With winter coming to an end, outdoor enthusiasts everywhere are anxious to get back in their RVs and seek out beautiful locales where nature loving and outdoor fun are the orders of the day. At remote locations everywhere, it’s not uncommon to find computers, TVs, radios, small power tools, blenders, coffee makers and fans – all powered by portable generators. The key to keeping this power flowing is knowing how and when to properly maintain a generator.

Checks and Balances
Preventive maintenance begins with monitoring oil and air — two crucial factors in efficient generator operation. On any generator, whether used for commercial, residential or recreational applications, it’s most important to check the oil level daily, as well as every time gasoline is added. This is because many engines on generators have single-cylinder air-cooled engines that tend to consume more oil than those in other vehicles, such as cars and trucks. These kinds of engines may see more dimensional changes as the load on the generator fluctuates and thermal expansion occurs. Oil is consumed because the crankcase volume changes as the piston moves up and down, enabling oil mist to travel through the breather into the intake port and ultimately the combustion chamber. To keep the generator running smoothly and to prevent breakdowns, check the oil frequently. Another good rule of thumb for commercial generators that operate in dirty or dusty environments is to monitor the condition of the generator’s air filter. A clogged air filter is a shortcut to overheating and a breakdown, so with each use, be sure the filter is clean and clear. It may even need to be cleaned every day in dusty conditions.

For more detailed maintenance guidelines, refer to the generator’s owner’s manual that came with your model. The manual is a handy reference guide that provides troubleshooting procedures for all common problems. Generally, a normal maintenance schedule includes the following routine best practices:

1. Every three months or 50 hours — clean air filter.

2. Every six months or 100 hours — change oil, check spark plug and replace if fouled, clean spark arrestor screen and clean fuel filter.

3. Every 12 months or 300 hours — replace spark plug, adjust valve clearance and adjust idle speed.

4. Every 500 hours — clean combustion chamber.

For anything beyond routine maintenance, it’s best to play it safe and take the generator to a dealer. A person conducting a running test of a generator could be exposed to 120 or 240 volts of electricity, which could be fatal in certain conditions. Even if the generator is shut off, a generator with a condenser [capacitor] can give you a nasty shock.

Pick Your Power
Honda Super Quiet Series Generators Honda’s Super Quiet Series generators — the EU1000i, EU2000i and EU3000is — are inverter-equipped, lightweight models that feature a totally enclosed body resulting in noticeably quieter performance. Designed for the ultimate in quality, portability and convenience, these models are ideal for any trip to the great outdoors.

Even More Portable: The EU3000i Handi Generator Of particular note is the Honda EU3000i Handi – a Super Quiet model that adds increased portability to the fuel efficiency and reliability of Honda’s existing EU3000i generator. The EU3000i Handi is approximately 45 percent lighter with a dry weight of only 77.6 pounds, a significant reduction in weight for a unit producing the same power output.

Still More Power?
The Honda EU6500is – another member of the Super Quiet Series – is a more powerful generator that’s exceptionally quiet, lightweight, and fuel efficient. It can provide 14.5 hours of power on only 4.5 gals of fuel - all at an extremely quiet 60 db, roughly the same as normal speech.

The Future of Portable Power
For more than 35 years, Honda generators have set the industry standard for portable generators with the most extensive model selection for a variety of applications. Designed for the ultimate in quality, convenience, portability, quiet operation and fuel efficiency, Honda’s recreational generators cover a full range of needs. Because, remember: any adventure is a lot more pleasant when you have just a few comforts of home.