What does generator maintenance include?
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" -Ben Franklin
AAAA Generator Services follows our own custom written procedure that includes more than 50 individual checks on various parts of the generator and transfer switch that either meets or exceeds NFPA-110 requirements for life-safety applications*:
• Output voltage tests at the transfer switch to confirm the generator is functioning properly
• Transfer switch test and maintenance (if power shutdown is allowed. We have various ATS maintenance plans to choose from)
• Generator motor oil level, pressure and condition
• Generator coolant level and condition of coolant
• Generator cooling circuit temperature in various places at various times
• Block heater function and block temperature
• Generator cooling circuit general health including pump, belts
• Indicator lights and panel gauges on both the generator and transfer switch
• Small panel light bulb replacement (up to $25) on both the generator and transfer switch
• Battery, battery cables and charger condition
• Fluid leaks
• Fuel level
• Up to 20 minutes of onsite training is included with each visit.
• Other basic functions
AAAA Generator Services also includes the following as part of normal annual maintenance:
• High quality motor oil specially formulated for diesel motors to last up to one year between oil changes (average motor oil is formulated for only six months of service)**
• We replace used oil filters with new oil filters
• We replace used fuel filters with new fuel filters
• We replace used coolant filters with new coolant filters as required
• New air filters as required (up to $50) – oil bath air filters get new oil
• We replace the transfer switch 9V battery with a new 9V battery
• We add diesel fuel additive that is specially formulated to keep diesel fuel in good condition when stored for more than six months.
• We add Fleetguard DCA4 coolant additive as required to maintain coolant circuits where Fleetguard coolant has been installed.
AAAA Generator Services can provide the following but it is not part of the maintenance price:
• We provide diesel fuel for our regular customers for the cost of the diesel (current local market price) plus a $75 delivery fee for every 55 gallons or fraction thereof. So it is $75 for 1-55 gallons and $150 for 56-110 gallons, etc. Advance notice is requested so we can be sure to arrive with the exact amount of fuel you require. Customers requesting 20 gallons or less can pay as little as $35 delivery fee if otherwise scheduled with their annual maintenance.
• Coolant addition and changes when required. Normal Ethylene Glycol coolant is rated for between 3-5 years, while some newer Propylene Glycol coolant is rated for 7 years or more and is more environmentally friendly. Straight water is rated for about 24 hours, should only be used in an emergency and should be replaced immediately with a 50% coolant mix. We offer you your choice of coolant options.
• 12V battery replacement. Lead-acid batteries should be replaced every 3-5 years and start at $135 (installed price) for size 24 (normal car size).
• Block heater, thermostat, slave solenoids, hoses, radiator cap, coolant overflow, battery maintainer, rat-proofing and many other various parts and services are available.
*Example is based on the procedure used for water-cooled diesel generators. Other types of generators may not require as many checks and steps. Fuel sampling, often required for NFPA-110 compliance, is offered for an additional charge.
**We provide customers with conventional oil by default but we also carry and recommend Amsoil fully synthetic oil for an additional $7 per quart. When switching from conventional oil to synthetic, we recommend adding Amsoil flush before draining the old oil.