Caring for a New Industrial Generator: 7 Maintenance Tips

Did you recently purchase a new industrial power system? If so, you’ll want to keep it in prime condition to maximize your investment. Regular care and timely repairs can help ensure a long generator lifespan and prevent major service needs over time. industrial generator maintenance

At Valley Power Systems, we want to ensure that our customers have the information they need to protect their power products. Follow these seven tips after your new generator purchase to ensure a long life for your industrial system.

1. Keep Filters Clean

Over time, your generators can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and debris. Clogged filters will restrict airflow, forcing your power system to work much harder than necessary to maintain normal performance. Additionally, built-up debris can enter the engine and cause serious damage if left unaddressed. At Valley Power Systems, we recommend checking your filters for cleanliness at least once a month. You should also inspect them immediately after a major weather event, such as heavy wind, rain, or snow. Clear any clogs, and if the filters still appear dirty, replace them as needed. Keeping the filters clean will help ensure proper airflow, which will help your new generator run more efficiently.

2. Avoid Moisture Exposure

Make sure your new system is protected against the elements. If you haven’t already, invest in a weatherproof generator enclosure. This will help protect it against rain, snow, debris, and harsh UV rays that can wear down the system over time. Additionally, never spray water directly on the exterior of your unit. Even a small amount of moisture can rust or corrode parts, leading to unexpected repairs. If your generator’s exterior has accumulated a lot of dust, wipe it down with a soft rag. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive cleaning solution, get in touch with our professionals at Valley Power Systems. We have the proper tools, equipment, and knowledge to conduct generator cleaning without damaging the system.

3. Prevent Generator Overload

Overloading is one of the top reasons that generators fail. Your generator is designed to operate within a specific capacity, and consistently exceeding that limit can cause overheating and premature wear and tear. Over time, this added stress on the system can damage internal components, shorten the unit’s lifespan, and increase the risk of unexpected shutdowns, leaving you without the backup power you need in an emergency. To prevent overloading, always ensure that connected equipment stays within the generator’s rated capacity. If you eventually find that this isn’t enough to keep your business productive during a power outage, you may want to consider investing in an additional generator.

4. Exercise the System Regularly

At Valley Power Systems, we recommend exercising your new generator in between service visits. This will help keep the battery charged, ensuring your system will start up when you need it most. Regularly operating the generator will also help you notice obvious issues with the unit, such as strange noises, power fluctuations, excessive vibrations, or warning lights. You will be able to address these issues before they become major problems for your business. Our team can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the system and inform you of any repairs that may be needed to maintain reliability.

5. Watch Out for Leaks

Leaks can be a major issue for generators, resulting in energy waste and reduced performance. Keep your new system functioning properly by keeping an eye out for visible pools of fuel, coolant, or oil collecting under or around your generator. Even a small leak can wreak havoc on your generator and your budget, but many leaks are hard to detect on your own. At Valley Power Systems, we have the tools, equipment, and expertise to locate and repair even the tiniest leaks. If you suspect your system has a leak, don’t hesitate to contact our team for an inspection.

6. Ensure Proper Coolant Level

Coolant is key to regulating your generator’s internal temperature to prevent costly breakdowns. Overheating can cause warped parts and components, excessive wear, and even complete engine failure. An industrial generator is a significant investment, so the last thing you want is to replace it much sooner than expected. Ensuring a proper coolant level can help you keep the system cool and protect its overall lifespan. Be sure to check the coolant level between maintenance visits and refill as needed.

Keep in mind that generator coolant can degrade over time. Be sure to ask about our coolant sampling service. It can help you monitor the coolant quality and make informed decisions on the services you might need for your cooling system.

7. Follow the Maintenance Schedule

Adhering to your generator’s maintenance schedule is essential to keeping your system efficient, safe, and reliable. The manufacturer will typically recommend that maintenance occur after so many running hours. For a new industrial generator, the first oil and filter change should happen after the first 25-50 hours of operation. After that initial service, a generator will generally require maintenance every 100 to 250 running hours, depending on the manufacturer.

Certain factors can also increase the need for maintenance, such as frequent use, harsh working conditions, and generator age. At Valley Power Systems, we offer customized maintenance plans to meet your system’s specific needs over the years. We have served the power needs of businesses for over 75 years, so you can trust that we will be here to provide the timely services your generator needs as it ages.

Our professional technicians are highly trained and certified to work on diesel and natural gas power equipment. They handle all these maintenance tasks and more:

Oil and filter changes
Battery inspections
Coolant refills
Fuel checks
Performance testing
Visible inspection
Hose and belt check
Other essential services

At Valley Power Systems, we believe in being proactive about generator maintenance and repair to protect the lifespan of your system. Our team will address maintenance requirements while also keeping an eye out for any potential problems. If we notice issues with your system, we will provide you with a clear and honest estimate of the required repairs. Handling these sooner rather than later will go a long way toward maximizing system performance and engine life.

Contact Valley Power Systems Today

Are you looking for a maintenance provider for your new power system? Valley Power Systems provides full-service generator maintenance and repairs from highly qualified technicians. We have been serving California businesses since 1949, and we look forward to providing the power solutions that you need to stay up and running.

Contact Valley Power Systems today to schedule your first service appointment with our team.