Does Your Generator Need Repairs?

Time for a pop quiz.

Q: When’s the worst time to find out that your generator needs repairs?

A: During a power outage!

If you’re the owner of a generator, you probably already knew the answer. It might just be one of the most common fears held by generator owners. Shopping for the right generator, getting it installed, and having it fail to operate on the day you need it most would be too frustrating to bear.To save you from that, we recommend biannual maintenance for your generator. Regular maintenance will ensure that all the generator’s components are up to working standards.In between those times, you can always watch out for the signs that you need a repair.

Blown Fuses

To protect the circuits in your generator from being overloaded, your generator comes with its own fuse box. If you open your generator's fuse box to find blown fuses, you can’t just replace them. Those fuses were blown for a reason, so it's essential to follow up and find the root cause.Instead of poking around in your generator, make sure to call a professional electrician in Kansas City. There could be an issue with wiring or any number of things. You won't know for sure though unless you call in an expert on generator repair in Kansas City and Overland Park, KS.

Bad Battery

Some components can last for ages without issue. Unfortunately, the battery is not one of them. In fact, battery failure is one of the most common reasons that a machine will fail to start—generators being just one example.Most battery failure is due to the buildup of sulfates. Battery acid will begin to cover the battery's lead plate until it can't provide current. At this point, it will need to be replaced. Batteries exposed to air are the most common reasons for your battery to get covered in battery acid.Battery problems are typically caused by dirty or loose connections, both of which can be fixed with regular maintenance.

Coolant Leaks

Coolant isn't just for preventing overheating—it's also essential for preventing the fluids in your generator from freezing over. It's important that the amount of coolant in your machine stays consistent, so you need to have it checked during regular maintenance visits.A surprisingly common way that coolant leaks occur is by homeowners neglecting to put the cap back on tightly. Another common issue is oil filled to the wrong level. Too much or too little oil can cause overheating, which, as a result, might also lead to loss of coolant.Other reasons for coolant leaks will go beyond the expertise of the average homeowner. These reasons might include:

• External Leakage: Examples include leaking radiator, loose clamps, faulty hoses, or leaking plugs.
• Internal Leakage: Examples include leaking engine cylinder head gasket, cracked engine cylinder head, defective sleeves, and other issues inside the machine.
• Over Filled Radiator: Expanding coolant might release the pressure cap, leading to an overflow.

Contact MVP Heating & Cooling today for your electrical needs. Relax … It’s MVP!