hour break-in maintenance interval, we recommend the following:


1. Run the generator under load to reach the 25-hour break-in maintenance interval. The best way to do this is to simulate a power outage in your home: How Do I Simulate a Power Outage to Test My Home Standby System? Then, after the generator has reached 25 hours of run time, perform the break-in maintenance.

2. If this isn't an option, change the oil to 5W-30 conventional oil (not synthetic) and replace the oil filter. Then, when the 25 hour run time interval has been reached, perform the break-in maintenance.


See also

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