How to Maintain Your Portable Generator for Longevity
If you’re anything like me, you might have the habit of using something until it breaks, and then scrambling to fix it afterward. I did that with my first portable generator—bought it, used it during a few outages, and then... just let it sit for months in the garage. Next time I needed it? The thing wouldn’t even start. Talk about frustrating.
Turns out, keeping a generator running smoothly isn’t just about turning it on and off—it requires some regular care. But don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. I’ve picked up a few tricks after my initial failure, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to do to keep your generator in tip-top shape. Think of it like changing the oil in your car—it’s just one of those things you’ve got to do if you want it to last.
1. Run It Regularly
Let me start with the most basic but often overlooked tip: run your generator regularly. I cannot stress this enough. My big mistake was thinking I could just let my generator sit idle for months, and it would work fine whenever I needed it. Spoiler: it didn’t.
Most manufacturers recommend running your generator for about 15-20 minutes every few months, even if you don’t need it. This helps keep everything lubricated, circulates oil through the engine, and ensures that any leftover fuel doesn’t gum up the carburetor. It also gives you a chance to catch any potential issues before you actually need the generator in an emergency.
Plus, running it regularly will help keep the battery charged if you’ve got an electric start model. There’s nothing worse than trying to start it during a power outage and realizing the battery is dead.
2. Change the Oil
This one is so important, but I know it’s easy to forget about—changing the oil. It’s a simple task, but it’s what keeps your generator's engine running smoothly. If you don’t keep the oil fresh, you’re asking for trouble. Over time, the oil breaks down, and dirty oil can cause wear and tear on the engine’s moving parts.
Most portable generators recommend changing the oil after the first 25 hours of use. After that, change it every 50-100 hours, depending on how much you use it. For me, that means I change it at least once a year, even if I haven’t hit the hourly limit. Oil is cheap, and changing it regularly is way easier than dealing with a seized-up engine.
When changing the oil, make sure to use the correct type. My generator takes SAE 10W-30 oil, but yours might be different, so check the manual. And, if your generator’s been running, give it a few minutes to cool down before you drain the oil—hot oil is no fun to deal with.
3. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Another quick and easy task that pays off big-time: cleaning or replacing your generator’s air filter. If the air filter gets clogged with dirt and dust, your generator has to work harder to draw in air, and that can mess with its performance over time. Think of it like trying to breathe through a straw—eventually, it’s going to wear you out.
I check my air filter every few months or after heavy use, especially if I've been running the generator in dusty conditions. Some filters can be cleaned with soap and water (just make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back), while others need to be replaced. Replacement filters are pretty inexpensive and easy to swap out, so it’s worth keeping a spare on hand.
4. Check the Spark Plug
I didn’t realize how important the spark plug was until my generator started sputtering one day and just wouldn’t stay on. After some troubleshooting, I figured out the spark plug was fouled—black, covered in gunk, and not sparking the way it should. A quick spark plug replacement fixed everything.
Spark plugs don’t need to be replaced too often, but you should at least inspect them regularly. I like to check mine once a year. If it’s covered in carbon deposits or looks worn out, it’s time for a replacement. You can clean the spark plug if it’s not too bad, but honestly, they’re so cheap that it’s often easier just to replace them. And always make sure to gap the plug properly—again, check your manual for the exact gap specs.
5. Stabilize the Fuel
Now, this is something I wish I knew before I let my generator sit for months without touching it. Gasoline goes bad over time, and when it does, it can clog up your carburetor and fuel lines. I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t get my generator to start after it had been sitting idle for about six months. After some research (and a fair amount of frustration), I discovered that I should’ve added a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas fresh.
Fuel stabilizer is super easy to use—you just add it to the gas tank according to the instructions, and it keeps the fuel from breaking down. If you’re not using your generator often, adding stabilizer is a must. Otherwise, the gas will gum up the carburetor and make starting the generator a nightmare.
And, speaking of fuel, if you know you won’t be using your generator for a while (like in the off-season), it’s a good idea to drain the fuel tank and carburetor. That way, you won’t have any gas sitting in there to go bad.
6. Inspect the Fuel Lines and Hoses
While you’re at it, take a look at the fuel lines and hoses every so often, especially if your generator is getting up there in age. Over time, these can crack or get brittle, especially if the generator is exposed to the elements. Any leaks or cracks could lead to fuel problems, and you definitely don’t want fuel leaking everywhere.
I check mine every six months, just to be safe. If you spot any wear, replace the hoses right away. It’s a simple and cheap fix that can save you a lot of headaches later.
7. Store It Properly
After my generator fiasco (you know, the one where it wouldn’t start after months of neglect), I learned the importance of proper storage. How and where you store your generator has a big impact on its longevity.
First off, make sure it’s stored in a dry, covered location—like a shed or garage—where it’s protected from the elements. If you’re storing it outside, get a proper generator cover to keep out moisture and dust. Water and generators don’t mix, so you want to keep it as dry as possible.
If you’re storing it long-term, either drain the fuel or add fuel stabilizer. I also like to run the generator for a few minutes every now and then, just to keep everything in working order. It doesn’t hurt to give it a quick visual inspection too—look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage that might’ve happened during storage.
8. Keep It Clean
This one sounds simple, but it makes a difference. Generators, especially if used outdoors, tend to get dirty. Dust, leaves, and even insects can find their way into the engine and other parts if you’re not careful. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth every now and then, and check for any buildup of debris around the vents or air intake.
If you’re storing it for a while, covering it up is key. I use a cover even when it’s sitting in the garage, just to keep dust from settling on it. It might seem like a small thing, but a clean generator is a happy generator (and one that lasts longer, too).
Final Thoughts: A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
Maintaining your portable generator isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of effort and regular attention. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person scrambling during an emergency because your generator won’t start. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.
If you stick to these maintenance tips—running it regularly, changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and so on—you’ll keep your generator in great shape for years to come. And, more importantly, it’ll be ready to go when you need it most.
Generators are an investment, so treat them like one!
