How to carry out generator maintenance & store them when not in use?
Many people prefer storing their generators when we feel that they are not going to be in use. But many of us forget that it is essential to prepare our generator for storage. Rather than just transferring it to the storage room. This preparation ensures that when we take out the generators, they will not be rusted or corroded & will function smoothly. Therefore, today we will teach you how to do generator maintenance & store it properly.
Things you will need
WD-40® Multi-use Product
WD-40 Specialist® Silicone Lubricant
Cleaning cloth
Siphon pump & container for fuel drainage
Generator Covers
Step 1
Deal with the fuel!
There are many ways to deal with the fuel left in your generators before you pack them up for good. Fuel deterioration & oxidation is a common mishap that leads to clogging of the fuel system & the formation of gum deposits in the fuel channels. The amount of time you can leave the fuel in the fuel tank without causing any functional problems varies due to some factors. For example, a partially filled fuel tank will have air; that promotes fuel deterioration. Then warm temperatures of storage accelerate fuel oxidation too. Apart from this, fuel blend also affects the rate of fuel deterioration & oxidation. Keeping all these factors in mind, we would like to recommend two ways to tackle this:
- Use a fuel stabilizer: It helps to keep the fuel fresh for almost two years of storage.
- Drain the fuel tank: You can drain the fuel tank by either siphoning out the fuel or locating the drain screw on your generator and then using it to drain the fuel in a container.
Step 2
Change the engine oil
Before storing your generator, you must change the engine oil. Also, remove the spark plug and pour a teaspoon of clean oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Re-install the spark plug. Slowly pull the starter rope until you feel resistance. The reason is that the piston is coming up on its compression stroke, and both the intake and exhaust valve are closed. Storing the engine in this position will help protect it from internal corrosion.
Step 3
Check for damaged parts!
A thorough inspection of the generator will help you identify all the parts that may be damaged. We suggest replacing the damaged parts before storing the generator because the damage will worsen in storage. You can clean rust & corrosion on parts like spark plugs or battery terminals using WD-40 Multi-function Product. It effectively cleans surface-level rust build-up quickly.
You can also carry out some preventive steps during your generator maintenance regimen:
- Protect the rubber wheels from fading & cracking with WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant.
- Prevent rust build-up in the handles and other metallic parts by using WD-40 Multi-use Product. Spray the chemical on a clean cloth & wipe down all the surfaces that need protection from corrosion.
Step 4
Final wipe down & store it away!
The last step of generator maintenance is to clean all the dirt & debris on the outer body of the generator. Use a clean, wet cloth to wipe down the outer surface of the generator. A few storage precautions tips to keep in mind are as follows:
- Choose a well-ventilated space for storage that is not high in humidity.
- Avoid placing the generator next to any appliance that uses flame, such as a geyser.
- Always keep the generator on a leveled surface, as tilting may cause fuel or oil leakage.
- Avoid covering the generator in a plastic sheet as it will trap moisture & promote rust & corrosion. Instead, use breathable covers that are dust-proof.
Conclusion
Proper storage helps extend the life of appliances. Follow the steps given above to keep your portable generators functioning smoothly for many years.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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