How to Change the Oil in a Powermate Generator
Regular maintenance for a generator is as important as maintenance on any other type of engine. Keeping up with regular oil changes is one way to insure the generator will last for a long time. Typically, generators should have their oil changed every 40 hours of operation.
Keeping a log of how often the generator was run and for how long will help to plan when to change the oil in a Powermate Generator.
Things You Will Need
- Small pan
- Socket set
- 1 quart motor oil (of appropriate weight)
-
Start the generator and let it reach operating temperature. Shut the generator off.
-
Remove the oil fill cap from the engine block. The cap is marked with the word “Oil” and is located on the side opposite the generator control panel.
-
Slide a pan under the the oil pan at the bottom of the generator engine. The oil pan is a smooth “pan” that is bolted to the bottom of the engine with a drain bolt set in the center. Make sure the drain pan is centered on the drain bolt on the oil pan.
-
Remove the drain bolt with a socket set and let the oil drain out of the engine. When no more oil comes out of the engine, replace the drain bolt.
-
Pour in 1 quart of motor oil into the engine through the oil fill hole. Replace the oil fill cap and start the engine. Let the engine run for a minute to move the oil through the block and turn the engine off.
Tip
Select a motor oil weight (i.e. 10w, 20w and so on) that is appropriate for the temperature of the season the generator is used in, with heavier weights used in warmer seasons and lighter weights used when it is cold.
Warning
Use caution when draining hot oil, it can cause burns to the skin.
The Drip Cap
- Regular maintenance for a generator is as important as maintenance on any other type of engine.
- Keeping up with regular oil changes is one way to insure the generator will last for a long time.
- The cap is marked with the word “Oil” and is located on the side opposite the generator control panel.
- Remove the drain bolt with a socket set and let the oil drain out of the engine.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Cassandra Tribe has worked in the construction field for over 17 years and has experience in a variety of mechanical, scientific, automotive and mathematical forms. She has been writing and editing for over 10 years. Her areas of interest include culture and society, automotive, computers, business, the Internet, science and structural engineering and implementation.
Photo Credits
- Wet oil. image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
- Wet oil. image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
More Articles
