Generators are essential machines for residential properties, especially in Florida. They allow you to perform many useful tasks and can help you keep your home running should your area suffer an electrical outage, such as in the case of a hurricane or heavy storm. At some point, though, your generator is not going to work as it should, and you should check it regularly to ensure it works when you need it.
These are the most common problems that generators can experience over time and how to fix them.
1.Battery Failure
One of the more common issues seen with generators, no matter what model, is battery malfunction. This is usually caused by human error. This could have happened intentionally to allow the generator to be safely operated on. Fortunately for you, this issue can be fixed by merely checking your circuit breaker to see which slot was flipped off. Once you have located it, turn it on again. The generator should then be operational again.
If it’s not, then the culprit could be dirty connections. The terminals connecting the battery to the generator may be covered in debris and dust, thereby preventing the battery from establishing a strong connection. For this problem, you’ll want to get a wire brush. Use it to scrub away any debris and rust that have built up on these terminals.
After performing this step, check to make sure the battery terminals are not loose. If they are, you’ll need to tighten them back up. If none of these steps work for your particular generator, you may need to have the battery repaired or replaced entirely.
2.Coolant Leaks
Over time, excessive temperatures caused by an overworked generator can put a lot of wear and tear on coolant hoses. They are then much more prone to leaks, which you’ll want to address as soon as possible to prevent total failure. Fortunately, cooling maintenance for generators is not that hard to master.
What you’ll need to do is inspect your generator’s coolant hoses every couple of years. Make sure they’re structurally sound and don’t have any visible signs of damage. Installing a replacement set is advisable if they are. These hoses are relatively inexpensive and aren’t that difficult to set up, no matter what type of generator you have.
Coolant leaks can be prevented by regularly changing the coolant in these coolant hoses. For optimal function, check with the generator’s manufacturer to see how often they recommend flushing the old coolant and putting more in.
3.Low Fuel Levels
When your generators fail to turn on, the fuel levels may be too low for the engine to respond. Although this happens to a lot of generators, it’s important to make sure your fuel doesn’t ever run out completely. If this does happen, it could cause air to get into the system and hoses, which is extremely time-consuming to get out.
Every time you go to operate your generator, check the fuel level gauge. It should be easy to see and accurate. Also, you should listen out for low fuel levels indicators. These will sound like an alarm, and you’ll need to act immediately to prevent doing irreparable damage to your generator.
A fuel shortage can cause your generator to stop working, even if the fuel level gauge shows that you still have fuel. A licensed electrician should replace your fuel gauge if this happens. You’ll then be able to resume assessing accurate fuel levels.
4.Insufficient Oil Levels
Like most people, you probably have a busy schedule. Remembering to maintain your generator’s oil levels probably isn’t at the top of your priorities list. Your generator might not turn on if your oil levels aren’t adequate. Then, if your oil levels get too low, you could cause permanent damage to the engine as it wouldn’t have proper lubrication.
Keep your lubricant at the correct levels to avoid engine failure. Checking them isn’t that difficult, either. You’ll first need to identify the oil dipstick, much like you would with a conventional car. Add more fuel if your oil levels fall below the recommended level. It’s paramount that you use the same type of oil that was used before for safe, effective operation. You should also inspect the oil’s consistency and color. If oil appears darkened and sludgey, it is likely to be bad. The best thing to do is flush your generator completely and then put new oil in.
5.Closed Shutoff Valve
When you’re not using your generator, it’s often recommended to close the fuel shutoff valve. This way, the generator doesn’t accidentally turn on when it’s not being used for extended periods of time. However, where a lot of generator users go wrong is failing to open this valve back up once the generator is taken out of storage. Then, the generator doesn’t ever turn on.
You can solve this problem by simply labeling your generator to indicate that the shutoff valve remains closed. Then, when you go to take your generator out of storage, you can flip the valve back open and have no problems getting it started after remaining dormant.
6.Dirty Air Filter
Generators are like cars. They need a clean air filter to screen out contaminants like dirt and debris. If this air filter gets too dirty, it can’t help your generator run efficiently. Dirty filters could even decrease your generator’s lifespan. This filter should be inspected at least once a month. If the filter is extremely dirty on both sides, try to find a replacement with the same dimensions. To save money on replacement costs, you might consider installing a disposable filter. This will allow you to avoid having to change it as often as possible.
It doesn’t matter what generator you have, eventually it will stop working. At least you’ll know how to fix it if you brush up on the generator problems mentioned above. Then, no matter what issues are thrown your way, you’ll know exactly what to do and can do it in a timely manner.
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