Many here (as I do myself) have a Generac or similar home standby generator in their home. They are very reliable, work very well and are extremely useful for an energy thirsty home and modern day living. They can make an extended power loss seem like a "non event" - I have been there many times and glad I did have one!

That said, for reliability there are some simple and important maintenance items that must be payed attention to - especially in harsh environments like extreme heat, rain, high humidity and extended dampness. First of all the car style battery onboard is what enables your generator start up automatically. Your voltage should not fall below 12.9 volts DC and 13.1 - 13.3 would be a more comforting range. In extreme environments a battery's useful life is usually 3-4 years and after that a battery can fail quickly and at any time - I have seen it here in FL many times and suggest not pushing your luck. Replacing it before it fails insures it will work when needed. You do not want your generator failing to automatically start in an emergency. You do not want to have to buy and swap out a battery or jump start it in a storm or emergency situation either - good luck with that. The battery is the only way your generator can start itself. Many of the newer Generac's have self monitoring software onboard that only takes a second to view on your iPhone. It tells you a slew of info on your generator's status, health and maintenance requirements and of course battery life and voltage. Many who own these generators are not even aware of this built in feature! All it requires is downloading the free app, linking it to your smartphone, and using it at least once a week. It is extremely useful!! I highly suggest looking into using this feature if your Generac has it - most new ones do.

The second major item is changing the oil and filter. Even if your generator has not run more than the 5 minutes a week for its weekly exercise and test cycle, precisely because of that moisture and water accumulate in the oil - easy to see when an oil change is performed. Because of lack of use, the water does not burn off and will taint the oil so don't neglect an oil and filter change for lack of emergency use. Changing the oil and oil filter on a Generac standby generator is a very simple procedure and should not be neglected because your generator has not been called into an emergency service. The price of 2 quarts of oil and a can filter is under $23 bucks and cheap insurance to keep the cooling and lubrication system of your expensive generator running properly and adding to its longevity. While you are at it - check and or replace the air filter - again a simple and inexpensive procedure.

The last common item and simple mistake people make is in not locking the Generator's top lid. Not locking it brings a risk of high winds blowing it opened and or blowing it off in a hurricane, wind storm or whatever. It also gives unauthorized access to people and critters who have nothing better to do than to mess with someone else's property. It takes but a few seconds to properly lock the two side locks. If you lost the key, visit any Generac dealer or call them for a replacement.

In my development there are so many here who spend 12-15K getting one of these beasts installed and then never pay attention to it again - until it stops working properly. There is simply no need for this to happen with a few of these simple and easy maintenance tasks.

I hope this helps at least a few here. Not rocket science - just something many forget and neglect and should take a few minutes to check on.

My favorite expression is: Previous Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance!

Good advice. A friend of mine I worked with uses that expression all the time.

Good info, thanks. My generator has a cold start kit which keeps the battery warmer. As It can hit -28F up here at times that is a good option!

Just to add a bit to your lock strategy. My transfer switch is located on the outside of my house. That can/should be locked also. That on mine is locked by padlock.

The key to the padlock is secured under the door to the generator in plain sight.
My generator company which I hold a service contract has told me only a couple keys will unlock most Generac generators. So if the company has to come up they unlock the lid and then have access to the padlock keys!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

I am a lazy guy when it comes to my Generac. I have a service/maintenance contract with the installer. They monitor the unit and service it as needed so I don’t have to. I then can tend to my four cars.

That works!

Couple questions as I’m going to install one in the new house we’re building in two yrs. When generator does its test run is it producing electricity? How does that work if electricity is not out? And is it like any other internal combustion engine where it has an air intake? I often wondered what happens if it ends up underwater or sucks in water.

not at all familiar with generators, but a smart trickle charger extends the life of the battery's considerably. Do they make generators that can use their electrical connection to maintain the battery till it's needed?

Spring - Fall generator maintenance contract is a must for my family.

You would not want any part to be under water, besides the engine, there could be damage to electrical and electronic components. I have seen them mounted on platforms off the ground. I don't think there is any load on the generator in the weekly test, the service tech does test the transfer switch and put load on when he visits. I believe there is a trickle charger for the battery.

My son had a generator installed . I asked him if he ever checks the oil , etc. " No , I have a service contract for all of that " . Whatever ...
I asked him if he knew how to transfer the switch manually ? " No " . Automatic transfer switches can fail . Do you want to sit there in the dark waiting on a service tech that may take days to get to you ? No , he'll call Dad to come show him .

Up here it can run for days. Knowing how to shut it down and check the oil is important. Same for knowing how to run the transfer switch.

I check oil if it runs more than 18 hours straight and repeat at intervals. Yes I know there is a low oil shut off switch but as you say knowing your equipment is a good thing.


As another has posted, part of my winter kit is a battery tender that keeps the battery fully charged.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Just curious, do you use synthetic oil?

Good advice. I'm currently looking to have a whole house generator installed.
I'm thinking of a Krohler. Anyone with experience of something other than Generac?

The guy who installed my Generac generator also does all the service each year. The cost may seem pricey but certainly thrifty compared to the cost of acquiring and installing the generator.

First the easy question. The air and exhaust vents are on the 2 side panels of the unit and have fan driven cooling system.

As for the first question, there is an automatic transfer switch that does not let the generated electricity connect to your home during normal exercising cycles. The unit has an onboard self checking system that checks the electrical output, probably charges the battery and makes sure everything is working as it should. BTW, the electricity that does not get used gets discharged into the atmosphere.

I very recently sold my cabin that was equipped with an 11KW Generac. Since the engine had solid valve lifters, maintaining the correct and very tight (.002-.004) lash (clearance) is absolutely essential. If the clearance is lost, the valves will not seat, resulting in loss of compression, exhaust valve burning, and valve seat recession. Theoretically, after the initial break-in period, the valve train should settle in and become stable. The first valve lash adjustment is critical to long engine life. Do not overlook this important maintenance requirement.

Regarding the use of synthetic oil —- there is no reason to use anything other than synthetic oil. In anything. Lawn mower, air compressor, guns, etc. Because of its molecular structure, it doesn’t oxidize like mineral oil does. I believe that Generac is now offering a branded synthetic oil that their service technicians sell. I know that Mobil 1 works well, but others are likely just as effective.

Tom H.

You are correct. The valve lash gap (.002" - .004") ) needs to be checked and adjusted after the first 50 hours of running. You are also correct in that many overlook this maintenance detail. I did mine already. It's actually easy for anyone who is familiar with some basic tools and a feeler gauge and has some mechanical engine knowledge. I also changed the gaskets on mine at the same time.

I use Penzoil Ultra Platinum which is way way over kill for the type of oiling system Generac's have. I stock that same oil for all my cars and it is just easier to have 5 gallon containers of one oil type than multiple kinds. Since it only uses 1.9 quarts, I don't care about using super premium oil for the generator - it can never hurt to use something that exceeds the spec's. and it doesn't break the bank.

Oh, BTW, you should always have extra fuses on hand for both the Generac unit (automotive type) and the transfer switch that uses 3 of them (Buss type). Always make sure you have an extra key for the lid as well.

Thank you for posting.

I m SUPER GLAD all my Generac maintenance is up to date BECAUSE Hurricane Milton appears to be headed right for us! I'm sure our power will go out somewhere in the mix.

I haven't decided which is worse, the hurricanes themselves or listening to all the media and weathermen scare the living daylights out of us. Keep your fingers crossed for us guys - looks like there is no avoiding this one and it's supposed to be a bad one.

I reeeeaaaly like overkill when choosing motor oil. There is just no economy in using cheap oil.

I have an 18k Generac which has hydraulic lifters and therefore needs no valve adjustments.
Since all it needs are oil changes and filter replacements along with plugs occasionally, I will do my own service.

Yes, but thankfully the valve lash adjustment is just a minor job - only takes about 20 minutes a side and should be a one shot deal. It's a job I don't mind doing. Painting is what I hate!

My service guy calls me once a year like clockwork. He does a great job, lives pretty local, and does my electrical work too.
Can’t take it with, me so why not?

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

Yep. I have a service plan for my Generac from a local authorized dealer. Something else worth mentioning is to check your oil level if your generator runs continuously every 24 hours and top off as necessary.

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"In God We Trust"

And..... during Hurricane Ian's power failure (around 2.5 - 3 days without power) I actually changed the oil and filter for the very first time since the generator was brand new and required changing after the initial 40 hours of run time. Changing the oil and filter takes about 10 minutes and is super easy on a Generac. When continuously running (after the initial break in and oil change), oil and filter changing has to be done after each 200 hours - or about 8 days of continuous running. That is WHY it is important to have several filters and extra oil on hand. You are not gonna be able to buy them during a time of emergency and good luck trying to get a service guy out to your home. When running for long periods of time it is more important than normal to get the oil & filter changed.

OH - and BTW it is somewhat normal for a brand new generator to use a little more oil than normal during the initial break in period, so check the oil level often during a continuous run when new. Add oil as needed during that time.

Anyone who has a standby generator do your self a big favor and make SURE the cabinet is locked on both sides!!! This will prevent wind from tearing the top lid off! It will also prevent the strong winds lifting it up so driven rain, critters and unauthorized people can gain access.

No hurricanes here. Normally, a power outage here in cornfields and cows country only lasts a few hours or a day at most. There have been only two occasions in my lifetime when power was out for a week for longer. Once, during an ice storm back in the 80s (?) when power was out for 4 days and another in 2023, when a Derecho windstorm knocked the power out for 72 hours.

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"In God We Trust"

I am not aware if all Kohler gensets have hydraulic valve lifters, but our 20K does. Better actual warranty coverage in our area as well. More important is to purchase a brand that has servicing dealers in YOUR area if you will not do your own service, especially if you live in a more rural location. Generac sells more home gensets because they are better at marketing. Personally, I think the most important decision is to get a standby gen in the first place, the brand is secondary. Just get one, the future is uncertain. We have two, a 20kw and our original 12 kw, on a 500 gallon propane tank and a 150 gallon stand alone tank. Just my 2 cents worth, but we have had home standby gensets since 1985.

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NRA Endowment member

Generator, we don't need no stinking generators! They suck gas like a Sherman tank and make too much noise. Cheap enough that I enjoy the lower utility bill when it comes. My grandpa and father never had a generator.

Something to ponder. Sales pitch some will say, but who here reads CNBC other than me.

Generac CEO says pressure on the power grid '''only going to get worse'''

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

So you buy a generator. Storm is coming and you evacuate like you are told because of storm surge. By the time they let you back in, power has been restored so you don't need the generator or you come back to a wasteland, including a trashed generator. Can't buy scotch because you used all your money to buy generator.
Got it.

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Forum consigliere

LMAO! Actually having a generator when you are not home is also crucial! Without one you could return to a mildewed, molded and damp house! It is essential for the Snowbirds just because of that.

Less mold damage = less insurance claims = less money spent on insurance premiums = more $ to spend on Scotch. LOL!!

[QUOTE=HOUSTON RICK;142086091My grandpa and father never had a generator.[/QUOTE]

Mine didn't either. They also didn't have air conditioning and central heating and 4 wheel trucks and tractors. Some of the good old days were just old days and not good. Larry

I’m 365ft above sea level.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

I have a Kohler generator. I bought mine from a dealer that also services what they sell. At the time, Generac was sold in my area by big box stores that didn't provide the maintenance services I desired. A year later, the company I bought from started servicing Generac, but did not sell them.

I have no complaints about my purchase or how dependable it has been.

Currently, it is fueled by propane and uses very little for its weekly start-up. Our neighborhood may be getting natural gas within a year or so, which will have us switching over.

SOMEONE gets it!

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Forum consigliere

That’s faulty logic.

We KNOW you stockpile scotch.

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Reg. Magnum wants/Rossi wallet

As the battery in 20+KW Generac remains stationary is there any advantage to an AGM or is that overkill.
Asking for my Mom's.

Batteries? What batteries?

My folks gave me my generator because it made too much noise when they used it for their Airstream at Bluegrass festivals.

I've had it since 2006. I have to pull a rope to start mine. It ain't fancy, but today when I fired it up, it worked most well.

It's the older version of this one.

We live in the North East corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County. Also home to the third largest Amish Community in the States. When the power goes out, much of the population does not notice!

We do, and we have a whole house generator because we have 4 freezers. So far in three years, we had the generator run maybe 5 hours.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

The Generac standby units have a self battery charging system and monitor. You never need to install a trickle charger. They start themselves once a week and exercise while testing. I get a report every week and it gives me the generator and battery status. Works quite well and I can also look at the phone app whenever I want to check o things. instantly.

BTW...... one of the most impressive features of owning a Generac Standby Generator is the 24/7/365 Hotline number they give you. You get to talk with a very knowledgable and technically qualified person within a minute or so - no long wait times. They are based in the USA and are Americans so they speak our lingo clearly. IMO that is a huge plus - especially these days! They have answered questions I had in no time at all with accurate answers. A pleasure to deal with.

My brother reported a check battery warning light blinking green then amber on Mom's Gernerac.
I wouldn't wish your mother or mine to have to crank on a pull cord.

If you look on the backside of the cabinet you'll find a rocker switch that cuts off the generator. The switch duplicates a cutout switch that has been installed on the cabinet's interior for years. The switches are to protect service personnel who get into trouble with a running engine. Thank the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the external switch, a solution to a problem that does not exist and the cause of a new vulnerability to vandals. Anybody can casually turn off your generator, even if the cabinet is locked, rendering it useless. You might see the cutout notice on your phone app. If you have a monitoring contract with your local installer, they might see it, but probably won't. My machine has gone months with a control board failure without the monitoring service noticing.

The weekly programmed tests are run under no load, producing only enough power to overcome the small impedance in the wiring back to the transfer switch, essentially nothing. For a true test under load one can pull the manual transfer bar at the transfer switch, isolating line power. You don't want to do this often as all house power and electronics not on batteries go dark, but it's not a bad idea to do annually to make sure the transfer switch is working. It is the overlooked beating heart of a whole house emergency generator system.

I will speak of Generac, as I am most familiar with mine. It has an elevated air intakes for engine and generator cooling and for combustion air. The generator intake is pretty low on the cabinet. Best not to find out what would happen if it sucked water. The combustion air intake is inside the cabinet, well elevated. If it floods the engine and controls have long since drowned. The main cooling air intake grating is pretty low. If it floods the battery is under water as well as the main cooling fan. Not a good thing.

I took the easy way out, the Generac dude comes by every 6 months and checks and services it

For us the power goes out at least a few times a year just because..... so the Generac tests itself under full load then - lol. There is always a transformer getting hit by lightening, a truck that hits an electric pole, storm, etc.

Oh well, #37 went for crickets
Wondered if anyone had experience with these in the heat.

Sorry - missed that one. According to Generac, AGM batteries have a little more cold cranking amps (CCA) but they suggest NOT using them for one reason or another. They are not absolutely forbidden, but not suggested by Generac. They say overall they will not perform as well - something to do with the unit's charging system. So couple the AGM's higher price and shorter life - no advantage. Thankfully, Generac's use a smaller battery size group and they are not terribly expensive. You can buy them for about $100 - $150 depending on the manufacturer. Mine is already 3 years old and still reading 13.4 Volts. I will replace it before next hurricane season regardless of the voltage reading as they say battery life is typically 3 - 4 years. I do not want to chance it during hurricane season for a few extra months and not have it start if and when needed.

I've already done the research and the #1 best battery for the size group is the AC Delco GOLD. I already spoke to the local Chevy Dealer and he said it takes 1-3 days to come in after being ordered. He quoted me $135 which is actually less than some lower quality batteries so I will replace mine next summer. They normally don't stock batteries that small for cars but he said they will gladly order it for me.

FROM INTERSTATE'S WEBPAGE

What’s an AGM battery charger?

AGM batteries have special charging needs. Some battery chargers offer an AGM or Absorbed setting to meet those special charging requirements.

An AGM-compatible battery charger sends more amps into a lead-acid battery while keeping the voltage less than 14-15 volts. AGM chargers go through the three charging phases (bulk, absorption and float) just like a regular charger. However, a regular charger could exceed 17 volts when charging a battery.

AGM batteries can absorb more current than a regular car battery, which is why they can recharge faster. It takes time to charge regular batteries. They need slow, low-amp charging to prevent overheating — and they need more volts to push through their internal resistance.

AGM batteries don’t have nearly as much internal resistance, which is how they absorb 30, 40, even 50 amps at a time instead of a regular battery getting stressed out at more than 10 amps.

This is also why an AGM battery needs special charging.

Regular battery charging can break AGM batteries. Regular batteries need 15-17 volts to get the same amps. However, voltage greater than 15 volts can overheat an AGM and generate enough pressure to pop its safety valve. That one-way valve is supposed to relieve excess pressure from the harmless gases that come when a battery’s charging. Too much voltage becomes too much pressure, and pop. Without an airtight seal, an AGM will dry out in hours.

Then you’re in the market for a new AGM battery.

Bottom line: Do not use a regular battery charger for an AGM battery. Make sure you use the AGM or Absorbed setting. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it.

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Death? Smile back...

Noise is just a small inconvenience that the neighbors can get over.