Maintenance of Propane Generators
Propane generator maintenance is similar to the routine service and maintenance on a stationary generator, but with a few essential differences. For instance, generator maintenance depends on whether you rent or own your machines.
If you are renting your propane generator, the rental company should provide a service contract and handle regular service and maintenance for you. However, if you own your propane generator, you will need to ensure it receives proper routine maintenance.
Depending on the size of your structure and how many generators you own, you may elect to hire an in-house generator technician or establish a maintenance contract with a dealer. Whichever the case, your propane generator requires a maintenance scheduled according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
Change the Oil and Oil Filter
A propane generator’s engine requires oil as it facilitates performance in numerous ways. Oil reduces friction between the moving engine parts. This helps reduce resistance and a lighter load.
Additionally, this enhances fuel economy and mitigates the wear and tear of the engine parts. It cools the engine as well by absorbing generated heat and transferring it to the outside of the generator, which is air-cooled.
Oils specifically formulated for high operating temperatures in air-cooled engines are extremely beneficial for propane generators. Degraded oil thins out and can longer prevent friction. Therefore, there will be engine drag and less fuel efficiency.
Due to friction, the parts will also wear each other out. This will further compromise the oil’s purity with debris, making it acidic and corrosive. You will want to drain all the degraded oil and replace it with fresh oil.
Change the Fuel Filter
Fuel is the source of power for the generator, but it may inadvertently contribute to lapses in performance due to unwelcome compounds. This typically includes a combination of water particles, paint, rust, dust, among others.
While fuel filters can serve longer than oil filters, you should not go beyond the manufacturer’s recommended point. However, make sure to change them immediately if they were exposed to bad fuel.
Change the Air Filter
Air filters prevent dust and other debris from getting into your motor as the engine pulls in essential air. This can result in damage to the engine components, rendering your generator useless.
Not changing your air filter routinely can cause it to get clogged and impermeable to the very air that is useful for the engine, reducing your generator’s performance and increasing fuel consumption.
For more information or if you have any questions on maintenance of propane generators, don’t hesitate to contact us at Texas Propane with the link below!
