Maintaining correct emergency oil levels in your generator
During power outages your home standby generator becomes your lifeline. During extended power outages, by having a generator, your family is kept safe, comfortable and you have your convenience by keeping your lights and appliances on. However, it is important to keep an eye out for your generators oil levels to ensure smooth and efficient operating.
Oil is the essence of your generator and serves two fundamental functions:
1. Lubrication: Reducing friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear.
2. Cooling: Ensuring the engine doesn’t overhear by dissipating heat.
Different generators use oil at varying rates, depending on factors like size of the engine, load, and how long it is going to run for. Generators that run for long durations or under heavy loads may burn through oil at a faster rate than normal which makes checking oil regularly an essential issue.
If you are operating your generator with insufficient oil, there can be:
• Overheating which leads to engine failure.
• The generator’s low-oil shutoff system could be triggered, leaving you without power.
• Reduces the lifespan of your generator.
By performing regular oil checks, you can prevent costly damage.
In cases where you are experiencing long outages and a technician cannot reach you, you are able to check the oil levels yourself. You can do this quite easily by following these five steps given below:
1. Turn It Off and Let It Cool
Turn off your generator and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before checking the oil. This prevents burning while ensuring accurate readings.
2. Locate the Dipstick
If you open the access panel or hood of the generator, you should find the dipstick. It’s usually marked with a bright-colored yellow or orange cap.
3. Check the Oil Level
You first need to remove the dipstick and using a lint free cloth, wipe it until it is clean. Reinsert it fully, pull it out again and check the oil level. It will fall on”full” or “add” on the dipstick.
4. Inspect Oil Quality
You will need to examine the color and consistency of the oil. If it’s dark, sludgy, or gritty, it means it is time to change it.
5. Top Up If Needed
If the oil level is showing it is low, you must add the recommended type of oil (your generator manual will have this information). Use a funnel to avoid spilling and overfilling.
When adding oil, it is vital to use the correct type of oil. If you consult your generator manual, it will give you the appropriate oil type. Common options include SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30, depending on temperature conditions. Add oil gradually and pour small amounts at a time. Rather keep rechecking the level to avoid overfilling because overfilled oil can damage the engine. It would be wise to keep extra oil on hand and to store extra bottles of oil so that you are prepared for any unexpected, longer power outages.
Oil should be checked every 8-12 hours during normal run time of the generator. If you run your generator intermittently, it will be a good idea to check the oil levels before every start up. Generators consume oil at various rates so it is recommended to err on the safe side when it comes to checking oil levels.
While checking your generators oil levels is a vital skill during emergencies, regular professional maintenance ensures your generator is always ready for action. Annual tune-ups, oil changes and inspections prevent breakdowns during critical moments.
Especially during extended power outages, simply checking oil levels is an albeit simple task, an important one for generator owners. This will ensure that your generator continues to run efficiently and your investment is safeguarded.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding your generator, contact us today. Our team is ready to ensure you stayed powered up, no matter what.
