Masonry Magazine November 2004 Page. 33
Taking only a few minutes to visually inspect a generator before each use can add hundreds of operating hours to the life of the unit.
With an hour meter, it may be useful to keep a notebook close by to keep track of how often the generator is used and for how long. Also, keep an eye on oil consistency and clarity. You may not know how long it has been, but if the oil is black and opaque, it's probably time for a change.
As with refueling, it is important to avoid overfilling. When an engine contains too much oil, it will start burning oil and producing black exhaust, which has potentially damaging effects on the engine. Although most generator engines come equipped with a low-oil shutdown feature that protects it from damage associated with low oil, keeping the oil level topped off will provide further protection.
Visual Inspection
Along with checking oil, it is a good idea to give a quick visual inspection of the unit before each use. Open up the air cleaner assembly and look at the air filter. If it looks dirty or plugged, replace it with a new one. Start the engine and look for anything that is loose or vibrating. If any adjustments need to be made, shut the engine down before tightening.
Look at the generator itself. It should be clean and dry. If it looks dirty, wipe it down with a clean cloth or a soft bristle brush to remove dust particles and other debris. Do not wash with a garden hose or pressure washer. These can introduce water into the cooling air slots and possibly damage the rotor, stator and internal windings of the generator head.
Taking only a few minutes to visually inspect a generator before each use can add hundreds of operating hours to the life of the unit.
Location, Location, Location
Maintaining fuel and oil systems is useless if the generator is not placed in a safe operating location. The position of a generator can mean the difference between a reliable piece of equipment and a maintenance headache. Always operate generators on a level surface. Operating on an angle can cause the lubrication system to fail, locking up all the critical moving parts of the engine. In addition, an angular placement can throw off the fuel level in the carburetor, disrupting the spark plugs, pistons and crankcase.
CUSTOM FABRICATED JACK ARCHES
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November 2004
Masonry 31
The Voice of the Mason Contractor