Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble free operation for your generator. It will also help with air pollution.

These following maintenance tips apply to normal operating conditions. If you operate your generator under unusual conditions, such as sustained high load or high temperature operation, or use it in dusty conditions, speak to your local authorised generator dealer on a necessary maintenance schedule to suit.

Fuel Recommendations for Petrol Generators

Use regular unleaded fuel with octane number of 89 or higher. Never use stale or contaminated fuel, and avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank. You can use regular unleaded fuel containing no more than 10% ethanol or 5% methonal by volume. Engine damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than this are nor covered under warranty from manufactures.

Engine Oil Check

Always make sure the generator’s engine oil is in good condition. Oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. You need to make sure you change the oil at least every 6 months or if you’re using it more regularly, change the oil every 100 hours. Changing the oil is quick and easy – you need to drain the old oil completely and re-fill to the required level. Make sure you check with the generators owners manual with what type of oil is required for your model.

Air Cleaner Service

Inspect the air filter, if the air filter is dirty or broken replace it, otherwise a quick clean of the air filter can mean you can re-use it again.

Spark Plug Service

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. You should clean your spark plug every 100 hours and change it every 300 hours. Note - A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine.

Muffler & Spark Arrestor Service

Check the muffler & spark arrester for excess build up of carbon. Give both the spark arrestor and muffler a good clean to remove traces of carbon deposits. Are they in good condition? If not, replace them.

Battery Service

If your model generator is electric start, your generator's engine charging system charges the battery while the engine is running. However if the generator is only used periodically, the battery must be charged monthly to maintain the battery service life.

Taking Care of unexpected Problems

Engine Will not start - What to check:

• Main ignition switch is in the off position
• No fuel in the fuel tank
• Bad fuel, generator stored without draining the fuel, or you have refuled the generator with bad fuel
• Low engine oil - most generator models have a low oil alert cut out fitted
• Spark plug wet from trying to start so many times without it firing up
• The spark plug is faulty, fouled or gapped incorrectly
• Fuel blockage problem, could be a number of things like fuel filter blocked, main jets in carby blocked, fuel pump faulty etc

Engine Lacks Power - What to check:

• Air filter blocked or damaged
• Bad fuel, generator stored without draining the fuel, or you have refuled the generator with bad fuel
• Fuel blockage problem, could be a number of things like fuel filter blocked, main jets in carby blocked, fuel pump faulty etc

No power at the AC outlets

• faulty capacitor
• Brushes are worn and not making contact
• Circuit breaker has tripped
• Faulty power tool or appliance
• Faulty AC outlet
• Faulty generator