We also recommend that you read other articles on the selection and operation of domestic generator sets: "How to choose a backup power generator" and "How to connect a generator to a house: through a socket, a switch and an ATS unit".

What and how to refuel the generator

Household electric generators do not need any special fuel. They “eat” what you can buy at any gas station. Gasoline generators typically run on 92 or 95 octane gasoline, the exact same fuel that most cars run on. Exceptions to this rule are rare (they are separately specified in the operating instructions). The tank of the diesel power plant should be filled with diesel fuel according to the season (summer or winter). And multi-fuel generators can run either on gasoline or on liquefied gas fuel LPG - automotive (PBA) or technical (SPBT).

Multi-fuel propane-powered generators are economical and quiet.

Care must be taken when pouring fuel from a metal or plastic canister into the generator tank. In no case should gasoline or diesel fuel get on those components and parts that heat up to a high temperature during operation (we are talking, first of all, about the engine and muffler). During refueling, a filter must be present in the neck of the fuel tank - a “cup” made of steel or plastic mesh, which traps large particles of dirt.

The process of refueling two-stroke generators should be discussed separately. They do not need pure gasoline, but a gasoline-oil mixture. It is not sold ready-made, but is mixed immediately before refueling. It is necessary, armed with a clean container and a measuring cup, to mix gasoline and special motor oil in a ratio of 50:1 (20 ml of oil per 1 liter of fuel) or 40:1 (25 ml of oil per 1 liter of fuel). The exact ratio of the components of the mixture is indicated in the instruction manual for your "two-stroke". The mixture must be stirred for several minutes so that the oil is completely dissolved in the fuel. It is absolutely impossible to fill a two-stroke gas generator with clean gasoline without oil, since it will quickly fail due to overheating.

Gasoline Generators

What oil to fill in the generator

New generators, which are sold in online stores or construction hypermarkets, are delivered to customers in a “dry” form - without technical fluids. A bright tag is usually even attached to the body or neck, which reminds you that before starting the generator for the first time, engine oil must be poured into it. Genset manufacturers generally recommend using synthetic or semi-synthetic. For generators that operate at ambient temperatures ranging from -10 ° C to +40 ° C, an oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 or 10W-40 is suitable (exact recommendations for a specific model can be found in the operating instructions).

The oil level in the engine is checked before each start of the generator.

The oil neck is located at the bottom of the engine (in some devices it may be hidden under the casing). Usually it is designed in such a way that it is impossible to fill in too much oil (if the generator is installed horizontally, then all the excess will simply flow out). Since lubricants gradually burn out during engine operation, it is necessary to control the oil level (it should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick), top it up in a timely manner and change it periodically. Many generators are equipped with sensors and indicators, with the help of which the equipment reports a low oil level and turns itself off to avoid engine overheating.

How to start the generator correctly

The process of starting a gasoline generator depends on the design of a particular power plant. But the general principles are about the same. Before starting the engine, open the fuel valve and close the choke (to create a rich mixture with a high fuel content). For some models, both actions are performed using a single ON / OFF switch. Others have separate handles and levers to control the faucet and damper. On some engines, a primer may be installed - a button that must be pressed a couple of times before starting the internal combustion engine in order to enrich the mixture with gasoline. The exact procedure for each generator is described in its instruction manual.

Manual start generators are started with a pull cord. You should “take up the slack” (slowly pull the cable 5-10 cm until resistance is felt), and then pull the handle towards you with a strong and sharp movement to spin the engine. Sometimes the procedure must be repeated two or three times until the motor starts. After a stable speed is established, the air damper (throttle) can be slightly opened so that the engine switches to operating mode with the optimal ratio of gasoline and air.

Small generators usually do not have batteries and are only manually started.

Starting the generator manually requires a certain effort (the larger the working volume of the engine, the harder it is to start it with a cable). Therefore, many generators are equipped with electric starters powered by an on-board battery. To start the generator with an electric starter, you must perform the same pre-start manipulations with the fuel valve and throttle, and then turn the key in the ignition switch to the START position or press the button. Some generating sets can be started remotely (using a remote control or even a smartphone app) or automatically (if the power plant is equipped with an ATS unit or has a connector for connecting it).

Manual start generators

Generator run-in

Running-in is a process of gradual commissioning of machines and mechanisms. Its essence lies in the fact that parts and assemblies "run in" to each other before the unit starts working at full capacity.

The generator run-in is carried out in this way: a new, just unpacked power plant for the first 20-30 minutes after start-up should operate without any load at all (at idle with low speed), and for the next 20 hours - with a load that does not exceed 50% of the rated power. During this time, the engine parts of the cylinder-piston group are lapped, and primary wear products enter the engine oil - metal particles in the form of grains and microscopic chips. Therefore, after running in, it is necessary to completely change the oil in the engine. A run-in generator can be started with a load corresponding to the nameplate capacity.

During the break-in period, the generator can perform useful work, but it should not be operated at full capacity.

How to charge a battery from a generator

Many alternators have 12-volt output terminals or plugs that can be used to charge car and motorcycle batteries. In many cases, the kit immediately has cables with "crocodiles" designed for such purposes.

In order not to "kill" the battery during the recharging process, it should be properly connected to the generator. The rule is very simple: the red wire is connected to the "positive" (+) battery terminal, and the black wire is connected to the "negative" (-). To apply power to the wires, you must turn on the DC circuit fuse (usually there is a button or switch on the panel that says DC ON / OFF) and turn off the “economy” mode (if your generator has such a feature).

note : the generator cannot be considered a full-fledged device for charging batteries, since it does not know how to “cut off” the power in time when the battery is already fully charged, and can damage the battery. Therefore, the generator set should only be considered as an "emergency" source for partial recharging. To charge the battery under normal conditions, you should use special chargers and start-chargers.

Batteries installed on generators with electric starters are charged automatically during the operation of the power plant. It is usually not necessary to remove them for recharging if the generator set is used at least occasionally.

The air filter should also be checked and cleaned before each start.

Basic rules for the operation and maintenance of the generator

In order for the generator set to serve for a long time and not fail prematurely, you must follow a few simple rules.

  • Refuel the power plant with good quality fresh fuel and use engine oil that meets the specifications of the generator manufacturer. Never run the engine without the air filter in place.
  • Do not overload the generator. Run the engine in and after it, use the equipment with a load approximately equal to 75% - 80% of the nameplate capacity of the installation.
  • At each start, warm up the engine for a couple of minutes before connecting consumer devices, and before turning it off, let it run a little without load for smooth cooling.
  • Carry out routine maintenance in a timely manner to the extent and within the time specified in the generator operating instructions.

Service schedules for different brands and models of generators may vary slightly. But in most cases, the frequency of cleaning and replacing elements approximately corresponds to the data in the table below. Many generators are equipped with hour meters, with the help of which it is convenient to monitor the operating time of the engine and perform scheduled maintenance in a timely manner.

Actions Every time you start First month
or first 20 hours		 Every 3 months
or 50 hours		 Every 6 months
or 100 hours		 Every year
or 300 hours
Engine oil Level check +
Replacement + +
Air filter Checking and cleaning + + +
Replacement +
Spark plug Checking and cleaning + +
Replacement +
Fuel Level check +
Tank cleaning +
Fuel filter Checking and cleaning + +

The engines of low-cost generators on average have a resource of 1000 to 3000 hours of operation. Power plants that are installed on household generators with branded engines(Honda, Yamaha, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Husqvarna, Kohler, Kiotsu, Kubota, Doosan and other well-known brands) can last longer - at least 3000 - 5000 hours before overhaul. These estimated terms are valid only under the condition of careful operation of the equipment, timely service and use of high-quality consumables.