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How to Break in a New Generator?

How to Break in a New Generator?

You’ve just moved into your new home, alone. You decide to call your dad, assuring him that you’ve made it to the new house okay. A couple more minutes of chatting, you mention that you ended up listening to him and purchased a new generator. Excited, he asks you when you plan to break in the generator, and your response is, “But dad, how do you break in a new generator?”

A lot of people are unaware of the importance of breaking in a new generator after purchasing it. Keep reading to learn the steps as to how to break in a newly purchased generator.

How to Break in a New Generator?

After a major purchase, it is important to break in your newly bought generator. Like a lot of things, breaking in an object, like a generator, can add longevity to it and ensures you that what you’ve purchased works with little to no problems. Keep reading to learn about the seven steps to breaking in a new generator.

Purchase the Required Items

Purchase the required items prior to breaking in, and even purchasing the generator that you know you will be buying, your generator. Items such as gasoline, high-quality oil, oil conditioner, a spark plug wrench, and a funnel are all items that you will need for your generator.

After purchasing the essential tools, if you haven’t already, purchase your generator and keep the user manual that will be inside your package. Generators can be purchased online or in-store. An example of a generator is DuroMax XP12000EH Generator.

Lubricate Your Spark Plug Chamber

Within your user manual, there should be an indication of where your spark plug is located. Once you’ve found it, remove it with your spark plug wrench. After removing it, then add a couple of drops of the oil conditioner in the spark plug chamber. Adding the oil into the spark plug chamber with lubricate it.

Add Oil and Fuel Into Respective Tanks

Not all generators require the same amount of oil and fuel, so read through your manual to make sure you are adding in the right amount. Once you know how much oil and fuel to add into your generator, first, pour your oil into the oil tank.

Depending on the model there are some generators that will include an oil dipstick to let you know how much oil you currently have in the oil tank. While you are pouring the oil into the oil tank, do so with caution as to not accidently overfill the tank which could cause damage to the generator.

Make sure that you have enough fuel for the gas tank. Depending on the capacity of your tank is typically how much fuel you will need to fill. Pour the fuel into the gas tank with caution so that you do not overfill and potentially cause damage to the generator. Using your funnel, for both the oil and fuel, helps to prevent spills when used properly.

Start the First Run of the Generator

Start your first run of your generator. With the different makes and models of a generator, there are different takes on the tips you will receive on how to break it in. It is usually within the first hour that it is recommended that you run the generator and leave it for about an hour.

After letting your generator run for one hour, drain the oil that remained in the tank before refilling it again.

Let Your Generator Go For a Second Run

This is an optional step, but you can let your generator go for a second run. While letting it run for another hour, this can ensure that any metal debris will be removed and are lubricated. After letting your generator run for another hour, then drain the remaining oil before refilling it again.

Run Your Generator For The Final Time

Run your generator for the final time, which is known to be called the “loaded run”. On a 500– or 1000-watts load, although there are other conflicting sources that recommends you use the maximum power. Nevertheless, running your generator assures that it will officially be broken into.

There are other conflicting sources that suggest that you should either run your generator for just an hour, up to three hours, or leave it running until the fuel runs out. The length of how long you want to leave your generator running for the final time can be based on your opinion and the model of your generator.

Maintenance Checks

Perform maintenance checks after breaking in your generator at least once or twice a month. Maintenance checks includes cleaning the spark plug and making sure that it is still lubricated, and removing excess grease. These monthly maintenance checks will ensure the longevity of your generator.

Closing

You have now learned about the seven steps on how to break in a new generator.