A Little Extra Exercise Keeps Your Generator Healthier
The factory-scheduled exercise is the bare minimum. While it keeps the seals and moving parts lubricated, tests fuel flow, battery, and start-up, it simply does not run long enough to reach the critical operating temperatures needed for long-term health. Here are the pro-level tips and schedule for keeping your NG/LP generator in peak condition.
The Pro-Active, Pro-Level Exercise Routine
For home standby generators older than one year, the goal is to reach at least 25 hours of runtime annually. This should be achieved through intentional, controlled runs rather than waiting for power outages. Home standby generators are designed to operate with some moisture in the oil, but moisture is still the enemy of lubrication. The cleaner and drier you keep the oil, the better the long-term performance and reliability. You'll know if your exercise needs to be increased if the oil is milky and cloudy rather than clear and shiny.
For your initial break-in period, you want to hit the 25-hour milestone much more quickly. If you are only using your programmed exercise, you will only reach 4 to 17 hours per year, depending on your make and model.
| Frequency | What | How/Why? (see below for more detailed instructions) |
|---|---|---|
| First 3-6 Months | 25 Hour Break-In | Target 25 hours of runtime within 3 to 6 months. (see below for complete details) |
| Monthly | 1-Hour Manual Run | Run the engine at idle for 1 hour to help evaporate internal condensation |
| Quarterly | 1-Hour Load Test | Running under load causes the engine to work at speed, generating even more heat to further “dry” the oil. This also tests your entire system, including the ATS |
| When Possible | 2-3 Hour Deep Run | Longer runs of 2, 3, or more hours during “manual” or “under load” exercises help reach or exceed the 25-hour target |
Don't forget! Check Your Levels: Always check the oil level before and after a long manual run. Air-cooled engines naturally consume a small amount of oil during operation.
While manual exercising is not required, it helps ensure your home standby generator (HSB) is running at peak performance and helps increase longevity. By going beyond the bare minimum, you ensure that your oil stays clean and your generator is ready for the "big one."
Additional tips:
- Ensure your default exercise is weekly, never bi-weekly.
- Do not use Quiet Test Mode or Low Speed Exercise. This simply runs the engine a lower RPM, lowering operating temperature.
- If adjustable, change your exercise to its maximum duration. For Next Generac generators (2026 or after) that's currently 20 minutes. Not adjustable on older Generac generators.
- While not a concern in Texas, excessive moisture can lead to sludgy oil and even ice buildup in colder northern climates.
Break-In Period for New Generators
A new generator engine needs to "seat" its internal components. In a brand-new engine, moving parts like piston rings, bearings, and gears are "seating" or wearing into each other for the first time. If you're only running 5 minutes at a time, your engine is not running long enough or getting hot enough to really get everything seated properly. This beak-in process also results in fine metallic shavings that stay suspended in the oil.
The 25-Hour Benchmark: For the reasons mentioned above, I recommend customers target 25 hours of runtime within 3 to 6 months. Worst case, you should reach this milestone within the first year.
The Critical Oil Change: All generators come from the factory with a special "break-in" oil to facilitate proper seating and catch the metallic particles. It's vital to get the break-in flushed and replaced after 25 hours.
Want Help? Guardian Home Generator Maintenance Plans - The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget-It Option
HOW TO:
Generac Generator Manual Mode
Manual operation for most Generac generators is simply pressing the "manual" button. After the desired run time is completed, press the "Auto" button to put your Generac back in standby mode. Depending on your model, this may be instant, or it may go through a brief cool-down. (See your owner's manual for operation of your system)
Manual operation for most Generac generators is simply pressing the "manual" button. After the desired run time is completed, press the "Auto" button to put your Generac back in standby mode. Depending on your model, this may be instant, or it may go through a brief cool-down. (See your owner's manual for operation of your system)
Generac Generator Run Under Load
- Go to your automatic transfer switch (ATS)
- Remove the front outer panel only. Do not remove the secondary inner panel.
- Flip the Utility Service Disconnect down to Off.
- After a few seconds, the generator will power on.
- After a few more seconds, the transfer switch will engage with a "clunck".
- When the desired runtime is complete, return the switch to the On position. The reverse process will happen.
- If you have dual ATS, you have a primary and secondary ATS, you only need to flip the primary.
Note: You will lose home power for a few seconds when turning the utility power off. When returning to utility power, the transfer back should be instantaneous.
(See your owner’s manual for your specific system model.)
Kohler Generator Manual Mode
Manual operation for most Kohler generators typically involves pressing the "Run" button, and after the desired runtime, pressing "Auto" to return to standby mode. Always refer to your owner’s manual for exact steps.
Kohler Generator Run Under Load
- Remove the front outer panel of your ATS, but not the secondary inner panel.
- Flip the Service Disconnect left to Normal.
- The generator will power on, and the transfer switch will engage with a "clunk" after a few seconds.
- After your desired runtime, return the switch to Utility.
- If you have dual ATS, you have a primary and secondary ATS, you only need to flip the primary.
Note: You will lose home power for a few seconds when turning the utility power off. When returning to utility power, the transfer back should be instantaneous.
(See your owner’s manual for your specific system model.)
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