Maintain Your Portable Generator for Smooth Operation

Joseph Lauerman
2023-01-04T05:00:00-06:00

To keep your portable generator running smoothly, you need to perform regular maintenance on the machine. Here are the basics of what we recommend for A-iPower portable generators. Remember you should always read your owner’s manual first, and if you are not comfortable with any of the maintenance steps, take your generator to an authorized service center or contact us at support@a-ipower.com. Don’t skip on this or your generator will not operate properly.

Keep it clean

General maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean and dry. Operate and store the unit in an environment where it will not be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture, or any corrosive vapors. Cooling air slots in the generator must not become clogged with snow, leaves, or any other foreign material. Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and clean when dust, dirt, oil, moisture, or other foreign substances are visible on its exterior surface.

When cleaning, do not use a garden hose as water can enter the engine fuel system, cooling air slots, or other internal workings, causing damage to the generator. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean. A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc. and a vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and debris. Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to blow away dirt.

As part of the cleaning routine, inspect cooling air slots and openings. These openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.

Changing the oil

Change the oil after the first five hours of operation; after the first 25 hours of operation or first month, every 100 hours or 6 months, and then every 50 hours thereafter. Always use the specified engine oil. Failure to do so can cause accelerated wear and/or shorten the life of the engine. If running the unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.

Replace the spark plug

Inspect, adjust, or if needed, replace the spark plug after 100 hours or 6 months and then after every 200 hours or 12 months. This will help the engine start easier and run better. Your owner’s manual will instruct you how to do this properly.

Clean the spark arrester

Shut off the generator and allow the engine and muffler to cool completely.

Remove the clamp and spark arrestor screen. Clean the spark arrester screen with a small wire brush. Replace the spark arrester if it is damaged. Installation of the spark arrester screen is the reverse of the removal. Contact customer service or a qualified service center to purchase a replacement spark arrestor.

Clean or replace the air filter

The engine will not run properly and may be damaged if using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter once a year. Clean or replace more often if operating under dusty conditions.

Check and adjust valve clearance

Every 200 hours or 12 months the valve clearance needs to be inspected and adjusted if necessary. This can only be done by an authorized service center. This is a very important step to ensure longest life for the engine.

Before Each Use

Check engine oil level

Walk-around inspection (fuel level, fluid leaks, loose clamps and bolts, cracked fuel line, loose or frayed wiring, built-up debris

First 5 Hours
Change engine oil
First 25 hours or First Month
Change engine oil
Every 100 Hours or 6 months

Change engine oil

Clean air filter

Inspect/adjust/replace spark plug

Have authorized service center inspect spark arrestor

Every 200 Hours or 12 months

Replace engine air filter

Replace spark plug

Have authorized service center inspect/ adjust valve clearance

In summary:

Remember to always refer to your portable generator’s owner’s manual. They are also online at a-ipower.com.