A generator that's maintained starts on the first pull when the power's out; one that's been ignored fights you at the worst possible moment. The good news is that the routine is short and mostly common sense. The single biggest favor you can do yourself is dealing with fuel properly, stale gas causes more no-starts than everything else combined. Here's the whole routine, grouped by how often you actually need to do each part.
One note before the lists: exact intervals and the oil type your engine wants vary by model, so treat your printed manual as the final word. The first (break-in) oil change comes earlier than the routine ones that follow.
Before each use
A quick look before you start, every time:
Each use
- Check the oil level on level ground; top up if needed.
- Confirm there's fresh fuel and the fuel valve works.
- Glance over the unit for leaks, damage, or anything loose.
- Make sure the air intake and vents are clear.
- Confirm you're set up outdoors, dry, and level, with exhaust aimed away.
Every so often, or monthly if it sees regular use
For a unit in regular service, or periodically for a standby unit:
Periodic
- Inspect the air filter; clean or replace it if it's dirty.
- Check the spark plug and clean or replace as the manual directs.
- Run a standby unit briefly so it doesn't sit completely idle for months.
- Look over cords and connections for wear.
Seasonally, or per your manual's hours
On the manual's schedule, often tied to engine hours or a season:
Seasonal
- Change the oil with the type and at the interval your manual specifies (the first change comes early).
- Service the air filter and spark plug thoroughly.
- Check and maintain the spark arrestor per the manual.
- For electric-start models, check the starting battery and keep it charged.
Before long-term storage
This is the one that saves you next season. If it's going to sit for months, prep it:
Long storage
- Drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor, or follow the manual's fuel-storage steps, this prevents the gum that causes hard starts.
- Change the oil before it sits.
- Follow the manual's cylinder-oiling step to resist internal corrosion.
- Store it on level, clean, dry ground in a low-humidity, low-dust place.
- Keep any starting battery charged during the layoff.
The reason storage prep matters so much: a unit put away with old fuel in it is the classic spring no-start. If that's already happened, Generator Won't Start: A Step-by-Step Checklist walks through reviving it.
A note on batteries and wear parts
A few items are consumables rather than warranty items, filter elements, O-rings, and starting batteries among them. Keeping them fresh is part of ownership, and using genuine parts avoids the failures that come from mismatched components. It's a small ongoing cost that protects a much larger investment.
Get genuine parts and owner support
Questions people ask
What's the most important maintenance task?
Handling fuel properly, especially draining it before long storage. Stale fuel is the leading cause of hard starts.
How often should I change the oil?
On the interval in your manual, with the first (break-in) change coming earlier than the routine ones. Use the specified oil type and don't mix specs.
Why won't it start after sitting all winter?
Almost always stale fuel and a dry carburetor. Proper storage prep prevents it; fresh fuel and priming usually revive it.
Is the starting battery covered under warranty?
No, batteries are consumable accessory parts. Keep it charged and replace it as needed.
Do I have to use genuine parts?
It's strongly recommended. Non-genuine parts can cause failures that aren't covered, and they can compromise reliability.
Last updated: July 3, 2026 · Reviewed by: SIOKIUU Power Support