[RCrosby257]

Recently had a Generac Generator installed to give us peace of mind when we leave northern New England for several months every winter.
It does an automatic test run for about 15 minutes once a month. Other than that it's run for about 2 hours over the past 2 years.
A maintenance contract that would provide a single annual maintenance check (plugs, filters, leak check adjustments, etc.) is about $200.00 a year.
Much of what's covered I could easily do myself, but gas and electricity generally make me nervous. Is it reasonable for someone like myself who does his own auto oil changes and other light mechanical auto maintenance
to take this on, or would you recommend biting the bullet and calling in the pros? Appreciatie any opinions on this.
Rob

 

[DanS26]

The most difficult process on the Generacs is adjusting the valves. They have mechanical lifters and you will need to measure and reset (if necessary) the gap on a regular basis.

If you are not comfortable doing that job......then go with a pro.

 

[jmon]

I agree with you rcrosby, the basic things like oil change, air filter, battery, and plugs are easy enough to do. You can buy a kit for about 35 dollars, it has everything you need. All the info is in your generac manual on how to do it. You shouldn't have any problem there.

Where it gets tricky, as dan mentioned, is adjusting the valves and throttle linkage when needed. If running on LP or natural gas the gas regulator may need adjusting as well. You will need testing equipment and proper tools for this level of maintenance.

All the information is in the manual on how to do it. However, if you're not comfortable doing this level of maintenance, then definitely hire a pro. You could possibly make a rough running generator worse.

 

[RCrosby257]

O.K., so the plugs, filters, etc. I can do on my own and I definately will stay away from valves and gas regulators. Assuming the monthly 15 minutes running time and possibly a couple of hours through the winter, do I need to go with the annual full maintenance, or would every 2 or 3 years be appropriate so long as things are running smoothly?

 

[jmon]

That's basically what I did, I'm just a diyer like you. Your call, totally up to you. I have the same back-up generator, doesn't get used much other than the 15 minute weekly test same as you. It runs on natural gas.

Mine is over 10 years old. Started running rough at the 8 year mark. Had a Tech come out and adjust/replace gas regulator, valves and replaced throttle linkage springs no problems since. That was about a 350 dollar service call couple years ago. He had it up and running like new again in less an hour. Lol. That was the only time a tech was used in 10 years.

Only problem you may have is the warantee if something goes seriously wrong with the generator. The owners manual states; To be serviced annually or after every 500 hours of use by a qualified generac service tech. Unfortunately, homeowners do not count as qualified service techs.

 

[Oso954]

The other benefit of having the tech perform the regular service is that it usually will put you (the repeat customer) near the top of the list when you call for help during a power outage.

The guy that has always self serviced and then makes his first call during the outage, always gets placed at the bottom of the list.