Common Generator Issues and Repairs
Typically, you’ve purchased a generator for use in case of emergency– so when an emergency does strike, and your generator isn’t working the way it should, the situation can get very frustrating very quickly.
Plus, if you’re relying on your generator to power your home during inclement weather, a malfunctioning generator can be dangerous rather than simply inconvenient.
That’s why it’s important to be familiar with some of the more common generator issues well before they happen, so you know what to do in case of emergency and even prepare in advance.
We’ve compiled a list of potential issues– and how you can solve them. You might want to bookmark this page just in case you need it in the future!
Poor Maintenance
It’s imperative to keep your generator well-maintained.
Having a professional technician take a look at it every so often will ensure that it’s running the way it should the next time you need it.
Proper maintenance will also help you identify and replace or repair any malfunctioning parts– you definitely don’t want to find out that you need a replacement part in the middle of a blizzard!
If you don’t have a professional handle your regular maintenance, there are still some things you can tackle on your own.
Before you start the maintenance process, be sure to fully disconnect your generator from its power source.
Next, look closely at the AC wiring and the alternator. Make sure the connections are secure and that everything’s clean and free of dust, dirt and debris.
You can also check out the intake system and replace the air filter if needed.
Additional maintenance tasks you can handle if you have a little know-how:
- Change the spark plugs
- Take a close look at the wiring and electrical systems
- Change the oil
- Change the oil filter and fuel filter
However, if you’re not confident in completing these maintenance tasks on your own, it’s definitely best to contact a professional to handle them for you. Improper maintenance can cause more problems than you started with!
Problems with the Fuel Supply
Your generator relies on fuel to operate, whether that fuel is gasoline, natural gas, or propane. Make sure that your fuel supply is in order– fill up the tank, check the gas line connections, or check to make sure that your propane tank is full.
If you notice any issues with the fuel supply or tank, you should reach out to a professional generator technician as soon as possible. This is a major problem that requires specific steps for repair, and unless you’re an expert, it’s best left to the pros.
Leaks
Any generator has the potential to leak coolant, fuel, or oil. Any of these leaks is a serious matter that should be addressed as soon as you notice it.
Fuel leaks in particular can be dangerous, since fuel is toxic and flammable– and a pool of fuel around your generator could be extremely dangerous.
If you notice an oil leak, there’s a decent chance that your generator is experiencing wet stacking. Check out our previous blog to learn more about wet stacking and how to remedy it.
Call Northside Power 24/7 to Resolve Generator Issues
At Northside Power, we offer 24/7 emergency generator service– which means that even if your generator is experiencing problems in the middle of the night, we’ll be there to help.
In addition to our 24/7 service, we also offer routine generator maintenance, which can help you identify any of these issues long before they become a problem.
If you’d like to talk generators with us or have a question about repairs or maintenance, don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us a line today!