Natural Gas Generator Maintenance: How To Be Prepared
If you knew you were going to be in an environment with a high risk of getting a cold, would you take medicine that treats colds, or medicine that prevents them? Of course you’d want to prevent them! It’s the same with the maintenance of a natural gas generator. Although natural gas generators can last anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 hours, they require maintenance to keep them running smoothly and to prevent any breakdowns.
Here’s a helpful timeline of what and when certain check-ups are required…
Weekly
- Run the generator in order to ensure that the unit works and there are no alarms or warning signals.
- Check the fuel level, that the circuit breaker is closed, and no fluid is leaking.
- Make sure the generator is in “Auto” mode for automatic startup.
Monthly
- Check the level of the engine coolant, oil, and the battery charger.
- Routine visual inspection to ensure: the generator and its surroundings are clean (even if the unit is enclosed, make sure no rodents made it their home), there are no loose wires or clamps, there is no corrosion to wires or the battery, and that everything functions properly.
Bi-Annual
- Inspect the enclosure, drive belts, coolant heater, exhaust system, air induction piping and connections, the DC electrical system, and the AC wiring and accessories.
- Examine the battery electrolyte level, specific gravity, cables, and connections.
- Check for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks, including their connectors and hoses.
- Examine and clean the air cleaner units.
Annual
- Change the filters for the oil, fuel, and air, and change the oil as well.
- Change the spark plugs.
- Clean the crankcase breather.
- Flush the cooling system and conduct load bank testing.
- Check the coolant concentration.
By following this straightforward checklist for your natural gas generator, you can ensure its long life and your peace of mind. All in all, by the end of each year the fuel system, coolant system, lubrication system, air system, starting system, alternator, and transfer switch should all have been inspected and serviced if necessary.
If you want to make sure your inspections for your natural gas generator are done right, contact one of our certified technicians today!