7 Tips to Extend Generator

Backup generators of TM “Könner & Söhnen” are reliable devices for private and commercial use, which will provide electricity in the event of a power outage.

Follow these simple rules to extend the life time of your generator:

  1. Oil. Be sure to check the oil level in the engine before each start and change it timely according to technical specifications. For gasoline and diesel generators, use SAE 10W-30 semi-synthetic grades such as Könner & Söhnen 10W-30. This oil complies with one of the world’s highest quality classes API SL/CF, prevents the formation of varnish and sludge residues, has anti-seize and anti-corrosion properties.
  2. Filters. Change the fuel filter in time. Otherwise it may clog up over time and interrupt steady supply of fuel, which will affect the overall performance of the generator. The engine also requires air, which is supplied to the system through the air filter. Unless the filter is serviced in time, all the dust inside the filter will eventually end up in the engine, which will lead to a quick deterioration in performance, and ultimately to premature wear.
  3. Fuel. Refuel the generators only with high-grade fuel at reputable gas stations. The point is that low-grade fuel contains many impurities, which settle down in the form of deposits on the fuel tank bottom and in the engine. Over time, this affects the performance of mechanisms and leads to total destruction of the fuel system and the engine. Store gasoline for no longer than 2 months and diesel fuel up to 6 months. This is because fuel undergoes oxidation after six months of storage, which means more varnish and soot during operation.
  4. Cleanliness. Ärge jätke generaatorit tolmuse ja kõrge niiskusega keskkonda; puhastage seade õigeaegselt, et vältida lühist. Make sure you cover the generator before you put it in long-term storage. The generator should also preferably be installed in a dedicated place on a level surface to reduce vibration and mechanical stress.
  5. Temperature. When preparing the generator for winter, adhere to the winter storage rules. Some generator components are adversely affected by exposure to low temperatures. Therefore, the generator should be subjected to preservation when it is to be stored for a long term without operation. It will be useful to allow the generator placed in seasonal storage without preservation to run for 1 hour once a month. This will prevent the piston system from premature failure.
  6. Load. If the generator is operated for quite a while, pay attention to its load since its long-term operation at maximum load will result in overheating of windings and failure of the alternator.
  7. Running time. Monitor the running time of the generator and pause during long periods of operation according to instructions to minimize the risk of overheating.