When you experience an unexpected power failure, a generator is meant to come to your rescue. However, to fulfill its function, it must be capable of responding at the drop of a hat. But, if your generator isn’t working properly, there might be something wrong with it.
Generator Maintenance Indicators
It’s important to get a generator inspected when the first indication of a problem surfaces. If small concerns aren’t handled immediately, they might grow into bigger and more expensive problems. Here are a few indicators that your generator needs Generator Maintenance Service.
1. Visible Damage
Although this appears to be a clear indicator, some homeowners prefer to ignore it hoping that it will go away by itself. You must understand that ignoring obvious damage to your generator will not make it disappear.
To look for visible damage, examine the equipment for frayed cables, missing components, sticky or faulty buttons, torn cords, defects in the casing, and rust. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these indications, particularly after a hurricane or other extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, be mindful when examining your generator. Make sure it’s turned off before you touch any frayed wires. Likewise, don’t touch it with your bare hands. Immediately contact generator professionals to handle the issue.
2. It Has Trouble Starting
Nothing is more distressing than a generator that fails to start. This could occur due to a variety of reasons. One of them could be the use of tainted or old fuel. Another reason might be the gunk that has accumulated in the tank or lines. Or maybe, it’s time to change your fuel filter.
Furthermore, even if the generator runs on the second or third attempt, problems like these shouldn’t be overlooked. You may address these concerns by cleaning the gasoline tank, flushing the fuel valve, changing the filter, or calling the professionals.
3. Constant Starting And Stopping
If your generator starts but won’t keep running for more than a few minutes, there might be a problem. Irregular generator operation can be caused by a variety of factors, including low fuel, faulty fuel, clogged lines, malfunctioning battery, electrical difficulties, and so on.
It’s also likely that your generator is malfunctioning due to excessive heat. When the temperature exceeds the set safety level, generators usually shut down as a precaution. This might indicate that your equipment is experiencing a coolant problem due to a leak or another issue. To be sure, you’ll need to have an expert check your generator.
4. Excessive Smoke
If you haven’t used your generator in a while, expect a few clouds of smoke from the exhaust after starting it up. Also, if the smoke persists after a couple of minutes, there may be a major underlying problem.
Smoke might indicate a variety of issues, including fuel leaks, a broken gasket, or a malfunctioning case vent. However, if there’s smoke, there’s always a risk for fire. It goes without saying that if your backup power is on fire, something isn’t right.
Additionally, if your backup generator emits excessive smoke, turn it off right away. If the smoke it emits is very dark, it’s highly probable an issue that has to be addressed by an expert. In any event, contact an expert to inspect your generator. Also, once the problem has been fixed, plan regular maintenance inspections to avoid a recurrence.
5. Strange Noises
The majority of generators produce a lot of noise. So, distinguishing between regular generator noises and other unusual noises that might signal problems may be difficult. However, if you observe metal-on-metal sounds, sputtering, or cracking, your generator certainly has an issue.
Backfiring sounds might indicate a problem with your generator engine. Various factors can contribute to this, including improper ignition timing, damaged plugs or wires, and low fuel levels. However, without a skilled specialist inspecting the entire engine system, it’s hard to diagnose.
6. High Fuel Consumption
When buying a generator, you’ll be advised how much gasoline it can consume and how many operating hours it can provide. But, if you observe that your generator’s fuel usage is substantially rising amid power outages, this might indicate a problem. If you’re experiencing this problem, call a professional immediately to diagnose the cause of the problem.
7. Fuel Leaks
Leakage, or the indicators of one, is often easier to detect. If you discover pools of fuel or other fluids around your generator, you might have a significant problem.
If they are fuel leaks, you risk burning up a large amount of fuel in a short time. This could also be costly. If they are coolant leaks, there’s a chance your generator could overheat after a short period. Moreover, if you notice that your generator is constantly leaking, contact a generator repair company as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
You want your generator to be in working condition when you need it. You can keep it in excellent shape and prevent costly repairs by checking it thoroughly and operating it cautiously. Additionally, regular maintenance will assist in the diagnosis of any possible issues before they become serious. Apart from that, routine maintenance may help increase the life and performance of your generator. Thus, saving you money over time.