A generator is a blessing in disguise for the people who have to deal with power shortage. But to ensure that the generator keeps running properly and does not malfunction, its maintenance and upkeep is very important. And the most crucial step of generator maintenance is none other than changing the generator oil.
It is highly recommended that you keep an eye on the oil level of your generator. Not changing the oil when needed or decreasing the level of the oil in the generator can not only affect the performance of the generator but can also cause a huge and sometimes permanent damage.
Therefore, to avoid facing any such situation, it is recommended that you check the oil of the generator regularly.
Changing the generator oil is a very simple procedure. It does not require a lot of expertise or technical knowledge and know-how. All you need to do is to follow a couple of simple steps, and you will be able to change the oil within no time.
So let’s get started and go through the steps of what needs to be done to change the generator oil:
Here’s How To Change Generator Oil
Step#1 – Gather The Essentials:
It is an excellent approach to gather all the things before beginning the generator oil before starting the process. This way, everything is organized, and you don’t have to go around wandering and collecting things in the middle of the process. The things you will need include:
- Protective Gear.
- New Oil.
- Oil Filter Wrench.
- Oil Funnel.
- Screwdriver.
- Towel.
- Clean Brush.
- New Oil Filter.
Step#2 – Put On The Protective Gear:
Gathering the protective gear is not enough. To keep yourself safe, put on the gear. Use gloves as well as googles so that you don’t end up enduring any harm or injury. Now you are ready to move ahead and start going through the technical steps of generator oil changing.
Step#3 – Setting Up The Generator:
Changing the generator oil while keeping the generator on the floor can be tiring. One has to bend a lot, and it can end up straining the back. Therefore, a useful trick is to place the generator on a level surface before you begin working.
Take four identical blocks and put them on the surface where you wish to place the generator. Once the blocks are placed, carefully lift the generator and place it on the blocks. Make sure that the blocks can bear the weight of the generator and that the generator is appropriately leveled.
Step#4 – Remove The Spark Wire:
Now is the time to remove the spark wire of the generator. In some generator models, the spark wire can be easily located. However, in some models, it is hidden underneath the generator cover. Locate the spark wire, and feel free to go through the user manual of the generator to help you do so.
Once you find the spark wire, grab it and pull and twist it at the same time. It might require some effort, but you will be able to remove the cable and unplug it.
Step#5 – Drain The Old Oil:
As the generator is now unplugged, we can move ahead and drain the old oil in the generator. To do so, you first need to remove the oil drain plug.
Typically, the oil drain plugs have a hexagonal lid. Locate the plug and remove the lid. If you see some stains or oil collection around the plug or on it, take a piece of cloth or a damp towel to remove it.
While removing the plug, make sure that you have something placed underneath the collect the oil; otherwise, it will end up staining the surface. You might have to use a wrench for removing the lid.
As soon as the plug is removed, the oil will start pouring out of the generator.
Step#6 – Replacing The Oil Filter:
Many people tend to make the mistake of removing the generator oil and changing it, but not replacing the oil filter. Replacing the generator oil as well as the filter in the same god can save money and can also help keep your generator running for long.
The oil filter can be changed through a standard wrench, or you can get special tools specifically designed for this purpose as well. Hold the oil filter with the wrench and gently twist it to loosen it up a little.
Once it is loose, you can manually unscrew it till it comes out ultimately.
Make sure that you have not removed the oil collector from underneath the generator while doing this step, as it is likely for some oil to still pour out along with the filter.
Now you can install the new oil filter. Ensure that the seal of the new filter is not intact. Insert the new filter and slowly plug it in. Once inserted and screwed in place, check to see that it has been tightened properly.
Step#7 – Inserting The Oil Drain Plug:
After the filter has been inserted, the oil drain plug, the one that you removed initially, needs to be put back in place. Manually add it in place and then screw it in properly. Once the plug is back in place, remove the oil fill cap and place the funnel so you can pour the oil.
Step#8 – Pouring The Oil:
The funnel will ensure that the oil does not spill everywhere and can be added to the generator with ease. Make sure that you are using the right type of oil; you will have to go through the user manual of the generator to see the company recommendations.
Also, make sure that you keep an eye on the level of the oil. The generator oil should neither be below nor above the marking, indicating the optimal amount of oil to be added.
If you’re looking for good generator oil then check out the Generac Generator oil. You can Buy It From Here!
Step#9 – Connecting The Spark Plug:
After pouring the oil, put the lid of the plug back on and secure it in place properly. Clean the top of the lid if you see some oil stains. Now you can reconnect the spark plug. If the spark plug of your generator lies underneath the cover, plug it back in and then place the lid back on.
If the spark plug is not underneath the cover, the cover will be placed after connecting the spark plug.
Step#10 – Start The Generator:
The last step involved in changing the generator oil is to start the generator and let it run for a couple of minutes. This step helps lubricate the generator and make sure that the new oil flows through the generator properly.
After a couple of minutes, turn off the generator and recheck the generator oil level to make sure that it still is within the recommended oil level. If it is not, go through the steps again, add more oil so that the level is attained.
Conclusion
So, this is how you change the generator oil. Make sure to keep yourself well protected while doing so. Moreover, if you’re looking to buy a good generator then check out this guide.
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How to Change Generator Oil
A generator is a blessing in disguise for the people who have to deal with power shortage. But to ensure that the generator keeps running properly and does not malfunction, its maintenance and upkeep is very important. And the most crucial step of generator maintenance is none other than changing the generator oil.
It is highly recommended that you keep an eye on the oil level of your generator. Not changing the oil when needed or decreasing the level of the oil in the generator can not only affect the performance of the generator but can also cause a huge and sometimes permanent damage.
Therefore, to avoid facing any such situation, it is recommended that you check the oil of the generator regularly.
Changing the generator oil is a very simple procedure. It does not require a lot of expertise or technical knowledge and know-how. All you need to do is to follow a couple of simple steps, and you will be able to change the oil within no time.
So let’s get started and go through the steps of what needs to be done to change the generator oil:
Here’s How To Change Generator Oil
Step#1 – Gather The Essentials:
It is an excellent approach to gather all the things before beginning the generator oil before starting the process. This way, everything is organized, and you don’t have to go around wandering and collecting things in the middle of the process. The things you will need include:
Step#2 – Put On The Protective Gear:
Gathering the protective gear is not enough. To keep yourself safe, put on the gear. Use gloves as well as googles so that you don’t end up enduring any harm or injury. Now you are ready to move ahead and start going through the technical steps of generator oil changing.
Step#3 – Setting Up The Generator:
Changing the generator oil while keeping the generator on the floor can be tiring. One has to bend a lot, and it can end up straining the back. Therefore, a useful trick is to place the generator on a level surface before you begin working.
Take four identical blocks and put them on the surface where you wish to place the generator. Once the blocks are placed, carefully lift the generator and place it on the blocks. Make sure that the blocks can bear the weight of the generator and that the generator is appropriately leveled.
Step#4 – Remove The Spark Wire:
Now is the time to remove the spark wire of the generator. In some generator models, the spark wire can be easily located. However, in some models, it is hidden underneath the generator cover. Locate the spark wire, and feel free to go through the user manual of the generator to help you do so.
Once you find the spark wire, grab it and pull and twist it at the same time. It might require some effort, but you will be able to remove the cable and unplug it.
Step#5 – Drain The Old Oil:
As the generator is now unplugged, we can move ahead and drain the old oil in the generator. To do so, you first need to remove the oil drain plug.
Typically, the oil drain plugs have a hexagonal lid. Locate the plug and remove the lid. If you see some stains or oil collection around the plug or on it, take a piece of cloth or a damp towel to remove it.
While removing the plug, make sure that you have something placed underneath the collect the oil; otherwise, it will end up staining the surface. You might have to use a wrench for removing the lid.
As soon as the plug is removed, the oil will start pouring out of the generator.
Step#6 – Replacing The Oil Filter:
Many people tend to make the mistake of removing the generator oil and changing it, but not replacing the oil filter. Replacing the generator oil as well as the filter in the same god can save money and can also help keep your generator running for long.
The oil filter can be changed through a standard wrench, or you can get special tools specifically designed for this purpose as well. Hold the oil filter with the wrench and gently twist it to loosen it up a little.
Once it is loose, you can manually unscrew it till it comes out ultimately.
Make sure that you have not removed the oil collector from underneath the generator while doing this step, as it is likely for some oil to still pour out along with the filter.
Now you can install the new oil filter. Ensure that the seal of the new filter is not intact. Insert the new filter and slowly plug it in. Once inserted and screwed in place, check to see that it has been tightened properly.
Step#7 – Inserting The Oil Drain Plug:
After the filter has been inserted, the oil drain plug, the one that you removed initially, needs to be put back in place. Manually add it in place and then screw it in properly. Once the plug is back in place, remove the oil fill cap and place the funnel so you can pour the oil.
Step#8 – Pouring The Oil:
The funnel will ensure that the oil does not spill everywhere and can be added to the generator with ease. Make sure that you are using the right type of oil; you will have to go through the user manual of the generator to see the company recommendations.
Also, make sure that you keep an eye on the level of the oil. The generator oil should neither be below nor above the marking, indicating the optimal amount of oil to be added.
If you’re looking for good generator oil then check out the Generac Generator oil. You can Buy It From Here!
Step#9 – Connecting The Spark Plug:
After pouring the oil, put the lid of the plug back on and secure it in place properly. Clean the top of the lid if you see some oil stains. Now you can reconnect the spark plug. If the spark plug of your generator lies underneath the cover, plug it back in and then place the lid back on.
If the spark plug is not underneath the cover, the cover will be placed after connecting the spark plug.
Step#10 – Start The Generator:
The last step involved in changing the generator oil is to start the generator and let it run for a couple of minutes. This step helps lubricate the generator and make sure that the new oil flows through the generator properly.
After a couple of minutes, turn off the generator and recheck the generator oil level to make sure that it still is within the recommended oil level. If it is not, go through the steps again, add more oil so that the level is attained.
Conclusion
So, this is how you change the generator oil. Make sure to keep yourself well protected while doing so. Moreover, if you’re looking to buy a good generator then check out this guide.