When winter comes to Texas, Dallas residents worry about ice storms that’ll knock out their power for days (like the history-making arctic blast that struck DFW in February 2021). Maybe you were one of the thousands who lost power, and you decided to buy a generator so you wouldn’t be left without heat again.
But now you think the generator might be failing, and you’re wondering how to repair your generator before frigid weather sets in.
Below, learn the top four signs of a generator on its last legs, then call us for reliable generator repair in Dallas, TX.
Signs of a Failing Generator
Is your generator about to kick the bucket, or does it have a few years of life left in it? Here are the warning signs that you’ll need to replace yours sooner rather than later.
1. Startup Difficulties
Maybe you purchased your generator a few years ago, and thanks to fairly mild weather, it has sat idle ever since you took it out of the box. It’s brand-new, so you expect it to run flawlessly. To your shock, though, it won’t turn on at all.
Or perhaps you last turned your generator on half a decade ago (or more). It worked great back then, but now it struggles and chokes when you try to turn it on.
Just like with cars, sitting idly for a long time is bad for generators. The battery can drain, and over time, internal parts may become damaged. Telltale signs of a problem include failure to start, difficulties starting the unit, or stopping prematurely.
2. Strange Smells and Noises
Your generator shouldn’t smell like much of anything, whether it’s running or not. If you smell a bad odor when passing by your generator, the unit may be about to die.
Of course, it depends on the type of odor you’re smelling. Rotting smells generally mean that an animal has died in or near the unit. If a critter has gotten inside, you’ll need to open it up to remove the remains.
If you smell something smoky, that’s a much bigger concern. There may be some sort of electrical problem that could spark a fire if not addressed.
Keep your ears perked to catch weird noises your generator might be making, too. Grinding, rattling, and banging could indicate a problem with the unit’s components, such as the fuel filter, spark plug, voltage regulator, or ignition coil.
3. Leaks
There’s something leaking out of your generator, and it definitely isn’t water. It’s probably gas, oil, or coolant, none of which you want to have soaking into your lawn.
Normally, your generator keeps fluids like these contained, but if cracks develop somewhere in the system, all bets are off. Liquids can seep through hoses and storage pans.
If you recently refueled your generator but it dies after a few minutes of running, chances are you’ve got a leak on your hands. Stop wondering how to repair a generator and call us.
4. Visible Damage
While inspecting your generator, you notice that the unit is cracked in a few spots, or maybe its wires are frayed in places. If your generator is physically damaged, it might struggle to do its job or refuse to turn on at all.
Because generators are often placed outside, where they’re exposed to foot traffic and the elements, they’re always at risk for physical damage from the weather, wildlife, and even careless people.
How To Repair a Generator in Dallas
If your generator is giving you trouble, you may or may not be able to fix it yourself. Follow these troubleshooting tips:
- Check the fuel tank and ensure the system has enough fuel to run.
- Check the oil level and add more oil if it’s low.
- Ensure the choke valve switch is set to “closed” before turning the unit on. The switch should only be set to “open” once the system warms up.
- Inspect the carburetor for clogs. If you find a clog, remove it with carburetor cleaner.
- Inspect the spark plug with a spark tester to verify whether it’s receiving a current.
- Ensure that the vacuum relief valve and fuel valve are open. If they’re open and the unit still won’t start, there might be a clog in the fuel line.
Stop Worrying About How To Repair a Generator and Call Our Expert Electricians in Dallas
If you’re wondering how to repair a generator before cold weather hits, stop stressing and call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating. We offer speedy home generator repair, including battery replacement and carburetor cleaning, in Dallas and beyond.
