Preventative Maintenance for Home Generators

Released on = November 6, 2006, 2:34 pm

Press Release Author = John Stafford

Industry = Automotive

Press Release Summary = Visit http://www.diesel-generator-central.com to research
your next diesel engine or diesel generator then purchase from one of our wide
range. http://www.diesel-generator-central.com offers experienced and professional
advice to assist you in your next diesel decison.

Press Release Body = Preventive maintenance is one of the most valuable things you
can do to protect your investment in a diesel generator. The concept of preventive
maintenance is to catch problems, faults and leaks before they happen. It is
patterned after the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" The
specific maintenance program has been in effect for over thirty-four years in the
United States Department of Defense. If the age of the equipment was any indication
of its effectiveness then the United States Armed forces have been doing fabulously.
It is a system that works and keeps your equipment working long beyond its predicted
life expiration.

Preventative maintenance is based on before, during and after operation checks. It
is also founded on daily, weekly and monthly checks, which are conducted with
liturgical frequency and accuracy. This article will cover the general maintenance
checks for the diesel generator being used for your home power source.

Before Operation Checks:
Step one, walk around your generator unit, specifically looking for any tell tale
oil or fuel leaks on, beneath or around it. Record and repair any such Class III
leaks immediately. Check the unit for any cracked, broken, loose or damaged parts.
Check the oil and add to it as required according to you owners manual. Check the
grounding cable and rod that they are tight and secure. Check on the air restriction
meter if it is in the red then the air filter needs cleaning. If it still indicates
red after cleaning then it needs to be replaced immediately. The generator is
deadlined until this part is replaced and the air restriction meter is operating in
the green. Check the air filter for any cracks, leaks, looseness, rough running or
noise. Drain the day tank of water and sediment into a catch basin by means of the
petcock. The tank will blow clear air when free of water and sediment. Drain water
and sediment from strainer, primary and secondary filters until the fuel runs clear.
Insure that a catch basin collects all oil and sediment. This will be recycled.

During Operation Checks:

Check the following generator controls and instruments to insure that they work
within safe and acceptable limits. The battery indicator will be in the yellow when
charging, green when fully charged and in the RED position when non-operational or
unavailable. Check the frequency meter for the proper reading. It should read 60
hertz with a full load on the generator. Check on the percent rate current meter; it
should not exceed 100% load. The voltmeter should read no more than 120v for America
or 240v for Europe and Great Britain. The oil gauge should read between 20 to 45
PSI. The fuel gauge should read "FULL". Check the acoustical suppression kit for any
loose or damaged parts and repair if required.

After Operations Checks:

Drain the day tank. Drain water and sediment from strainer, primary and secondary
fuel filters. Check the acoustical suppression kit for any loose or damaged parts
and repair if required. Fuel the tank after operation. Insure that there is no open
flame, live wire, source of spark or smoking during refueling operations.

Weekly Operations Checks:

Check the electrolyte level of the batteries. The proper level is 3/8 inch above the
lead plates.

Monthly Operations Checks:

Drain the fuel tank of water and sediment.

Follow these steps regularly and your generators will operate for a long time
without worry.

Web Site = http://www.leebaldock.com

Contact Details = PO BOX 1498, West Perth, 6872, Perth, WA, Australia

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