How To Winterize A Generator For Cold Weather?

Preparing your generator for cold weather is essential. Key steps like fuel line draining, oil changes, spark plug removal, and proper storage are vital to prevent damage. Winterization ensures a quick and dependable generator start when needed.

This post provides valuable insights into winterizing generators, whether for seasonal or year-round standby and portable units. Get your generator ready for cold weather with these essential tips. Explore ‘How To Winterize A Generator For Cold Weather?’ now!

How To Winterizing a Standby or Portable Generator

Preparing portable or standby generators for winter before storing them away is crucial. Failure to winterize your generator can lead to damage, malfunction, and costly repairs. Here are some steps to winterize your seasonal portable generator:

Drain The Fuel Lines

To stop your backup or portable generator from freezing or getting blocked, you need to do two things: 

1. First, empty the fuel from the canister and pipes. 
2. Second, add something called a fuel stabilizer to keep the leftover gasoline in good shape when you store it. Even in really cold weather, it’s important to empty the fuel tank and lines because if gasoline sits unused for about ten days, it can go bad and damage the generator’s carburetor.

I recommend one of the finest fuel stabilizers to assist you in safely storing fuel for your generator.

STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer

Clean The Carburetor

To maintain the carburetor’s performance and prevent clogging, clean it using a carburetor cleanser after removal. This step removes accumulated grime and residue. It’s recommended to clean the carburetor at the end of the season to eliminate any sludge that may have built up.

Change Oil & Filter

To keep your generator running smoothly and avoid engine problems, it’s important to regularly change the oil and oil filter. It helps remove dirt and makes sure the engine is well-lubricated when you start it. Don’t use old oil again; change it every 100 hours of use to keep the engine safe.

In cold weather, the oil can get thick and cause issues, especially if your generator has a low oil sensor that can shut it down. In order to winterize the generator and safeguard it, employ specialized winter-grade oil designed to maintain optimal flow in colder temperatures. The recommended oil should be found in your owner’s handbook.

Using winter-grade oil in the cold months helps protect your generator from freezing and makes it work better since the thinner oil is right for winter use. Below, I have a top recommendation for winter-grade oil that you should consider.

Generac Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30

Remove The Spark Plug

To care for your generator properly, follow these steps: 

Remove the spark plug and cover the hole to keep out dirt. If your generator uses dual fuel types and both were used, clean the fuel tank, pipes, and carburetor. If you only use one fuel type, cleaning is unnecessary. Disconnect the propane before storing it. Don’t expose the generator to snow or ice; store it in a dry place like a shed or garage. If outdoor storage is necessary, place it on a wooden platform, keep it dry, and cover it well. Some manufacturers suggest adding a little oil to the cylinder after removing the spark plug to prevent rust and maintain smooth cylinder walls.

Storage Tips

Keep the generator somewhere cold and dry. Cover it with a cover to stop dirt, dampness, or residue from building up on the generator. Finally, kindly take the charger and keep it somewhere else.

Keep the Generator Area Clear

For winterizing, Ensure your standby generator stays safe and effective by maintaining clear surroundings. Debris, like snow, ice, leaves, and branches, can block its vents, causing overheating and issues. Regularly clear away obstacles, especially in winter, leaving at least five feet of space around it.

When it snows, create a path to the generator for easy access. Also, clear a path to the house plug connected to the generator.

For portable and standby generators, maintain a debris-free zone to prevent potential fires and simplify maintenance, ensuring safety and reliability.

Schedule A Routine Tune-Up & Ceaning

Before winter, have a professional check and clean your generator regularly. They’ll inspect all parts, clean them, change fluids, and assess for issues. Ensuring a healthy battery is crucial, as cold weather can damage it. If the battery is weak, they’ll recommend replacement, ensuring your generator functions reliably in the cold.

Cold Weather Battery Solutions

In cold weather, lead-based batteries in generators may not work well. To ensure proper function, keep the battery fully charged or opt for a larger one. You can also use a warming blanket on the generator to keep the battery warm. Still, it must be connected to a power source. Alternatively, a battery warmer can prevent power loss in extreme cold. If the battery gets too low, it may not charge properly and require replacement. A battery heater is another way to safeguard battery power in cold conditions.

Generac 7101 Battery Heater Pad

Routine Generator Testing

Regularly running your generator is crucial to spot issues early, such as odd sounds or delays. This practice is especially wise during winter, even if there’s no power outage. Many generators self-start for 15 minutes monthly. Suppose yours doesn’t set a monthly reminder. This upkeep keeps the parts in good shape. 

Additionally, test your generator every 3 months for at least 30 minutes. Neglect can reduce its efficiency, so periodic use is like charging a car battery and ensuring it’s reliable when needed.

Cold Weather Kit for Air-Cooled Home Standby Generators

Snow and Rain Protection

To protect your generator from snow and ice damage, avoid leaving it exposed. Rust and corrosion on its components are caused by melting snow and ice. Keep the generator in a dry garage, shed, or shelter. If that’s not possible, place it on a raised platform and cover it securely with a tarp.

If you start a portable generator in snowy conditions without proper winterization, it can be seriously damaged. Snow and water can enter the engine and electrical systems, causing flooding, electrical shorts, and corrosion, reducing the generator’s lifespan. Always ensure it’s in a snow-free and dry area before starting it to avoid costly damage.

Exercise Your Generator

Like warming up your car in winter, it’s essential to regularly run your standby generator when it’s not in use during cold weather. This 10-minute exercise each week keeps parts running smoothly and preserves the generator’s seals, ensuring it works correctly below 40°F.

Winterizing A Year-Round Generator

A year-round generator is a portable generator that you can use for various applications. Here are some steps to winterize your year-round generator:

Inspect Exhaust and Vents

In winter, maintain your generator by clearing snow from exhaust and air vents to ensure proper airflow. Check regularly for blockages. Also, clean the air filter by washing it with soapy water, rinsing, and drying overnight. Apply a small amount of oil, remove the excess, and reinstall it with the cover. Winterizing these steps will help keep your generator running smoothly and prevent damage.

Follow Recommended Maintenance Guidelines

Always refer to your generator’s manual for recommended maintenance guidelines, including oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug replacements.

Call A Professional Technician

If you need more time to perform routine maintenance on your generator, call a professional technician to do it for you.

Winterize with Fuel Additives

Your generator will run more effectively in colder weather using winter-grade lubricant and gasoline additives. Your generator’s engine will be safe as a result.

How To Preparing the Generator For Winter

As winter draws near, ensuring your generator is adequately equipped to withstand chilly and severe weather is crucial. When the need is greatest, the generator can provide dependable power thanks to the careful planning that can help avoid harm to the engine and electrical system. To prepare your generator for the winter, take the following steps:

Choose A Snow-Free And Rain-Free Area

When positioning your generator, choosing a location free from snow and rain is important to prevent damage to the engine and electrical components. Choose an area that is elevated and away from potential flooding.

Check The Battery Charge

Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, and it’s crucial to check their condition. A weak or dead battery won’t start the generator. In cold temperatures, batteries perform poorly and may need replacement if they can’t hold a charge. Monitoring battery health is vital, especially as problems often arise below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Block Heater

In really cold places, you can use an engine block heater or water jacket heater to keep the engine warm and make it start easily in the cold. But remember, not all block heaters work with every generator, so follow what the manufacturer suggests.

There are three different varieties of these heaters: 

• Tank-style heaters
• Freeze plugs
• Radiator hose

They help the engine last longer, save fuel, reduce pollution, and prevent water from gathering in the oil pan. If the block heater breaks, the generator can give an alert for low coolant temperature or over-cranking if the engine doesn’t start right.

Install Additional Gear

You might need to add equipment, such as engine block warmers, heating pads, or frigid winter packages, to winterize your generators, depending on where you live. These could aid in preventing harm from the weather and keeping the engine toasty.

Please Read The User’s Manual

Every generator is different, so it’s essential to read the manual to ensure that the steps you take are compatible with your particular generator. The manual will provide specific instructions for winterizing your generator, including any additional steps necessary for your particular model.

Diesel Fuel

When it’s very cold, diesel fuel can turn into a thick and cloudy liquid due to something called paraffin wax. These wax crystals can stick together and clog the filters in your generator, making it stop working. If it gets even colder, the fuel can become a solid and not flow at all, which starts to happen around 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. Water in the fuel can also freeze and block the filters. To avoid these problems, you should take good care of your fuel by using treatments and testing it.

Pro-Tips For Using A Generator During Winter

Here are some additional pro tips for using a generator during winter:

Check Before Starting – Warm-Up Period

Before starting your generator, check:

• Is there enough fuel?
• Does it have sufficient oil?
• Are any parts frozen from snow? Once confirmed, start the generator and let it run for 15-20 minutes without connecting devices to warm up the engine and fluids, preventing damage.

Use A Fuel Stabilizer

A gasoline stabilizer will maintain the fuel in good condition and stop it from deteriorating or clogging the carburetor. It’s crucial to keep the generator in storage for a long time.

Use The Right Fuel

Use the correct type of fuel (oil) the manufacturer recommends. Use gasoline with a higher octane rating in winter, and consider using a winter-grade oil for the engine.

Keep The Generator Dry

Avoid using it in wet conditions, and always keep it dry to prevent electrical shorts or damage to the engine.

Keep it Lubricated

Maintaining proper lubrication is essential for your winter generator care. Frequent oil checks ensure efficient and heat-free operation. For example, new DuroMax generators require an initial oil change after 6-8 hours, followed by oil changes every 20 hours of use (50 hours for XP15000E and XP15000EH). The methods for changing the oil are to use a pan to drain the old oil, replace the drain bolt, and then refill with 10w30 motor oil.

Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 10W-30

Invest On Cover

Invest in a generator cover to prolong its life and maintain its appearance in cold weather. Covers shield your generator from rain, cold, water damage, corrosion, dust, and debris. DuroMax offers various weather-resistant covers for generators of different sizes. Below, I’ve highlighted an exceptional generator cover for your consideration.

Stock Up Fuel

Get enough fuel for emergencies during winter. Some generators can use gasoline or propane. Propane can last up to 30 years. Store your fuel in a secure, cool, and dry location, and ensure you use the best generator cans to safeguard your fuel. Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from spoiling if you leave it in the generator. Take a look at one of the top-rated fuel tanks available on Amazon, simplifying your life and making your choice easier.

Monitor The Generator’s Performance

Keep a watch on its operation and occasionally inspect it for any indications of harm, leaks, knocking, or odd sounds. If there are any problems, stop the generator immediately and contact an experienced expert.

Inspect For Damage and Leaks

Inspect your generator for rust, dents, oil or fuel leaks, and broken wires. Using a damaged generator can be risky, so get professional help for repairs. Fixing small problems can prevent bigger, costlier issues down the road or even the need to replace your generator.

How To Winterize a Commercial Diesel Generator

Here are the key points for winterizing a commercial diesel generator:

• Conduct a thorough inspection for wear and damage.
• To preserve engine performance, clean or change the oil filter.
• Change the engine oil regularly to ensure lubrication.
• Care for the diesel fuel system with stabilizers and proper storage.
• Test the generator’s performance before winter storage.
• Consult a professional for expert inspection and servicing.

Why Should You Winterize Your Generator?

Winterizing your generator is vital. It ensures backup power in winter, extends the engine’s life, and maintains effective operation in harsh conditions. Regular prep and maintenance are essential for smooth performance.

What Happens to My Generator if Disregard These Signs?

Neglecting warning signs of generator issues can lead to delayed start, computer system failure, business interruptions, and food spoilage. Installing a propane backup generator is a wise step to prepare for winter outages. Contact Our Generators’ customer representatives for winterization guidance.

FAQs

Conculsion

Knowing ‘How To Winterize A Generator For Cold Weather’ is crucial for ensuring peak performance in freezing conditions. To protect your generator and make sure it works when you need it, you should winterize it. Whether you run the generator all year long or only during specific seasons, winterization is crucial. It helps prevent damage and makes the generator last longer.

Follow recommended steps, such as removing spark plugs, changing oil, and replacing filters while keeping spark plugs dry to prevent moisture buildup. To be prepared for harsh winter conditions, keep the generator area clear and schedule regular tune-ups. It would help if you also thought about getting extra winterization equipment.