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How to Break in a Predator Generator

How to Break in a Predator Generator

Breaking in a new Predator generator will ensure your generator has a solid start. It will prevent the generator from having issues as it gets accustomed to being used. Breaking in your generator only requires a few easy steps, and it will run smoothly from then on.

To break in your new Predator generator, you will need to gather the right materials, lubricate it, and start it a few times. The process helps clean the generator out and gets it ready for use.

The following article is a more detailed explanation of the steps required to break in a Predator generator.

Gather Needed Materials

The needed materials for breaking in the generator include:

  • Oil
  • Oil conditioner
  • Gasoline fuel

You can find each of these materials at any hardware store or from the generator manufacturer.

Oil

Oil is necessary for the break in process because it reduces the amount of friction in the generator’s parts. The generator’s parts haven’t had a chance to get moving yet, so oil helps the new generator run smoothly without causing any friction damage to the parts.

Oil Conditioner

Oil conditioner helps the oil stick to the engine cylinders. The product helps keep the generator’s engine lubricated, and will prevent it from stalling or experiencing friction damage.

Gasoline Fuel

Lastly, gasoline fuel is the best fuel to ensure the generator runs at peak condition at all times. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t add fuel to the generator before the breaking in process is completed. Wait until all of the steps are done, and then add the gasoline fuel. This will ensure that the generator parts are completely lubricated, and the generator will run smoothly after the gas is added.

Lubricate The Generator

Lubricating the Predator generator will prevent it from having dry starts. Dry starts are when the generator’s engine and parts aren’t lubricated enough. This can cause them to lock up and the generator won’t run as smoothly. To prevent this, lubricate the generator generously.

The first things you need to lubricate a generator are the engine cylinders. The steps to do so are the following:

  1. Remove the spark plug.
  2. Use a funnel to pour a little bit of the oil conditioner into the spark plug chamber.
  3. Slowly pull the starter cord about ten times.
  4. Replace the spark plug.

This step will help ensure that the engine cylinders are thoroughly lubricated when you start the generator up.

Starting The Generator

Starting the Predator generator is a multi-step process when you’re first breaking the generator in. You’ll want to turn off and turn on the generator three times, giving it a load to power the third time around.

Giving the generator a nice and easy start will help ensure that the generator has enough time to warm up. Since it likely hasn’t been used before, it won’t run at peak performance if you just turn it on and let it run.

First Hour Start

Turn on the Predator generator and run it for about an hour the first time. You’ll want to run it at the generator’s lowest setting, and the generator should have no load at all.

The first time you turn on your generator, turn it to its lowest setting and let it run for about an hour. This will allow the engine cylinders and other parts to get adequately lubricated.

Turn off the generator when time is up, and drain and change the oil. The oil will also help eliminate small metallic pieces that can get stuck in the parts. Once you have changed the oil, fill it up again along with some oil conditioner.

Second Hour Start

The Predator generator should run for another hour after the oil has been changed. There should also be no load for the generator to power this time around.

Once the generator has run for another hour, change the oil again. You should start to see fewer metallic shards come out as the engine and other parts are getting cleaner. Metallic fragments can cause serious wear and damage to your generator’s engine, so it’s important to make sure all of the fragments are cleaned out.

Final Hour Start

Run the Predator generator for one more hour, but give it a load to power this time. The load should be no more than between 500 and 1,000 watts. You should not give the generator a significant amount to power when you’re first breaking it in. Doing so can cause the engine cylinders to overheat and damage your generator.

If the generator is handling the load fine, then increase the amount slowly until you reach the desired load. If not, then try running it for one more hour and changing the oil to get any straggling metal pieces out of the engine.

Final Thoughts

Breaking in a new Predator generator can help prevent any damages to the engine cylinders and other parts. Doing each step in the process will ensure that the generator lasts for a long time and runs smoothly, no matter the power load.