4 Troubleshooting Tips for your Standby Generator

One of the biggest advantages of doing a regular maintenance routine on your standby generator that includes running the engine with a demand load is that you can address potential issues before you really need backup power. Here are 4 of these potential problems, as well as some troubleshooting ideas that can shed some more light on the issue and define the repair process to get the generator back to peak performance levels as quickly as possible.

·         The generator doesn’t start – This is a fairly common issue when the generator has been sitting idle for an extended period so, if that’s the case, start your troubleshooting process with the issues that are most often associated with months of inactivity. The most likely culprits are the spark plug, a dead battery, and unstabilized gas in the tank that has thickened to the constancy of varnish. If these suspects aren’t the problem, it could be carburetor, which may require professional expertise for a repair.

·         The engine wavers while running – A generator engine that is running rough probably isn’t getting a steady flow of fuel, which points first to the fuel filter. If the engine continues to waver while running after cleaning this filter, the issue may again be related to the carburetor.

·         An engine that starts but then shuts down – If this problem occurs with a relatively light demand load on the generator during a maintenance run, the problem may be a clogged air filter, so check that first. If the problem persists after cleaning the air filter, check to see if the fuel filter needs cleaning.

·         The engine runs and appliances power up briefly, but then shut down – The likely cause of the issue is the circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Flip the breaker back to the “On” position and see if that solves the issue. If the breaker shuts down again, there may be an issue with the demand load being too much for the breaker to handle. The easy solution would be connecting the appliance that consumes the most electricity (the refrigerator for example) to another outlet on a different circuit. If that circuit trips, it may be time to upgrade the panel or install a second one that is dedicated to the most energy-intensive appliances including the air conditioner and the refrigerator.

Regular maintenance is a great way to keep your generator operating at peak efficiency. The second benefit of a regular routine is that troubleshooting and fixing these issues after a maintenance run on your standby generator is far more preferable than trying to figure things out in the minutes following a blackout that has put your home in the dark.

 

Two-Stage Snowblower Repairs after a Rough Winter

In many parts of the country, snowblowers were used more frequently and were tasked with removing deeper snow accumulations than any winter in recent memory. With the snow season coming to a close, now is the time to inspect and repair the components of your snowblower that did some of the heaviest lifting. These components include:

• The skid shoes – The purpose of the skid shoes is to keep the auger blade and the snowblower housing from coming in direct contact with the ground. The skid shoes, which are located on both sides at the front of the housing, can be set at a variety of heights and carry much of the weight of the machine as it runs over the surface being cleared. Whether these surfaces are made of asphalt, cement or frozen ground, after enough time they will wear down the flat surfaces on the bottom of the skid shoes until they look more like rudders. At this point the snowblower will have greater difficulty moving forward and the risk of snapping the skid shoes will increase dramatically. If your skid shoes are getting close to this point, replace them now to avoid far more expensive repairs to the housing and/or the auger.
• The impeller – Two-stage snowblowers separate the snow removal work with the auger collecting snow and the impeller throwing it. This configuration decreases the wear on the two-stage impeller versus single-stage models, but the paddles on this component can still suffer from the wear and tear of throwing rocks, ice and other debris. Cracks, chips and small dents can weaken the structure of the impeller, resulting in less efficient snow removal. Check the impeller for any structural weaknesses and make any necessary repairs in the off-season. 
• The scraper – Much like the steel skid shoes, surface friction will wear down the scraper over a few seasons. Generally speaking, the scraper will wear down and recede fastest at the center, resulting in a curved shape. If your scraper is showing this kind of wear, it’s time for a replacement.

One of the advantages of making these repairs to your snowblower during the off-season is that you have some time to get everything done. On the other hand, waiting until the season starts can add a sense of urgency, especially if using a shovel is the next best option.

3 Maintenance Measures to Ensure Your Generator is Always Ready to Go

Even under the most extreme circumstances, a generator that is purposed for the delivery of backup power will be in use for only a few weeks out of every year. The flip side of occasional use, and one of the biggest ongoing risks for generators, is that the overall reliability of the machine can be affected by long stretches of non-operation.

To make sure that your generator is ready to the next time the power goes down, follow these maintenance measures on a regular basis:

• As per the manual – Generally speaking, generators are extremely durable machines and the required maintenance protocols will be predominantly preventative. By following the specific maintenance routines as put forth in your manual, your generator will be ready for action when the power goes down.
• The battery – Much like a car that hasn’t been driven, the battery on a generator can lose its charge over time as well, especially as the battery ages. In fact, problematic batteries are the most common cause of generators that don’t start. By maintaining a regular schedule of running the generator at a full demand load level, you can either optimize the charge or determine that the battery needs to be replaced prior to the time when you really need the generator to start.
• Put the generator through a full workout on a regular basis – In most instances, a standby generator will go into full power production as soon as power from the grid is interrupted. This instantaneous ramp up can place enormous stress on engine parts, particularly after a long period of inactivity. Putting the generator through a workout at full load demand can ensure that components remain lubricated and that fuel is burned before it becomes stagnant and starts to thicken.

Generators perform at their highest levels with regular maintenance and workouts. By following the regular maintenance as suggested by the owner’s manual, checking the output of the battery and running the generator at full load on a consistent schedule, the backup power you are counting on will be there when electricity from the grid isn’t.