Natural Gas Generator Maintenance: Get Prepared This Fall

With fall now underway, it’s a great time to consider maintenance for your natural gas power system. Power outages are more likely to occur when freezing temperatures hit, but a well-functioning generator can make sure that your business isn’t left in the dark. Like any electrical system, these units require regular maintenance to perform at their best and prevent breakdowns when you need them most.

When the main power grid fails, your standby generator can power your equipment and critical business systems so that you can continue your operations with minimal interruption. With comprehensive maintenance from Valley Power Systems, you can ensure that your generator is prepared for the cold weather months ahead. We strive to be your partner in power no matter what the year brings.

Here are some of the top maintenance tasks that your natural gas generator will need this fall to maintain reliability as temperatures decrease.

Oil Change

Timely oil changes are key to extending the lifespan of your natural gas-powered engine. Oil helps to lubricate the various moving parts and components of the engine, which reduces friction. As oil ages, it becomes contaminated and less effective, so the engine is subjected to increased wear and tear. It is essential to schedule an oil change at regular intervals to keep your engine healthy. Manufacturers generally recommend an oil change after so many service hours, such as after every 50 to 100 hours, depending on your particular system. If you’re uncertain when your unit requires an oil change, get in touch with our knowledgeable technicians. We’ll provide a recommendation based on the age, model, and use of your system.

Filter Change

The generator filters have an important job: they capture any dust, dirt, or debris in the air as your power system runs. These can have a detrimental effect on the natural gas engine’s performance. If the engine becomes dirty, it can experience increased wear and tear, reducing efficiency as the system must work harder to perform at the same level. This can ultimately result in generator failure, sometimes beyond repair. Filter changes should happen during every maintenance check to keep dirt and debris at bay.

At Valley Power Systems, our team also recommends inspecting filters in between maintenance visits for overall cleanliness. Remove any accumulated debris and go ahead and change the filter if it appears too dirty. You should also look at your filters after a major weather event, such as after heavy wind or rain, as these can stir up particles in the air. Be sure to check for leaves and trash around generator vents. Keeping the generator area clean will go a long way toward reducing clogs in your filters.

Battery Inspection

The battery is the most critical component of the generator. After all, if the battery fails, you won’t be able to turn on your system during an outage. This will leave your business operations at a standstill until the power is restored to your facility. Utility repairs can take hours, even days in extreme cases. As a general rule, generator batteries should be replaced every three years. Your maintenance technician should also test the battery regularly and check for signs of rust or corrosion, as these problems can interfere with the flow of electricity.

Coolant Check

Coolant is responsible for regulating engine temperature. If your coolant falls below the recommended level, you put your engine at risk of overheating. Overheating can result in a host of problems for your system, including causing permanent damage to gaskets, cylinder heads, and hoses. You can help prevent these issues by scheduling timely coolant checks and refills.

Valley Power Systems also offers coolant sampling to ensure coolant quality. While your unit won’t need a coolant flush nearly as often as it will require an oil change, it’s important to make sure that the coolant hasn’t deteriorated beyond an acceptable level. Contaminated coolant will be less effective at controlling engine temperature, putting your power system at risk. Are you interested in learning more about this valuable service? Ask one of our representatives about coolant sampling today.

Engine Performance Test

Your engine should be turned on at least once a month to check generator performance. This will help keep the battery charged as well as help you uncover any obvious issues with your system. You can have these addressed by a repair technician promptly to ensure that your unit will run should an outage occur in your area. Your maintenance technician will also have the knowledge, tools, and equipment to look for any hidden problems that can be difficult to catch on your own.

Hoses and Connections Inspection

Over time, hoses and connections can wear down and make your system less efficient. A hose leak can cost your business hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in lost energy, but they aren’t always easy to detect on your own. It’s important to have a trained generator technician look at hoses and connections. Connections can become loose or even corroded as they age, so they should be repaired as soon as possible to maintain generator reliability.

By following these tips for your natural gas generator, you can extend its lifespan and provide yourself with peace of mind knowing that your business can continue without disruption. A natural gas generator can last 20 years or more with the right care. Valley Power Systems is here to help you with dependable generator maintenance year after year.

Valley Power Systems: Your Partner in Generator Maintenance

At Valley Power Systems, we are proud to offer customized maintenance contracts to fit your individual needs and budget. We take a personalized approach to recommend the best maintenance plan to keep your system up and running throughout the year. Whether you have a brand-new unit or your system has lasted through many winters here in California, our goal is to help maximize the investment that you have made in your generator. We work with all kinds of generator power systems.

Our company partners with commercial businesses and industrial leaders throughout the state to provide reliable maintenance for their critical power systems. Our skilled, factory-trained technicians take a meticulous approach to their work, ensuring nothing is overlooked. From battery inspection and hose checks to oil and filter changes, we’ve got you covered. If we notice any problems along the way, we will provide you with the most cost-effective repair solutions. Addressing these as soon as possible will keep your system performing at its best and prevent smaller issues from becoming big, expensive problems later.

Discover Our Power Products

Since 1949, Valley Power Systems has been a family-owned and operated business providing top-of-the-line power solutions to California businesses. We are a factory-authorized dealer for the most trusted power products in the industry, including:

Atlas Copco
Blue Star Power Systems
Alliston Transmission
Detroit Diesel
Deutz
Isuzu Diesel
US Motors
Waukesha

Along with new product sales and rentals, we are proud to offer maintenance and repair services designed to keep your equipment operating reliably and efficiently year-round.

To learn more about our products and maintenance options, contact the pros from Valley Power Systems today.