Maintenance on your Generac generator. Scheduled maintenance. #DIYGeneratorMaintenance #Generac #GeneratorMaintenance Generac Tune-up Kit Link amzn.to/3EdDSKK
Donna, I’m glad I could help. It seemed simple enough to do. 1 other hunt one of our subscribers gave me. To help the oil drain a little faster, u can run it for a few minutes b4 servicing to heat up the oil. Just b careful not to burn yourself on the motor. Good luck.
Grateful for your video. Just purchased a home in the mountains and limited knowledge on GENERAC maintenance and servicing. I feel more confident now 🙏🏼👍🏼 Blessings 😊
My local Generac dealer is very knowledgeable, honest, and helpful. He has given me instruction on a lot of "do-it-myself" maintenance and always is available when I have questions. 😊
I think it’s a pretty good video for a homeowner that’s not an on authorized dealer I give him two thumbs up 👍👍.Just remember always read your instruction manual you can’t go wrong.
Did my service today on the 24kw generator. Oil change and filter, spark plugs and air filter. Very easy. Ran the Generator first and the oil came out fast. Spark plug gap on my 24kw generator is .40. In order to remove the front plug there is an engine picking bracket on the valve cover that I took off so the socket would fit. I also put a little 'never seize' on the threads so the plugs will come out easier next time. I noticed the original plugs were binding a little. Saved me $250 after buying the parts on Amazon and doing the service myself
Thank you. Great video, you save me some money, I was getting ready to call somebody to do maintenance on our generator but the way you explained it looks very easy to do.
@@cmearls55 Receipts don't actually prove that you have done anything but purchased the Maintenance Kits, so be very careful what you assume. Your word against theirs, and YOU will ALWAYS LOSE ! Take pictures or make videos where there is POSITIVELY PROOF that the Maintenance was performed, and WHEN it was done as well. ALWAYS COVER YOURSELF at ANY COST ! 😏
You can manually run the gen for about 5 mins to warm things up before the oil change, it will flow out better and carry out any extra pieces, also inside the cabinet I blow things out (spider webs leaves etc) then lay some fresh mothballs in the base tray areas, keeps the pesky mice out. After year 3 I started to test the battery as well, so far into 5th season haven't had to replace the battery, with the app it does a weekly test and I get a confirm, I know eventually I will need to change the battery but so far so good :) Saves me $250 per year to do it myself, just save those receipts for warranty issues.
@@stefank6179 It was a piece of cake. As with David below, I removed the engine lift bracket to get to the back spark plug. MUCH easier than doing the same on a vehicle mounted engine. Hardly worth the $325, but in fairness to them, they do perform a complete multipoint inspection to boot.
Thanks for the video. Just what I needed. Also when I took out the plugs I used a rubber hose to go over the end of the plug. Just pushed it over the top. Came out easy peezy.
A little reminder to those watching. You should fill your oil filter before installing the new one. Love my generac and the everyday maintenance is so easy there’s no reason not to do it often and properly.
I have had such a great guy doing mine for 15 years. Bought a new unit when I moved mine 100 feet away from house.(started setting off my monoxide alarms and scared the crap out of me) Now he has sold his business to another. Sure hope he is as good. When you are old this is so important.
I always run the generator a bit to warm the oil. It will drain quicker and more complete. Adding oil to the new filter before installing it is always a good idea. Plugs only need changing on schedule B which I believe is every 4 years and includes oil and filter. Schedule A is oil and filter, every 2 years. Both have hour max that may come sooner. Great video for folks that are afraid that there is a big old bear in there.
We maintain 92 of the 22kw 4 cylinder generac generators (liquid cooled) and can say for the most part they are great little units. We have some with over 3000 hours still cranking away. Sure some of the parts wear out but if you keep up with the maintenance they seem to run forever. I joke and call them Genecrap however only due to some issues with quality control on the flywheels we had on units installed back in 2015/2016. Had to check this video out since my buddy has an air cooled unit to see if there were many difference which doesn't appear so. very simple. A word of wisdom would be sourcing a spare controller as they continue to climb in price at an alarming rate. The last time I checked they were running us 1300 or so for one. The last thing you'll want is needing a controller and not being able to find one when the power is out! :)
@@thelittleguysoutoftexas421 thx so much for the feedback, and for watching my video. It’s been pretty reliable so far. We also got the 10 year warranty on the thing. I’ll have to be on the watch for a controller. Thx again
Thank u for info brother now a tip about oil drain I learned this from working on other small engines open up the oil intake cap and take it off also punch a hole in the oil filter so it can drain the oil and pull air in through those points and it will drain much faster my friend!
This is what I do that may help someone also .If the air filter is clean knock out the filter dirt and keep on using it. I don't over service the air filter .Loosen or crack the spark plugs loose so they are not tight run engine till oil is hot then shut down turn off the master switch on the unit and remove plugs so you don't damage threads in an aluminum head .Also put some anti seize on the spark plug treads before installing new plugs. Also check the battery with a mid tronics battery tester . Otherwise good vid!
Great video 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾. On removing the spark plugs, I use a small piece of hose and slide it over the plugs "tip" and use this to remove the plugs this made it much easier. Good luck 👍🏾
Good job. May I add these comments? Remember to lock both cover locks. A friend didn't. During a storm the cover blew open and the rain ruined his electronics. Also, During Hurricane Laura, electricity was off for several days. My neighbor's Generac shutdown. Mosquitoes had clogged up his air intake. (Only in SW Louisiana, right?) May window screen on the intake side of the cabinet might help? Good video.
Use an aluminum pan used to cook with to catch the oil it should fit in place of your raid it should be cleaner hopefully don't you want to turn off the generator beyond the breaker before you drain the oil in case it starts you don't blow the motor you really know what you're doing
Most important step was missed. --> Set generator to OFF and remove the 7.5 amp fuse so the generator cannot start while you are working on it. If you run the generator for about 5 minutes the oil will drain a bit faster.
@@nasarazam The 7.5 amp fuse is located on the generator controller panel. On the generator used in this video, it's under a black rubber "flap", right on top after you raise the hood (easy to get to). It's a standard 7.5 amp automotive type fuse. And yes, @kev840 is 100% correct! -> Always set generator to OFF on the controller panel, turn the generator Main Line Circuit Breaker to OFF (also right on top under the hood) and remove the 7.5 amp fuse prior to any maintenance. This will keep the generator from inadvertently trying to start-up while you are working on it.
Someone told me about your awesome channel. I do not know if you will remember me from your Olivet days. I have heard you do wood working videos as well. I am looking forward to watching those videos. Take care Jeff Applebee
Jeff! Of course I remember u! I have goose bumps right now. What do u mean, “u don’t know if I would remember u”? Dude, how hav u been? My wife and I started this about a year ago. We are nearing 1,000 subscribers, which will be a milestone for us. R u on FB?
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 My wife an I have an account on facebook but I never check it and she does every now and then. My electronic footprint is pretty minimal. I will actually be in Detroit this saturday @ lawrence tech university.
Just FYI, BEFORE doing the oil change, run the generator for several minutes so that the oil has a chance to completely warm up, which makes it flow out much faster, making the maximum amount of oil drain out! This is the best and proper way to change the oil in any vehicle... auto, mower, 4x4, etc.
Thx for watching and for the tip. I have had several people mention that to me, and it makes me mad at myself that I didn’t think of something so simple. Thx again.
greetings sir; a hint for you, use a metal paint pan to drain the oil filter in removal afterwards you can use it to drain the engine oil. accessing the spark plug in the rear can be done but is a little difficult. be sure to check the gap (hack saw blade)..................g
Thx Steve. I don’t recall specifically what I said I’m the video as a gap, but I did gap per my manual as well. I guess there could be some subtle differences perhaps based on the year? Thx for the feedback though, and hopefully people refer to their specific manuals.
Enjoyed your video, helped me service my 22kw. Thanks. My manual shows. 03 gap for the 11kw and .02 for the 9kw with different plugs in each. I'm not enough of a mechanic to know why. Thanks again for your video.
Which you will also have to pay $80 for the parts / supplies needed. How much do you feel that it is worth for the dealer to spend his valuable time coming and doing it all for you instead ? You do know a Car Dealership charges you OVER $200 and hour labor to fix your vehicle, and YOU have to bring it to him ! How much do you think you would have to pay if he came to your house, and worked on your car there ? How is this ANY different ? Your paying for a convenience service, and IF you asking me, I'll say that you're getting a damned good deal ...
I use a disposable aluminum pie plate when i change the oil filter on my 14 kw. My filter is mounted a little different than the one shown. Mine is at 90 degrees and lower on the engine.
I also have a 22kw. I pay my installer for the monitoring and that includes maint. which i am perfectly able to do myself but I have reasons. I got an extended warranty. If there is an emergency we are on their first serve list. Mine is about 2 years old. About 9 months ago I heard it make an odd noise when starting up for exercise. It didn't start and gave me a low RPM warning. I looked that code up and there are many things it could be. It seems like an odd code name when it really means it didn't start. I went out and after a couple tries it manually started and seemed fine after that. When it started though I heard that sort of starter ping. Dealer came out and said Generac had a bulletin that if in a hot area (we are in So. Fl.) and this happens that the starter should be replaced. They replaced it under warranty and no issues since. The part I am not thrilled with is it's the same starter. No upgraded unit. Dealer called me before Ian that my gen had a battery warning. I thought that was odd as that thing always sends me texts and I never saw it. Turns out the damn app updated and it signed me out. Techs came but it was already starting to rain so they couldn't work on it. I read the warning and it's boilerplate check battery warning. Not an actual cry for help. I have battery checkers so I go to open it and realized mine looks like yours. There is a plate covering the battery. All the others are open. I read the manual and as I thought the side panel needs to be removed on ours. Yours is the first video I have seen with the newer design. Just an observation. I'm not sure I like how you have made basically a water container around it should you have a flood. I hope that can drain and not hold water. Are you able to have monitoring on yours? I think it's worth it just in case.
Hey Scott. Thx for all the info. Yes, I also have it monitored, this was just something I wanted to try. The base that my gen sits on was fabricated by the installer. It is full of river rock that does drain. Thx
Julio, thx man. It felt like an eternity. I did not time it. I did get a tip from a guy though that said late it run for a few minutes before changing and heat up the oil it will drain faster. U just need to be careful because the motor will of course be hot.
Very helpful video. One question; you used 3 tools: something to loosen the oil filter, another to loosen/tighten the spark plugs, and something to check the gap on the spark plug. What are those tools, and where can I get them?
Glad it helped Mike. All the tools I used can be purchased at any Auto Parts store. Spark plug socket, gap gauges and an oil filter wrench (my wrench happens to be a socket style). Good luck
On the 22 and 24kw models you have to adjust the valves too and any others with the 1L engine I can't remember what the actual numbers are have to look it up the manual tells the newer 14-18 kw models you do not need to adjust them they have hydraulic lifters
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 I had a that engine the oil sensor wire came off got an oil leak blew up it didn't know always check the wires at the right there by filter also you want to use a high zinc oil regular car oil doesn't meet the standards of air cooled engines especially LP and NG the generac oil synthetic is good but I recommend Amsoil true small engine oil 5w30 its engineered for this application I use the 15w50 same brand on my 29hp EFI kohler on my Exmark mower Amsoil is one of the only companies that is 100% synthetic its cold weather flow is unmatched it will pour at negative 50 I now have a brand new 14kw with the 816cc with hydraulic lifters the have done away with oil coolers it wasn't getting hot enough to remove moisture not sure if I like that I was gonna go 18kw but I decided to leave central off but can run 2 window units which I have for back up plus I'm in northern Illinois southern Wisconsin area make sure you have valves adjusted when manual tells you its between 2 to 4 thousands inches its a pain just have mechanic do it stay up with that and look into Amsoil small engine oil been using there products for over 35 years its technology from the airforce brought into automotive world sorry for rambling
I broke the rear spark plug while removing. I re-installed using the spark plug socket, a flexible joint adapter, a six inch extension, then the socket wrench.
does the generator tell you (a reminder) on the screen when it's time for maintenance? I recall for the battery it reminded me to check it so just wondering or do you have to just keep track of the hours yourself and do maintenance? thanks.
Thx for watching Sanitary. Great question. I don’t believe so. From what I recall in the manual, maintenance may be tied to either total time run or total calendar days. Say u had an outage that lasted a week. U may want to check it after that. Or say u didn’t have any outages for a year. U still May want to check it. Does that make sense? I don’t recall the screen telling u.
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373My Generac flashes a red light, and displays “change oil” on the display. Also prompts you to check the battery (which you should have done)😊
Just to the left of the computer screen, there's a toggle switch. Toggle that so the generator doesn't come on if power is lost while there's no oil in it! The light on the right side will be red. You can see the switch in 11:41 (I/O) switch.
No need to power everything. Just the circuits that are important. For instance, we don’t power the hot tub. Very seldom do people power everything in the house. We only have a 10KW, for a 2000 foot house, with a well. We get by very easily, and don’t burn all that gas. I see some of our neighbors running 24 KW, on propane. Even with a 500 gallon tank, it goes fast. BTW. Did you start the generator and warm the oil up before you started? May be the reason it’s draining so slow. Sounds like your first time. You should also service the battery, electrolyte level, clean the terminals and load test for cranking amps. Checking valve lash is also a good idea.
Thx for all the info Rod and thx for watching. I did not warm it up first, u r correct, that would of helped, thx. Several other viewers mentioned that to me as well. We sized the gen for everything that we wanted to be able to continue to run. Agreed, u certainly don’t have to run everything. We have a 5000 sf house with a pool, that we want to continue to run so it doesn’t sit and create problems. That’s why we picked the 20K. Definitely a personal preference on what all u would like to run during an outage. All great input. Thx
@@joemattingly5276 thx for watching. That’s just a small oil filter wrench used to loosen oil filters. It’s not required, but it might make it easier to loosen.
Если кому то будет интересен или полезен мой отзыв поставьте лайк. Во первых, при сливе масла нужно было окрутить пробку заливной горловины и как вариант можно вытащить масляный щуп. Тогда отработанное масло быстрее сольётся. Во вторых, в новый масляный фильтр нужно наливать масло чтобы двигатель не работал лишние доли секунд без масла. В третьих в инструкции написано при запуске размыкать главный автоматический выключатель что бы двигатель не работал сразу под нагрузкой. По инструкции ему нужно дать поработать минут 5 для прогрева, а потом включать главный автоматический выключатель. Я считаю что воздушный фильтр и свечи зажигания можно менять в два раза реже чем масло.
With that low of hours, I think I would have left the the plugs and filter in the box for next service. Would like to know what that screen indicates when all is well. My new unit is showing ready to run and hours of service (stand by not hours of service running). It will flash to hours only and back to original screen every 5 second or so. Is this normal?
My manual for a new 24 kW Generac says to switch the utility power breaker off at the transfer switch before performing maintenance on the generator. This cuts off power to the house. Do I really need to cut off power to the house to change my oil??? I didn’t on a Kohler
Hey Steve. Great question. I would say to follow your manual. I’m not an electrician. I’m a DIY’er. However, I did not shut mine off. I turned off the Generac panel. Not sure what the main does other than creates a redundant safety. It’s like a Lock-out/Tag-out procedure on a piece of equipment, if you are familiar with that. It’s overkill for safety, but it’s also guaranteed safe. Your manual is the safest process.
When I did my service on my 24kw I turned the Main Breaker OFF inside the Generator and ran to warm up the oil then hit the OFF button on the control panel inside the unit and removed the 7.5 amp fuse. My manual said to switch the utility power breaker off as well but as Jordan says it is a redundant safety step .
Ok finally got around to changing these plugs but anyone has a suggestion as to what plug wrench to use to reach that back plug? Can't get to that SOB for nuttin'!
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 Nope. Didn't have one of those. Should I get that and if so where? (and whats the description so I know what I'm searching for ;)).
@@wollins2 if u go to Home Depot or an auto parts store they will have a “swivel” for a socket set. This will allow u to go into the plug area at various angles.
I was quoted $870 a year to service mine (10kW). Unbelievable. Is it the same service as shown in the video yearly? Or is there something else that should be done at year 2, or 3 etc etc?
Thx for watching Joe. My video is pretty much just the basic annual maintenance. If u look at your owners manual, I believe there are some other items, battery checks, some programming checks, valves, etc. I would think the $870 includes more, but that does seem a little pricey. Good luck. This video will keep u running.
Well first, thx for watching. Honestly, I don’t k ow. I’ve never had that problem. U could probably try some type of bleach cleaner and a power washer. That’s probably where I would start. Good luck.
Thx Scout. I don’t have my manual with me, you should consult that. It’s tied to hours of use or like 12 month duration. The kits vary on Amazon. Check the link I did for the tune-up kit.
It's every 2 years (though really you can go probably 4 years and it'll be fine) he's doing it way too early only having the unit for a year, that's why everything seems still brand new, it was an unnecessary tune up.
Thx for watching Nasar. You should look at the current battery that’s in it, or in the owners manual. I’m sure that just any car battery would not be the correct solution. It may be a car battery, but you will want to make sure it’s the right one. Certain size, cranking amps, etc. If you can’t find it in your manual, Google your generator size and replacement battery. You will also need to check your manual for any “reset” instructions. Good luck.
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 Thanks. Once I check the old battery specs, where do I get the new battery from? Is this available in Auto store or do I need to buy it from Generac supplier?
Very nice video. Is there no drain plug like in a car engine? Also, do you need to replace the spark plug after 60 hours of operation? Is there anything special about the oil brand or will a 5-30 oil do?
The h x for watching Abraham. U should consult your owners manual on the plug change and oil type. For some reason I thought it was 100 hrs, please check ur manual.
The Generac oil is a special blend for NG/Propane generators. Says it is a low ash formula. It is more of a milky looking color. I just did mine and when I drained it I thought something was the matter as I am used to having the black looking stuff that comes out of car. This was more of a milky greenish looking that I drained. I would use the Generac oil. I know it isn't cheap but you don't want to use anything non-Generac that would void your warranty.
@Jordan's Everyday DIY No problem. I did some more research and it turns out it is common issue with Generac that the used oil is milky colored because of condensation. The generator has to reach boiling temp for the condensation to evaporate. It is common now since they updated the firmware to run 5 minute weekly tests. It used to be 12 minutes.
Any one know if you have the dip stick on the oil fill if screw all the way in to check? Or leave resting on thread's? 16 kw g force eng . Not mention anywhere in owner's manual.
Hey Paul, thx for watching. I don’t know the exact answer if it’s not in the manual, but, if I had to error one way, I think I would not screw it in. I’d rather have a little too much oil, as opposed to not enough.
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 Sorry man I didn't read all of the comments. Wasn't trying to be a jerk and I apologize if it sounded that way. Thanks for doing the video BTW. The house we recently purchased has one which is the first one I have ever owned so I am learning how to do the maintenance. Take Care
@@daddyslittlejunkies oh no, I didn’t take it that way. No problem. Always open to suggestions. I’m no professional. Just happen to like doing things myself and learning. Thx for the feedback.
First of all, thank u for watching, I hoped the video helped u. You ask a great question. When we say to verify the gap, that’s not the same as verifying the plug itself. Yes, the kit should come with the proper plug, although it’s always good to check that it’s correct and that you’ve ordered the correct kit, it’s the gap itself that should be checked. The gap is the distance between the electrode and the ground on the bottom of the plug. Most come pretty close to the correct gap, but the ground (the little rounded piece on the end) moves, that’s how u adjust the gap. U flex the ground one way or the other. This creates the proper size spark for your engine. Same as a car. These grounds can get bumped in shipping or hit and can move and create an incorrect gap. Hope this helps.
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 Thanks for clarifying the doubts. I learned something new. Love your video. I am going to do the scheduled maintenance first time. 👍
For the life of me I can't find what replacement spark plug options I have for this generator! I have the Guardian 22KW model as well. Can you tell me what ones were the original? (and what ones came in the kit) That info would be totally worth a "subscribe" AND a thumbs up for me. lol! Thanks!
CGF, the kit came with Champion RC14YC4 plugs. Which are supposed to be OEM parts. I did this video a while ago, so I don’t still have the old ones, but I’m 95% sure they were Champions. The other factor that could possibly change the plug spec, not sure, is the year of your generator. Hope this helps. Good luck.
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 mine came with NGK or NKG. Can’t remember how to spell it. I was always told that champion plugs were no good. That was years ago. The mechanics would specify anything but champion.
Thx for watching Michael, I should go back and do an update. I’ve learned several little tricks since I did the video, and that’s one of them. The he for the info Michael.
Thx for watching Jim. At the time I did this tune up, my battery was functioning fine. I did not perform any maintenance there. U should check the battery regularly.
Hey Kenneth. I’m not a Generac repair person, but I would first check your manual, see what a yellow could be and go from there. It may require service of some kind, or it could mean your oil needs changed. Consult your manual first. Thx
@@jordanseverydaydiy4373 I was told by my installer (a generac dealer) they could do the service at $250 per year or I could do it but I had to keep receipts of the parts and notes of the work done each season. I do mine in September each year and have the mobile app that runs a test each week to confirm no issues, that way if somethings wonky I will get a notification via the app the test failed (battery dies or it wont start etc), I still go check it periodically for any rodents, oil leaks, etc.
@@RandomStuffWithBill You should do maintenance at least once a year, but if the hours exceed the recommendations before then, you need to pay attention to the messages. It will tell you what is necessary, and when. We had several two week power outages this year, so it makes a difference.
I just paid $305.00 for annual maintenance. My system showed that it was completed start to finish in 18 minutes. Is this possible even for a professional? I questioned my contractor, specifically the owner, as I was not home at the time of the service. He did not seem to think this was out of line. In the future I’m doing it myself.
Just had mine done by a professional and he was here about 45 minutes. In addition to changing the oil, oil filter, air filter and both plugs, he also tested the cranking amps on the battery, tested the pressure of the propane coming from my tanks and took several electrical measurements inside the transfer switch box on the wall. He used an oil vac and had the oil drained in less than 30 seconds cold with the caps on. He made sure my settings were still correct and recommended I obtain a 26R battery as my cranking amps were on the low side if I wanted to do that myself and save some money.
I would not consider valve adj on a unit with those few hours. You do not want to get that wrong. That would make a good video from an expert. When I saw the air filter, I thought, put the oil and filter in and stow the plugs and filter.
@@dustbat Most of the change in valve lash will occur during break in, when all the parts are wearing in. It’s a good idea to check it. I think it’s listed on the maintenance schedule. You need to have valve cover gaskets, and know the procedure for getting the engine on top dead center on the compression stroke. You also have to bar the engine over. I’m guilty of not checking mine since we have owned the house.
