Petrol generators are convenient for use as both portable power units and backups in case of electrical outages. In general, these pieces of equipment are designed for stable functioning for a prolonged period. However, the long lifespan can be affected by unsuitable practices and bad habits. For instance, the power unit will decline in performance and even experience failure due to improper upkeep. This can translate into downtime and even costly repairs. Here are essential tips for maintaining and protecting your petrol generator.
Build an Enclosure
One of the common problems which can cause the deterioration of your petrol generator is exposure to unfavourable environmental elements. In simple terms, if the unit is left in an open space, it will experience deterioration due to rain, wind, dust and extreme temperature. Therefore, you should protect the generator properly during operation and even periods of disuse. Under ideal circumstances, you should build an enclosure for the generator. The enclosure will allow you to operate the unit outside the building without leaving it out in the rain. If this is not possible, you can purchase a suitable cover for protection when the generator is placed outside.
Change Dirty Fluid
Like other petrol equipment, the generator needs oil for operation. The oil is essential for lubricating components when the power unit is in operation. This results in reduced friction, minimising the rate of machine wear. Also, it has a cooling effect, improving the dissipation of heat when the generator is running. Unfortunately, the oil in your generator will not last forever. The fluid will reduce, accumulate impurities and even spoil over time. This can compromise the function of the generator. Therefore, you should check the manufacturer's instructions on the optimal intervals for changing the oil.
Avoid Neglect
If you have purchased your petrol generator to act as a stand-by or backup unit, you might experience some problems due to disuse. Simply speaking, if the equipment is not used for a long period, the parts will begin to rust and stick together. This problem occurs because these components do not get adequately lubricated. Moreover, the lack of motion in moving parts will lead to their failure. If you neglect the equipment for too long, it might fail to operate completely. Therefore, you should make time to run the generator periodically to keep the internal mechanisms in good condition.
Finally, it is important to inspect your generator regularly and replace damaged and worn-out parts like dirty filters and rusted spark plugs.
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