How To Clean and Maintain Your Portable Generator

Maintaining your portable generator is essential to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts a long time. Regular cleaning prevents problems like overheating, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to clean your generator and introduce you to GenTent – an NFPA-rated, all-weather solution that protects your generator from the elements, making maintenance easier than ever. 

Why Cleaning Your Generator Matters

A dirty generator can lead to several issues:

• Reduced Efficiency: Accumulated dirt and debris can cause the generator to use more fuel to produce the same amount of power.

• Overheating: Blocked air vents from dirt buildup can impede airflow, causing the generator to overheat and potentially shut down.
  

• Clogged Air Filters: Dirt can clog the air filter, reducing airflow to the engine, leading to poor performance or shutdowns.
  

• Electrical Problems: Debris can cause issues like voltage fluctuations, which can damage connected devices.
  

• Shortened Lifespan: Increased wear and tear from dirt can lead to more frequent breakdowns and a shorter generator life. 

How to Clean and Maintain Your Portable Generator

1. Start with a Cool Generator: Ensure the generator is turned off and has cooled completely to prevent injuries.
   
2. Disconnect the Spark Plug: This prevents accidental starting during cleaning.
   
3. Drain the Fuel Tank: Remove any leftover fuel to avoid spills or fire hazards.
   
4. Clean the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the generator's exterior, paying special attention to air intake grills and the exhaust system.
   
5. Clean the Air Filter: Remove the air filter and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace if it’s damaged or worn out. A clogged air filter can reduce your generator’s performance.
• For a helpful guide on how to clean your air filter, check out Champion Power Equipment’s tutorial  
6. Inspect and Clean the Cooling System: Using a soft-bristled brush or compressed air, clean out the radiator, fins, and cooling fan. 
7. Check and Change the Oil and Fuel Filters: Regularly check the oil level and change it as needed to keep the engine lubricated. Check the fuel filter and clean and replace as needed. 
   
8. Examine Cords and Connections: Look for signs of wear or damage and replace parts as necessary. 
9. Check on Your Generator’s Battery Status: For electric start generators, turn your battery off before you store your generator after running it. Just like with vehicles, a portable generator battery will deplete itself if it’s left in the “On” position for a prolonged period.  
   • If your portable generator is not starting, try to restart the battery with a recoil starter (if available) to recharge it, or use a battery charger or jump-start if the recoil starter doesn't work. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Portable Generator?

According to Cummins generator maintenance tips, how often you clean your generator depends on usage and operating environment, especially if you've used it in dusty or dirty environments like construction sites.  

We recommend cleaning your generator after periods of heavy usage, like a good spring cleaning after using your generator all winter! Regular maintenance checks, including cleaning, should be performed seasonally, or once every three months, even if the generator hasn't been used. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment and DuroMax recommend the following generator maintenance schedule: 

• First Oil Change: After the first month or 20 hours of use 

• Check Oil and Fuel Levels: Every month and/or prior to starting the generator 

• Clean the Air Filter: Every 3 months or 50 hours of use 

• Maintenance Oil Changes: Every 3 months or 50 hours of use 

• Check Spark Plugs: Every 6 months or 100 hours of use 

• Replace Spark Plugs: Every year or 300 hours of use 

• Flush and Replace Fluids: Every year  

As always, pay attention to signs that your generator may need cleaning, such as dirt buildup or clogged filters.  

Introducing GenTent: Your All-Weather Generator Cover

One effective way to keep your generator clean and protected from harsh weather is by using a GenTent cover. When using your generator during severe weather events like thunderstorms, snowstorms, and hurricanes, your generator can get exposed to high moisture levels, which can cause rust, damage, and corrosion. GenTent portable generator covers are designed to keep your generator running safely and efficiently in various weather conditions. 

How GenTent Makes Cleaning Easier

By protecting your generator from the elements, a GenTent cover minimizes the accumulation of dirt, debris, and moisture. This means you'll spend less time cleaning and have confidence knowing your generator is ready to use when you need it. Additionally, by keeping your generator dry, the GenTent reduces your generator’s risk of rust and corrosion, further extending its lifespan. 

The GenTent running cover can also be converted into a full storage cover with the GenSkirt. The GenSkirt Outside Storage Kit offers a simple, effective way to keep your portable generator clean and protected from debris, mud, and splashing water so you can store your generator outside year round. By shielding the generator’s frame and lower components, it helps reduce buildup and makes maintenance easier, so your generator stays ready to perform when you need it most. 

Benefits of Using a GenTent Running Cover

• Weather Protection: GenTent covers withstand hurricane-force precipitation, up to 70MPH forecast winds, and up to 18” snowload.

• Safety: GenTent’s engineered design allows for proper cooling and carbon monoxide ventilation, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation during use.

• Durability: Made from high-quality, NFPA-rated flame-retardant materials, GenTent covers are built to last and provide long-term protection for your generator.

• Ease of Use: GenTent covers are easy to install and provide convenient access to your generator’s fuel tank and electrical panel. Their self-attaching system also allows you to truly keep your portable generator portable.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your generator are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined above and using a GenTent cover, you can protect your generator from the elements, reduce the frequency of cleaning, and ensure it operates safely and efficiently when you need it most.