As summer approaches and the Atlantic hurricane season looms (typically running from June through November), ensuring your generator is ready for action becomes a critical priority. Power outages during severe weather can leave homes and businesses vulnerable, disrupting daily activities and potentially threatening safety and security.
A well-maintained generator provides peace of mind and serves as your lifeline during emergencies, powering essential equipment from refrigerators and medical devices to communication systems. This means maintaining your fuel.
Emergency management experts say you may have as little as 12 hours of notice before a hurricane lands, but evacuation and preparation can take significantly longer. This timing gap underscores the importance of a generator starting immediately when needed.
Before hurricane season gets ramped up (yes, it starts June 1st, but the first phase of the season is usually quiet), you need to thoroughly assess your generator's condition. Consider these key areas:
Check your fuel tank for contamination, water intrusion, or sediment buildup. Even small amounts of water can compromise fuel quality and cause engine problems. Use a clear container to take a fuel sample – if it appears cloudy or shows visible separation, your fuel may be compromised. And that means you'll want to do something about it.
Examine your generator's oil level and quality. Oil should appear relatively clean and at the proper level according to your manufacturer's specifications. Darkened, gritty, or excessively thin oil indicates it's time for a change.
Your generator's battery is crucial for startup, particularly during emergencies. Test the battery's charge and inspect terminals for corrosion. Clean any corroded connections with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
Inspect all electrical connections, looking for loose wires, signs of rodent damage, or corrosion. Pay special attention to the transfer switch connection if you have a standby generator.
Assessing your generator at the start of the season is important. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be paying attention to it throughout the rest of the year. Regular maintenance prevents costly breakdowns when you need your generator most:
Replace your generator's oil according to the manufacturer's schedule—typically every 50-200 operating hours for portable models or at least annually for standby generators with limited use. Using the manufacturer's recommended oil weight is critical for proper lubrication and heat management.
Change air, oil, and fuel filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict airflow and fuel delivery, causing poor performance and potential damage. For generators used in dusty conditions, check air filters more frequently.
Inspect coolant levels and condition, particularly in liquid-cooled standby generators. Flush and replace coolant according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every two years, to prevent corrosion and maintain proper engine temperature.
Clean fuel lines and inspect for cracks or damage. Fuel system issues become particularly common for generators that sit unused for extended periods. Empty carburetors before long-term storage of portable generators to prevent gumming and varnish buildup.
Fuel quality is perhaps the most significant factor in ensuring reliable generator operation during emergencies. Stored fuel degrades over time, developing problems that can render your generator inoperable precisely when you need it most.
Stored diesel fuel typically encounters several issues that compromise generator performance:
Proper fuel additives provide essential protection:
Stabilizers: Products like Bell Performance's Dee-Zol Life for diesel or Mix-I-Go for gasoline prevent the chain reactions that lead to fuel breakdown, extending storage life by months or even years. These are particularly valuable for generators that see infrequent use.
Biocides: When microbial contamination threatens, specific biocide treatments eliminate existing microbial growth and prevent regrowth. Unlike simple water controllers, only biocides can kill an established microbial infestation.
Water Controllers: Treatments that safely disperse small amounts of water into the fuel, preventing water accumulation at the tank bottom where microbes would otherwise thrive.
Sludge Dispersants: These help break down existing tank sludge and keep fuel systems clean, enhancing filter life and engine performance during critical operation.
For optimal effectiveness, these additives should be part of your regular generator maintenance program, not just emergency responses after problems develop.
Store your generator in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area protected from the elements. Even weather-resistant models benefit from proper storage:
Generator safety cannot be overstated when you're talking about relying on it to power parts of your home:
Regular testing ensures your generator will perform when needed:
For standby generators, conduct a 30-minute test under full load every month. For portable generators, run them quarterly for at least 15-20 minutes under full load.
Pay attention to:
During your test, listen for unusual engine sounds, check for fluid leaks, and monitor exhaust color. Black smoke indicates combustion problems, possibly from fuel quality issues or air intake restrictions.
The time to prepare your generator is now, before storms threaten and supplies become scarce. Implementing these maintenance practices and using quality fuel additives can mean the difference between having reliable power during emergencies and facing a dark, powerless situation.
Consider developing a comprehensive generator maintenance schedule that includes regular testing, fuel quality management, and preventive maintenance. Quality fuel additives like those offered by Bell Performance provide insurance against fuel-related failures, protecting your investment and ensuring your generator delivers when you need it most.
Remember that in emergencies, generator issues are the number one cause of equipment failure. Taking proactive steps today means confidence tomorrow, regardless of what weather emergencies may bring.