Make Your Generator Start Every Time This Winter
When the grid fails during a Nor’easter, a generator that won’t start isn’t an inconvenience—it’s a liability. November is prime time to service mobile and trailered generators so they start, transfer, and carry load with confidence.
Fuel system readiness. For diesel units, confirm winter-grade fuel and treat the tank with an approved cold-flow improver; top off to minimize condensation. Replace primary and secondary fuel filters and drain the water separator. For gasoline or propane, inspect hoses and regulators, verify leak-free connections, and replace brittle lines.
Battery and starting. Test batteries under load, clean terminals, and confirm charging circuit function. Cold cranking requirements are higher in low temps; if your battery is marginal, replace now. If equipped, test block-heater operation with an amp clamp and ensure the cord is intact and labeled.
Cooling and lubrication. Pressure-test the cooling system and verify antifreeze protection to local lows. Change engine oil on time; many standby units idle for long hours. Check the fan belt and thermostat operation—overcooling under light loads can cause poor combustion and wet stacking.
Air intake and exhaust. Inspect the air filter and enclosure screens to ensure free airflow, especially for mobile units stored in barns or jobsite trailers where rodents and debris collect. Examine exhaust for leaks, heat-shield integrity, and proper clearance from combustibles when positioning the unit.
Electrical and controls. Exercise the unit monthly, but perform a longer November test: start from cold, let it stabilize at operating temperature, and connect to a load bank or a safe facility load per your safety protocol. Watch frequency/voltage stability and verify alarms and shutdowns operate correctly. Inspect the AVR, wiring harness, and terminal lugs for corrosion.
Transfer and distribution. If you use manual transfer switches or Cam-Lok connectors, inspect for wear, heat discoloration, or bent pins. Clean and label connections so operators can work confidently in bad weather. Confirm cord sets are rated for the expected ampacity and temperatures.
Grounding and safety. Review grounding methods for your use case (separately derived vs. bonded through service). Verify that GFCI protection functions, and test emergency stops. Stage cones, wheel chocks, and fire extinguishers with the unit.
Storage and deployment. Park out of prevailing wind, off soft ground, and with the exhaust facing safely away from doors or air intakes. Keep a weather cover or canopy ready to prevent snow ingestion while maintaining airflow. For trailered units, inspect tires, lugs, bearings, lights, and the breakaway switch.
Documentation and checklists. Place a laminated quick-start guide in the enclosure with start sequence, warm-up time, checklist, and phone numbers. In a storm, clear instructions beat tribal knowledge every time.
An hour of preparation now prevents scramble, downtime, and risk when the lights go out.