PSA - FOR GENERAC OR SIMILAR BRAND GENERATORS
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Oldengineer
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I have owned 2 Generac's. The only thing I can add to this excellent recommendation is to use synthetic oil. I know that I'm repeating myself!
Tom H.
Tom H.
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I don't know if they do or not. I did not look into Kohler. Not because they aren't good generators, I have heard only good things about them, but in our area Generac has the area sewn up! There are 5 Generac Dealers within spitting distance and I do not know of any stand alone Kohler Dealers. Parts for Generac's are all over, common and readily available and I have had 20 years of positive prior experience with Generac in my former home. Generac also has a 24/7/365 hotline with live people readily accessible.
When I upgraded my motorcycle model for cross country trips I bought a Harley Ultra Classic. Not that they are flawless or better than a Goldwing or Indian but they do offer something very important to me and that is the largest dealer network in the country. I actually did break down on the road once and they had me in and out of the dealership over night. Had I owned a Honda or Indian, I would have had to wait, wait and wait for parts.
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I use synthetic oil exclusively in everything that requires oil. Dino oil is pretty much a thing of the past.
I'm going to get a electric generator......
... for power outages. Just plug it in you're good to go and you don't have to worry about maintenance.
PS: Seriously, that is GREAT advice.
... for power outages. Just plug it in you're good to go and you don't have to worry about maintenance.
PS: Seriously, that is GREAT advice.
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Good advice. Being picky, the Sgt Major's version was 7 P's: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
The Kohler dealer that installed our generator does the annual maintenance on it, so we're covered in that respect. I would do it myself, but with my infirmities I am unable to do so.
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... for power outages. Just plug it in you're good to go and you don't have to worry about maintenance.
PS: Seriously, that is GREAT advice.
They are very convenient and fine for smaller homes with a smaller single ac unit. For larger homes with multiple ac units, multiple refrigerator freezers, a pool, spa and other electric hungry devises they won't last very long on a charge. While a pool and spa may not be essential during a power outage, you can't just let them sit idle without water filtration and chlorine dispersement for a week or two in the summer heat.
We are VERY VERY lucky that our community has Natural Gas service and our Generac is hooked up directly to it so the run time is endless (assuming of course our Natural Gas flow is not interrupted).
cmj8591
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I'm with you. The only engines where I haven't are those older ones that have some kind of wet clutch. Not that the syn won't work, I'm just not sure and the dead dinosaurs have been doing the job so far.
When in doubt, like cars, they actually have owners manuals
Generac Power Systems - Find My Manual, Parts List, and Product Support
Generac Power Systems - Find My Manual, Parts List, and Product Support
When in doubt, like cars, they actually have owners manuals
Generac Power Systems - Find My Manual, Parts List, and Product Support
If like a cars OM, 75% of it will be in lawyer speak. Only 25% will have serious information that you really want!
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Valve adjustments are required as stated in the owners manual on the larger sized units (18K and larger) only. I don't believe it is required on 18K and smaller newer units if you have one of those.
I have noticed that some of the professional service tech's do not bother checking the valve clearance because they are not willing to be at your house the extra 20 - 30 minute it takes. They basically BS you! My feeling is that if the manufacturer did not think it was necessary, they would not have required it as a standard scheduled maintenance procedure which is specifically stated in my manual.
Just one more reason I always do my own maintenance!! I do not trust the big Company's to do the right thing! Once in a while you will get a small Company with an owner / mechanic that will do things properly and honestly - but that is now rare!
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I went out and checked the oil in my Generac generator today. That's about all I can do as far as maintenance.
Me too. What's up with that?
Very helpful!My motto: THE 6 P's. Previous Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Many here have whole-house generators. Great preventative planning if power goes out for an extended period of time. Let's look at the next step - many times forgotten about!
In my development I'd estimate that around 60%-70% of the homes have automatic standby generators. Of those I'd say 99% are Generac 22-24K units. While many homeowners have seen clear to get them, very few have done the following. These items are essential and should be stored. If one can afford the generator, these items are cheap.
* at least two oil changes worth of oil
* at least 2 new oil filters
* a new air filter
* a new set of spark plugs
* extra transfer switch fuses
* extra control panel fuse
* 2 extra valve cover gaskets
* a feeler gauge to adjust valve lash
* a leakproof container to drain the oil into
During a power outage, these generators require an oil change at a maximum of 200 hours of running. (BTW, the first oil change should be done after 20 hours of use - just in case yours is new). 200 hours is a bit over 8 days. When the oil is changed, you will need a new filter as well. Air filter longevity is subject to many factors and just how dirty the air around the unit gets. The extra fuses are just incase something causes one to blow. You would hate yourself if all you needed was a tiny inexpensive little fuse to get your generator up and running again!
The valves usually require adjustment at the 40 run hour mark. While many overlook this maintenance, it is required by the manufacturer for longevity. While you might be able to reuse the original gasket, you can't count on that.
During a power outage, auto stores, power equipment stores and big box stores selling these items will either be closed, out of stock or you might not be able to get there. Since these items are essentials you will need down the road anyway, they are not a waste of money!
Oh, one other thing while I am at it. Most standby generators I know of have 12V batteries so they can auto start when the power goes out and when they self test every week. I'd suggest replacing the battery after the 3 year time mark - even if they seem good. The life expectance of a generator battery is pretty much up at that point and even if you have not experienced any starting issues yet, after 3 years you are rolling the dice. Remember, this is an emergency devise and you don't need battery headaches when it is called into use. While you might feel that replacing what seems like a perfectly good battery is a waste of money, I assure you it is not.
I hope this sparks some here that have gotten a standby generator and think they have done all that is needed. It might also serve to remind some here that have had one for a while but have either run out of supplies or never had gotten them. A standby generator (actually any generator at all) can be a lifesaver - but you need to plan ahead and have the tools and supplies on hand to service it as per the maintenance schedule.
Oh- one last thing that comes to mind. Always keep the units locks, locked. Not necessarily for security but keeping the cover locked will keep it from flying opened by the wind. If you live in hurricane or tornado country, you know what I mean!
I hope my OCD has helped at least a few here.
