A generator that fails to start during an outage is almost always the result of neglected generator maintenance. The most common causes are dead batteries, stale or contaminated fuel, clogged carburetors, and low oil levels. At Long Island Power Systems, we see these issues every storm season, and every one of them is preventable with routine servicing from a qualified generator maintenance company.
What Causes a Generator to Fail Right When You Need It?
Most generators sit idle for months between outages, and that downtime is where the damage happens. Without regular generator maintenance, small problems develop quietly and only reveal themselves at the worst possible moment.
Most Common Generator Failure Points
- Dead or weak battery: The battery loses its charge over time when the generator sits unused. If it cannot turn the engine over, the generator will not start.
- Stale fuel: Old fuel breaks down over time and leaves behind varnish deposits that clog fuel lines and carburetors.
- Clogged carburetor: Stale fuel is the leading cause of carburetor blockages, preventing proper fuel flow to the engine.
- Low or dirty oil: Generators shut down automatically when oil pressure drops below a safe level. Skipping oil checks means the generator protects itself by refusing to run.
- Spark plug failure: Fouled or corroded spark plugs prevent the engine from firing.
- Blocked air filter: A dirty air filter starves the engine of oxygen, making startup impossible.
How Does Generac Generator Maintenance Compare to Kohler Maintenance?
Both Generac and Kohler are industry-leading brands, but their maintenance schedules have some key differences. Here is a side-by-side look:
| Maintenance Task | Generac Generators | Kohler Generators |
| Oil change interval | Every 200 hours or 2 years (standby) | Every 100 hours or annually |
| Spark plug inspection | Annually or every 100-200 hours | Annually or per model specs |
| Air filter replacement | Annually or as needed | Annually or as needed |
| Battery load test | Annually | Annually |
| Fuel system inspection | Annually | Annually |
| Exercise cycle | Weekly (auto-run) | Weekly (auto-run) |
Regardless of brand, skipping any of these steps puts your generator at risk of failure. Our team services both Generac and Kohler units and follows manufacturer-recommended intervals for every job.
Does Running the Generator Weekly Actually Help?
Yes. Most modern standby generators include an automatic exercise cycle that runs the unit for a set period each week, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer and model. This keeps the battery charged, circulates oil through the engine, and burns off moisture that builds up during storage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 110 standards), generators should be inspected weekly and test-run for a minimum of 30 minutes monthly to maintain reliable emergency operation.
If your generator is not set up to run its weekly cycle, or if that cycle has been turned off, contact a generator maintenance company to restore it. It is one of the simplest ways to extend equipment life and prevent no-start failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my generator professionally serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend a full generator maintenance inspection once per year, or after every 100 to 200 hours of use, depending on the brand and model. If your area experiences frequent storms, a pre-season inspection is also a smart investment.
Can I use fuel stabilizer instead of draining the tank?
Fuel stabilizer extends the life of gasoline and helps prevent varnish buildup, but it is not a substitute for professional servicing. It works best when added to fresh fuel at the start of the storage season.
My generator starts but immediately shuts off. What does that mean?
An immediate shutdown usually points to a low oil level, an oil pressure sensor fault, or a blocked fuel line. Do not attempt to override the shutdown. Contact a qualified technician to diagnose the issue before the next outage.
Keep Your Generator Ready Year-Round
At Long Island Power Systems, we provide professional Generac and Kohler generator maintenance for homeowners across Long Island and nearby areas. From annual tune-ups to emergency diagnostics, our team keeps your backup power system running when it matters most. Contact our team at (631) 283-4271 to schedule your generator maintenance service.
