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Maintenance Kit FAQs

Maintenance Kit FAQs

  • Why do I need a maintenance kit for my generator?

    Keeping up with scheduled maintenance ensures your home standby or portable generator operates in top condition and meets warranty requirements. Failing to perform scheduled maintenance can lead to your generator breaking down, just as a car might break down if oil is not changed and refilled. Scheduled maintenance safeguards your investment, extends the lifespan of your generator, and provides peace of mind knowing it will be ready when you need it the most.
  • Which maintenance kit is right for me?

    The correct maintenance kit for your generator depends on the kilowatt rating, engine size, and production year of your unit. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct components to be included in your maintenance kit. Or call your Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer for expert advice and service. Find your dealer here.
  • What parts are included in the maintenance kit?

    Every maintenance kit includes genuine Generac original equipment manufacturer parts, Generac 5W-20 GEO Full Synthetic engine oil for home standbys and Generac 5W-30 Full Synthetic engine oil for portable generators. Kits come with all parts necessary to maintenance your portable or home standby generator. Kits typically come with an air filter, oil filter, spark plugs, quart bottles of oil, funnel, shop towels, and maintenance reminder card. Depending on your generator, the quantity of each part may vary. Please consult your owner’s manual to find the correct maintenance kit for your generator. Visit generac.ordertree.com to order maintenance items. However, we recommend contacting an Independent Authorized Service Dealer for all of your maintenance needs. Find your dealer here.
  • What specific parts do I need?

    All necessary parts for scheduled maintenance are included in the maintenance kits. Consult your owner’s manual for your generator’s maintenance kit part number or individual parts. Specific parts for your generator vary by model. It is important to consult your owner’s manual before making any changes to your generator as damage caused by improper service or use of incorrect parts are not covered under warranty. We recommend finding an Independent Authorized Service Dealer in your area to perform any maintenance or service of your unit.
  • How much does a maintenance kit cost?

    Maintenance kits vary in price; however, buying a maintenance kit is money well spent to protect your investment. Avoiding scheduled maintenance can cause engine failure and other damages to your generator. Performing scheduled maintenance on your home standby or portable generator protects your generator’s lifespan and maintains its warranty status. Visit generac.ordertree.com to find your maintenance kit or contact your local Independent Authorized Service Dealer to schedule a maintenance visit. Find your dealer here.
  • Where can I buy a maintenance kit?

    You can find Generac maintenance kits and related service items in our online store, generac.ordertree.com. Look for the “Shop Products” dropdown navigation and hover over your generator type. Then look for “Maintenance” in the pop out menu. If you know your maintenance kit number, use this in the search bar to find your kit quickly. You can also contact your local Independent Authorized Service Dealer to schedule a maintenance visit. Find your dealer here.
  • What other maintenance parts are available, and what else should I do to maintain my generator?

    Changing the oil, oil filter (if applicable), air filter, and spark plugs are some of the most important items for maintenance. Other regular maintenance includes valve adjustments on engines without hydraulic lifters; inspection of lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks; inspection of enclosure louvers for dirt and debris; look for water intrusion; and assessment and cleaning sediment trap as necessary (applies to home standby units). It’s also important to check the voltage and inspect the battery for any corrosion around the contact points. Please refer to your owner’s manual, copies of which are also available on Generac’s website, for the complete list of maintenance items and service intervals.

    Generac offers fascia base kits for home standby units under 24kW. These keep unwanted rodents and debris from entering the underside of your generator. Paint is also a protectant against corrosion. We offer touch up paint in tan, bisque and gray, which not only keeps your home standby generator looking new, but also protects it from rust.
  • What accessories are available?

    Generac offers a variety of accessories to help you get the most out of your investment. Mobile Link, Tank Utility, SureStart Soft Starters, and cold weather kits are a few home standby items that will provide extra peace-of-mind before an outage occurs.
     
    • With Mobile Link, you can monitor your generator status from anywhere with an internet connection, and receive alerts to see what your generator is currently doing.
    • Tank Utility is a great tool for units that run on liquid propane, and now integrates seamlessly with Mobile Link. The Tank Utility LTE Fuel Level Monitor measures the amount of liquid propane left in your tank, allowing you to react before running out.
    • SureStart Soft Starters reduce the demand on your generator when Air Conditioning and Heat Pump starts. The SureStart avoids light dimming upon startup of these applications and protects sensitive electronics from power interruption.
    • Generac also offers accessories for your portable generator. To get the most out of your portable generator, we recommend extension cords, power inlet boxes, and manual transfer switches.
    • We offer extension cords for manual transfer switches and power inlet boxes from 30 – 50 Amps. We also have extension cords with multiple connection ports for generators with 30 – 50 Amp outlets. All of our extension cords are made of durable rubber to withstand the elements.
    • Manual Transfer Switches allow you to connect your portable generator to hardwired appliances. Ensure essential items like your furnace, sump pump, or lights are backed up by your portable generator during an outage.
    • Power inlet boxes (PIBs) safely connect your portable generator to a manual transfer switch. When the power goes out, simply plug one end of a power cord to your generator and the other into the PIB.
    • Cold weather kits are recommended for generators installed in regions where temperatures regularly fall below 32°F.
    • The fascia base wrap snaps together around the bottom of 10KW-26KW air-cooled units. It offers a sleek, contoured appearance and offers protection from rodents and insects by covering the lifting holes located in the base. Base plugs are also available to cover the lifting holes if fascia base is not used.
  • What tools do I need to perform maintenance?

    Before performing maintenance on your generator, ensure you’ve thoroughly read your owner’s manual and understand the risks associated with performing your own maintenance versus calling a Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer. Tools you will need to perform maintenance include a 10mm wrench, 3/8" drive socket, torque wrench and spark plug gap gauge. When changing the oil, use an oil pan and dispose of the old oil properly.
  • How often do I need to maintain my generator?

    Please refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance information. We recommend contacting an Independent Authorized Service Dealer for all service and maintenance-related needs. When you first install your home standby generator, it will need an oil change and valve inspection/adjustment after the first 25 hours of runtime. 14 and 18kW units with 816cc engines have hydraulic lifters and do not need a valve adjustment. These unit types will only need an oil change after the first 25 hours of operation. Checking battery condition and charge level needs to occur every year, alongside fuel system leak test and water intrusion inspection. Checking fuel and oil lines, engine oil level, and clearing dirt and debris should be done daily if running continuously or before each use. Replacing the oil and oil filter should happen at every 200 hours or every two years, whichever comes first. Checking the spark plug, valve clearance, sediment trap, and replacing the air filter should occur at 400 hours or every 4 years, whichever comes first.
  • Are there any safety precautions I should take when performing maintenance on my generator?

    We recommend contacting an Independent Authorized Service Dealer to perform generator maintenance. Consult your owner’s manual before performing any maintenance items on your own and ensure you follow all safety requirements.
     
    • If you are performing your own maintenance on a home standby, first set the utility Main Line Circuit Breaker (MLCB) to Off (open). Lift generator lid and set generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to Off (open). If running during a utility outage, allow generator to run and cool down for one minute with no load. Press the off button on the controller to turn off the generator. Remove 7.5A fuse as an extra precaution.
    • Before performing maintenance on your portable generator, ensure the unit is turned off and has been allowed to cool.
    • For all maintenance on home standby and portable generators, take off any jewelry or watch on your hands or wrists to avoid injury.
    • Always wear safety glasses while working on your generator. We recommend wearing gloves to protect against harmful skin irritation associated with engine oil.
    • Wipe away any drips of old or new oil when you are finished changing oil.
    • Do not handle an air filter with dirty hands or gloves.
    • If your generator is diesel-powered, let the unit cool before refueling to prevent any gasoline spills on hot engine parts.
    • Keep children and pets away from you and the generator while performing maintenance.
    • Clear plants, debris, or snow out and away from your generator. Your generator should have 3ft. of clearance on all sides from any obstructions.
  • What maintenance do I need to do and how often?

    Maintenance requirements vary between home standby generators, portable generators and inverters. Always consult your owner’s manual before performing any kind of maintenance on your own. We recommend contacting an Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) to service your generator.
    • If you are performing your own maintenance, remember all safety precautions including proper personal protection equipment.
    • For home standby generators, regular maintenance includes changing air filters, oil and oil filters, spark plugs, checking battery charge, sediment traps, valve clearance, and cleaning the generator from dirt and debris inside the enclosure and outside around the unit. The use of your generator determines maintenance intervals. Your generator will need oil replenished, fuel and oil line inspection, and inspection of enclosure louvers for dirt and debris if the unit is running daily, such as in a prolonged utility outage. When changing your oil, use only Generac 5W-20 GEO Full Synthetic engine oil to protect your engine. Otherwise, maintenance intervals happen between 200 hours and 400 hours of operation, or every two to four years – whichever happens first. Touching up chipped paint protects against corrosion, while installing base fascia protects your generator from unwanted inhabitants.
    • Portable generators require engine oil level checks before each use. At 100 hours or every year, change the oil and inspect/clean the spark arrestor. The spark plug should be changed every year. Valve clearance should be checked either every year or at 300 hours. For every 200 hours, the air filters need to be cleaned or replaced. When changing your oil, use only Generac 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil to protect and prolong your engine’s life.
  • What does my warranty cover?

    ​Generac offers standard 5-year limited warranties, as well as extended 5, 7 and 10 year warranties for home standby generators. Portable generators come with a 2-year or 3-year warranty (depending on model). They cover repairs that result from product defects and parts that require premature replacement. Warranties do NOT cover:
    • Rust on enclosures after 1 year
    • Costs of normal maintenance
    • Damage caused by accidents, shipping, handling, or improper storage
    • Damage caused by use of improper fuel
    • Damage due to using non-Generac parts
    • Failure due to abuse, neglect, improper installation, or rodent infestation
    • Rental equipment used while warranty generator repairs are being performed.
    • Damage caused by any mode of transport deemed not standard by Generac
    • Products that are modified without Generac authorization
    • Starting batteries, fuses, light bulbs, or engine fluid
    • Additional costs for overtime, holiday, or outside of business hours repairs
    • Acts of God, theft, fire, or other matters beyond the manufacturer's control
    While your warranty cannot cover these things, some of these can be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Be sure to inform your insurance provider when you purchase a home standby generator so that it can be included in the policy.
  • Where do I find my model number on my standby and/or portable generator?

    The model number is printed on every standby and portable generator unit and is easy to find. The descriptions below detail where you can find it on each unit.  

    Standby Generators

    8KW-26KW (2008 models to present): Lift the top cover of your unit and you will find the model number on a label located on the right-hand side of your unit. It will be on the inside of the panel below the controller and near the engine.  
    14KW-18KW (2020 to present with 816cc engines): Lift the top cover/panel of your unit and you will find the model number on a label located on the right-hand side of your unit. It will be on the front-facing panel below the controller.

    Portable Generators

    GP1800 – GP3300: The serial/model number is located on the back panel of the unit on a decal.
    GP5000 – GP8000(E): The serial/model number is located on the side panel of the unit.
    GP15000 – GP17500(E): The serial/model number is located in a panel in the center of the unit.
    XP4000 – XP10000(E): The serial/model number is located on a panel near the center and slightly off to the right.
    XG4000 – XG10000(E): The serial/model number is located in the center and near the bottom of the unit.
    XT8000E: The serial/model number is located on the backside of the unit.
    XC6500 – XC8000E: The serial/model number is located on the bottom of the unit near the back panel.
    RS7000E: The model number on this unit is located on the bar underneath the unit.
    GP2200i: This unit’s model number is located on the outside of the unit near the bottom. 
    iQ2000: The serial number on this unit is located near the top of the unit towards the center.
    IX800 – IX2000: The serial number is located on the bottom left corner of this unit

  • What materials are each of the maintenance kit parts made of?

    The oil filters are made out of a porous, cellulose fiber medium, along with synthetic fibers such as glass and polyester. It is finished with a resin to give it strength. Air filters are made with pleated paper surrounded by aluminum mesh and finished with two hard plastic rings on the top and bottom. Spark plugs have a metal threaded shell, which is electrically isolated from a central electrode with a porcelain insulator. There is a heavy insulated copper wire, which creates the “spark” it needs to work.

  • I don’t want or need a complete maintenance kit right now. Where can I buy individual parts?

    Individual parts can be bought through our online store at generac.ordertree.com. Using the search bar, you can type in the part number referenced from your owner’s manual to find the correct replacement part. You can also use the dropdown menu to search for parts and accessories by category.
  • What type of oil is recommended for my generator?

    We recommend using Generac 5W-20 GEO Full Synthetic Oil for your home standby. This oil is made specifically for gaseous engines, such as the one found in your home standby generator. Using this oil helps prolong your generator’s life and protects your investment. This oil is suitable for cold and warm climates.

    For portable generators, we recommend using Generac 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil. This oil is suitable for warm and cold temperatures.
  • How do I install a maintenance kit?

    Air-Cooled Home Standby Maintenance Kit Installation
    We recommend contacting your Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) to service your generator. Before performing any maintenance on your own, please consult your owner’s manual to ensure you are using the correct maintenance kit and following all safety precautions.

    Regular maintenance for home standby generators consists of replacing the air filter, oil filter, spark plug, changing the oil, checking engine valve clearance, and inspecting the battery.

    At every 200 hours, replace the engine oil and oil filter. Find the location of each in your owner’s manual. Start by running your generator in manual for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Then, set the generator to Off. When the unit has cooled down and shut off, take the front panel off. Move your suitable container to collect the oil under the drain hose. Pull the drain hose out of the clip and remove the cap. Place the hose into the container to drain all of the oil. When finished, replace cap and place the hose back into the clip.

    Next, remove the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. Take the new oil filter and apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the gasket. Screw the new filter on by hand until gasket lightly contacts oil filter adapter. Tighten filter an additional three-quarter to one full turn.

    Now you can fill the engine with new oil. Remember to use 5W-20 GEO Full Synthetic engine oil for your home standby generator. Generators sized 10kW – 26kW will take roughly one bottle and a half of oil. Using the funnel from your maintenance kit, slowly pour the new oil into the tank. Before starting a new bottle, place the dipstick or fill cap back into the tank and run the generator in manual. Run for a minute and check for leaks. Press the off button to stop the engine and let it cool down. Inspect the oil level and add more as needed. Make sure to not overfill your generator.

    While your generator is still in the off position, replace the air filter. After changing the oil, make sure to clean off your hands from excess oil. Locate your air filter. Remove the cover to find the old filter. Take out the filter and discard it. Clean the enclosure of any dust or debris. With the new filter found in your maintenance kit, place this into the enclosure in the same position you found the old filter. Place the cover back over the filter and clip shut.

    The next step is to check your spark plugs. Depending on the size of your generator’s engine, you may have one or two spark plugs. Generators with 410cc engines will need only one spark plug and generators with 530cc engines or higher will need two. Your scheduled maintenance kit will have the correct number and size of spark plugs. Locate the old spark plug and clean the area around base of the spark plug(s) before removing it to keep any debris and dirt out of the engine. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket and inspect. If it looks worn or re-use is questionable or if the spark plug gap is out of specification, then replace with new spark plug. You can check the gap with a wire feeler gauge. When installing a new spark plug, tighten to 18.4 ft-lbs.

    Remember to place the generator back into Auto after performing maintenance.

    Portable Generator Maintenance Kit Installation
    For portable generator maintenance, we recommend contacting your Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) to service your generator. Before performing any maintenance on your own, please consult your Owner’s Manual to ensure you are using the correct maintenance kit and following all safety precautions. It is the owner’s responsibility to retain all receipts of proof of maintenance in the event that warranty service is needed in the future. Find your nearest dealer here or shop online for your maintenance kit at generac.ordertree.com.
     
    Regular maintenance for portable generators consists of changing the engine oil, inspecting and cleaning the spark arrestor, replacing the spark plug(s), checking valve clearance, and cleaning or replacing the air filter. It is also important to ensure all cooling air openings on the generator are free of debris or dirt. Clean the generator daily or before each use. Do not use a garden hose to clean your generator. Water can damage the engine, rotor and stator windings, which may leave the generator inoperable. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces and a vacuum to pick up loose dirt and debris.
     
    Replace the engine oil every 100 hours or every year, whichever comes first. For XT, XG, XP and select GP series, the oil filter will also need to be replaced before adding new oil. First, place the generator on a level surface. Run the generator for a few minutes to warm the oil. Then, shut it down and let it cool before working. To avoid accidental startup, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the boot where it cannot contact the spark plug. Clean around the oil fill and drain plug. Place a suitable container to catch the oil under the oil drain. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and the oil drain plug to release the oil into the pan. Once all oil has drained, install the oil drain plug and tighten.
     
    Using the funnel included in the maintenance kit, slowly pour the recommended amount of oil into the oil fill. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for oil amount recommendations. Use Generac 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil for the best performance. Install the oil fill cap/dipstick and hand-tighten. Wipe up any spilled oil. Properly dispose of oil in accordance with all applicable regulations.
     
    If your generator has an oil filter, this will need to be changed before adding new engine oil. Remove the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. Take the new oil filter and apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the gasket. Screw the new filter on by hand until gasket lightly contacts oil filter adapter. Tighten filter an additional 3/4 to one full turn.
     
    Locate the air filter box next. Refer to your owner’s manual for the location. With clean hands, remove the cover and old air filter. Dispose of the filter properly. If necessary, clean the air filter box. Insert the new filter, and then re-install the cover.
     
    Checking your spark plugs is the next step. Depending on the size of your generator’s engine, you may have one or two spark plugs. Your scheduled maintenance kit will have the correct gap and number of spark plugs. Clean the area around the spark plugs before removing them to keep any debris and dirt out of the engine. Remove the spark plug(s) using a spark plug socket. Use a feeler gauge to inspect the electrode gap. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper gapping. If the spark plug looks worn, re-use is questionable or the gap is out of specification, replace with a new spark plug. When installing a new spark plug, turn until finger tight. Then, tighten an additional 3/8 to 1/2 turn using a spark plug wrench.
     
    Portable generators also have a spark arrestor that must be regularly maintained. For states such as California, it is unlawful to operate your generator without one. Replace the arrestor if it is damaged or there is carbon blockage. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for location.
     
    Once you have finished performing maintenance on your portable generator, remember to place the spark plug wire back on the spark plug(s).
     

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