Portable Generator Maintenance Guide

Step 1: Keep fresh gasoline on hand

Shelf-stable, ethanol-free fuel is recommended and is available at all of the large home improvement retail stores.

Step 2: Store without fuel if possible

If at all possible, store the generator without fuel in the tank and carburetor.

The #1 cause of failure is carburetor issues from improper storage.

Step 3: Keep extra oil on hand

For extended runtime and extended outages. Standard 10W30 is the recommendation.

Step 4: Fuel up and test run regularly

Fuel up the generator and test run the unit before it’s needed in an emergency. The sooner you know about an issue, the better chance you’ll have of getting the issue resolved or repaired before your power goes out.

Step 5: Schedule annual service

Have the unit serviced and evaluated annually before power outage season. Early summer is the best time to have your generator serviced and checked out.

Step 6: Run it every other week

For critical needs, keep your generator fueled up with shelf-stable, ethanol-free fuel and run your generator every other week for 15–20 minutes at a minimum.

Most of the issues we come across are from lack of use, not over use.