Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Your Generator Breaks Down

It’s safe to say that we all like to take our lives into our own hands. If something needs to be done, we do it ourselves. We don’t want to wait until someone else does it for us, so we just do it ourselves. This same philosophy  can be applied to generator repairs and maintenance, but like many other things in life, this isn’t always the best course of action.

Understanding generator operations

A generator is a device that converts external mechanical energy into electrical energy and produces it.

It is important to understand that generators do not actually "produce" electrical energy. Instead, it uses the input mechanical energy to transfer the charge present in the winding wire through an external electrical circuit. This charge flow is the output current supplied by the generator. This mechanism can be understood by thinking of a generator as analogous to a water pump. The water pump makes the water flow, but doesn't actually "create" the water flowing through it.

Modern generators operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction, discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831-1832. Faraday discovered that the flow of charges described above can be caused by the movement of an electrical conductor, such as a wire containing an electrical charge, in a magnetic field. This movement creates a potential difference across the wire or conductor, causing charge to flow and current to flow.

Who should you call when your generator breaks down?

Leaks in the Coolant System

If there is a coolant leak or if the coolant level in the reservoir drops below the acceptable level, the thermal sensor in the alternator shuts down the unit. There are many possible causes of coolant leaks, including leaking engine cylinder gaskets, cracked cylinder heads and liner defects.

Faulty or Damaged Wiring

Over time, wiring can corrode, fray or break. Damaged wiring is an important repair that should not be delayed. Signs of faulty wiring include low voltage warnings, malfunctioning appliances, and tripped switches.

Fuel Failures

Fuel failures are a common cause of generator repairs. Most fuel failures are due to contamination from inside the fuel tank. Algae, bacteria, and deposits can be sucked into the system, resulting in poor performance and clogged fuel tubing.

Bad Belts

Belts can wear out with normal use. They can also wear out simply because of age. Worn, dry or cracked belts are easily visible and should be replaced before they break.

Just because your generator isn’t running doesn’t mean it’s broken

sometimes generators will seize up before actually breaking, meaning there’s a chance it can be repaired instead of replaced. If you don’t have your generator checked by an expert regularly, you might be wasting money on unnecessary repairs. Here are some signs to look for that mean your generator isn’t working properly. If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to an expert and schedule a maintenance appointment!

What does preventative maintenance have to do with repair?

Many small business owners don’t think about preventative maintenance until their generator breaks down. But it’s important to remember that regular generator checks and repairs can not only help you avoid costly breakdowns—they can also ensure your business is up and running even in unforeseen circumstances. When performed by a trusted MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) firm such as ours, generators are regularly inspected for issues that might cause future problems; many businesses also gain peace of mind from knowing they have back-up plans if disaster strikes. Generators are a great asset to any business; make sure yours is working at maximum efficiency by investing in routine maintenance.

Some advice on general maintenance tips

Ensuring your generator is in good running order will not only prolong its life but help to ensure it’s there for you when you really need it. Here are some general tips that will help with that. Always keep your generator well-maintained and serviced. Make sure all oil and fuel filters are changed regularly, at least once a year.

How do I know if my generator needs repair?

If your generator is less than 3 years old, but has a check engine light on, there’s a good chance you may be in for some repair costs. The check engine light can mean many things, but one thing it does not mean is to replace your whole generator. More often than not, it simply means that you need repairs on your generator.