Engine Maintenance Tips

Take a few minutes to perform some basic maintenance. This will help you achieve better performance and extend the life of your genset pump or engine and minimise costly avoidable and repair bills.

In keeping to a maintenance schedule and operating as recommended by the manufacture in their operator manual you can help ensure that the life of your machine will be extended. There are a few basic steps that should be followed.

You should give your machine the once over before each days use. Remember that this is an engine and vibration is constant when being operated. Don't be afraid to pick up a spanner and check to see if anything has vibrated loose. This very simple operation could actually save the life of your machine.

Move on to check the oil levels and make certain the oil sump is full. This can be checked by a visual inspection of the oil dipstick. If the level is below full then top it up before starting. Maintaining the correct oil level is essential. If your machine is used daily then the oil levels should be checked and maintained daily. The owner's manual provides a service schedule for you to use. The first service is after the initial run in period and is usually conducted after 20 hours of use. Change the oil to fresh clean oil at this time. Subsequent services are usually conducted after 100 hours of use. Change the oil to fresh clean oil at this time also. If your machine is not fitted with a run meter then it is best to try and keep a usage log. Remember in comparison to expensive parts and labour for repairs oil is cheap. It is better to change your oil more often than not often enough. Most engines today come supplied with a low-oil shutdown feature that protects the engine from damage associated with low oil, keeping the oil level full will further assist protection.

Check your air filter regularly and replace it with a new one if you are unable to clean it. Don't forget to lubricate your air filter if it is of the type that requires lubrication. There is special air filter lube available on the market however I find that a light spray with WD 40 works well. This helps to trap the fine dust particles in the filter preventing them from passing into your motor and preventing potential damage.

The single most common problem associated with engine failure can be attributed to contaminated fuel. Dirty fuel can lead to a blocked carburettor or serious valve damage both that can be expensive to repair. Be certain to store your fuel in an appropriate and fully sealed container free from contaminates and exposure to the elements. Undetected

introduction of water or water vapour will contaminate your fuel. Before refuelling your machine be sure to shut it down and allow adequate cooling time before attempting to refuel.

Gensets are engineered to produce a certain amount of power and factory preset within specific operating parameters. DO NOT adjust the speed of the engine. Untrained or improper adjustment can lead to engine overheating, damage to the appliances you are using caused by incorrect voltages and will void your warranty. Leave this adjustment to the experts.

Always place your machine on a level and solid surface for operation. It has been engineered to operate on a level surface. Operating your machine on an uneven or lopsided surface can lead to poor oil flow and engine seizure. It can also cause damage to the pistons and crankcase via disrupting level fuel flow to the carburettor

If you do not intend to use your machine for long periods of time completely drain your fuel tank. This will prevent the fuel going stale or becoming contaminated. This is also a great time to give your set the once over and service and clean her. Like any engine in storage it is always a good idea to give them a good run every couple of months. Run your genset always under load for 10-20 minutes. This will lubricate your motor and help prevent any corrosion.

By following this simple maintenance tips you will extend the life of your machine and save your hard earned cash on costly and avoidable repairs.