Generators are essential for your business operations. They can help you keep your business running in the event that your area experiences an electrical outage, such as in the case of a heavy storm. Sometimes, though, generators break down, and you should check your generator regularly so that you can be sure that it works when you need it the most.

Here are a few common generator problems you may well encounter. Unless you feel confident in repairing machinery on your own, we recommend contacting a company such as Houghton International to repair your generator for you.

Battery Failure

One of the most common issues seen with generators is battery failure. In most cases, this is caused by dirty connections. The terminals connecting the battery to the generator itself may be covered in debris and dust, blocking the battery from establishing a proper connection. For this problem, all you need is a wire brush. Simply use it to clean away any debris and rust built up on the terminals.

Low Fuel Levels

A simple cause of generator failure is simply running low on fuel. It is important to make sure your fuel does not ever run out completely because this could allow air to get into the system and hoses, causing problems until you remove it all, which can be difficult.

Every time you start up your generator, check the fuel gauge. If it shows low fuel, simply top up the generator fuel! Make sure you always use the same type, though, as mixing them can cause problems.

Low Oil Levels

It is easy to forget to maintain your generator’s oil levels. However, when these levels are too low, your generator may not even be able to turn on. Even before that point, you could cause permanent damage to the machinery as it will not have enough lubrication to run smoothly.

To prevent engine failure, always keep an appropriate level of oil. To check this, just identify the oil dipstick in exactly the same way you would with a car. If the oil levels are below the line, simply add more oil. Remember always to use the same type of oil!

Coolant Leaks

The heat a generator produces can put a lot of wear and tear on coolant hoses. This can easily lead to leaks, which can cause total failure. Fortunately, cooling maintenance for generators is pretty straightforward.

Inspect your generator’s coolant hoses every couple of years. You are looking for visible signs of damage. If you spot any, you should install a replacement set. Hoses are relatively cheap and easy to set up in any model of generator.

Closed Shutoff Valve

When your generator is not in use, it is generally advisable to close the fuel shutoff valve. This means that the generator does not accidentally turn on when it is out of use. However, it is easy to forget to open this valve back up once you take the generator out of storage.

A simple solution is to put some type of label on your generator to indicate that the shutoff valve is closed. Then, when you take your generator out of storage, you can more easily remember to open the valve again, allowing it to work properly the first time and saving you diagnostic time and frustration!