Generator maintenance
Durable and efficient: Maintenance of inverter generators explained
Just because an inverter generator has been around for a few years doesn’t mean it’s outdated. Regular and thorough maintenance ensures your new device enjoys a long lifespan and gives your trusty inverter generator its best years yet! A well-maintained generator runs safely, quietly, and efficiently. Additionally, maintenance reduces unnecessary emissions, helping to protect the environment.
In this guide, we will describe in detail how to maintain a DENQBAR inverter generator. Our mobile, lightweight 2.0 kW inverter generator, the DQ-2000, will be used as an example for better illustration. Do you have a different DENQBAR generator? Don’t worry, the basic procedures are the same. You can find a comprehensive guide to maintenance and the maintenance intervals for your specific model in the user manual included with your product!
Inspection
After a long period of storage, it is essential to refill the necessary operating fluids of the DENQBAR generator, check the oil level, and inspect the overall condition of the generator. A low oil level or a heavily contaminated air filter can limit the performance of your inverter generator and, in the worst case, permanently damage the engine. Therefore, we recommend checking the oil and fuel levels before each start and taking action if necessary. Be sure to use fresh fuel to achieve maximum performance and improve the reliability of the generator. Especially after use on a construction site or in a dusty environment, it's a good idea to take a quick look at the air filter. Dirt and debris can obstruct air circulation within the generator, potentially leading to malfunctions and engine damage.
Important!
Is maintenance due on your inverter generator? Then please take a moment to read this. Before performing any maintenance work, your generator must be switched off. Additionally, it is important to disconnect the spark plug connector before maintenance and reconnect it to its original position once the work is complete. This prevents the accidental creation of a spark and serves not only your safety but also protects the inverter generator. Only use operating fluids that match the specifications in the corresponding user manual of the emergency generator, and prefer to use original spare parts.
Engine oil change – DENQBAR 2000 Watt DQ-2000
Oil is essential for every engine; it lubricates the moving parts, minimizes mechanical wear, cools the mechanism, and keeps it clean. Just like in a car, engine oil tends to lose its properties over time, which can be detrimental to the engine. It loses its lubricating ability, thickens, and traps dust particles from the air.
To avoid this, we recommend regular oil changes. For intensive use, this should be done every 50 operating hours, and for occasional use, every 3 months.
Let’s get started. To change the engine oil, first set the main switch to "OFF" and ensure that the fuel tank vent is closed to prevent accidental gasoline spillage. The oil tank of the generator must be exposed. To do this, unscrew the housing screws on the right side of the DQ-2000 using a screwdriver. Remove the cover and set it aside. Now, you can unscrew the oil dipstick located at the bottom right. Tilt the generator slightly and let the old oil drain into a suitable container through the opening. This works particularly well and thoroughly if the generator’s engine is still slightly warm.
After draining the old oil, it's time to fill in fresh oil. Our recommendation: Semi-synthetic engine oil SAE 10W40, which is excellent for DENQBAR engines! Ensure that your generator is stable and level, then begin pouring in the new engine oil. A small funnel or an oil bottle with a screw cap will help you fill the oil tank neatly. The oil tank is full when the oil reaches the top edge of the filling port. Now you can screw the dipstick back in and reattach the side cover. Tip: For an extra check, it’s worth pulling out the dipstick again and reading it! After changing the oil, wash your hands thoroughly and dispose of the used oil responsibly.
Air filter inspection – DENQBAR 2000 Watt DQ-2000
A contaminated air filter restricts airflow and often leads to malfunctions in the generator's carburetor. To avoid this, the air filter of a portable emergency generator should be cleaned regularly and replaced if it is heavily soiled. After operating in a dusty environment, such as on a construction site or near woodworking, it is essential to inspect the air filter and clean it if necessary.
Time accumulates a lot of dust – even if you haven’t exposed your inverter generator to contaminants, it’s worth checking the air filter monthly or every 20 hours of operation. After one year or 300 hours of operation, we recommend replacing it.
Just like with the oil change, the right housing cover of your DENQBAR DQ-2000 must first be unscrewed. Next, loosen the screw on the air filter cover (bottom left) and remove it as well. Now, you can take out the air filter insert and wash it with warm soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely. Once dry, you can reinsert the filter, then screw the air filter cover and the side cover of the inverter generator back into place.
Very important: Never use gasoline or other flammable solvents to clean the air filter!
Spark plug replacement – DENQBAR 2000 Watt DQ-2000
Over time, deposits can form on the spark plug of your inverter generator, which can reduce its ability to spark. Additionally, for smooth and reliable operation, it is crucial that the electrode gap is properly calibrated.
To ensure the safe functioning of the spark plug, it should be inspected, cleaned, or replaced if visibly damaged every 6 months or 100 operating hours. After one year or 300 operating hours, we generally recommend replacing the spark plug.
To inspect the spark plug, follow these steps: First, unscrew the right side cover of the DQ-2000 generator as usual; then, remove the spark plug cover from the top of the generator. Next, disconnect the spark plug connector – since it can be difficult to grip, we recommend using a tool, such as a screwdriver, to help detach it from the spark plug. The spark plug wrench that fits your DENQBAR generator is included with the package – slide it through the opening of the spark plug cover until it engages with the spark plug, and then unscrew it. During this process, be mindful of cleanliness and remove any dirt from the components with a clean cloth.
Visually inspect the spark plug – are there any chips or cracks? Is the spark plug sealing ring intact? Then, using a feeler gauge, check if the electrode gap at the base of the spark plug is still correct. For optimal performance of the portable DQ-2000 generator, the gap should be approximately 0,6 – 0,7 mm. Notice any issues? If so, replace the old spark plug with an original spare part! Everything in order? Then, after a quick cleaning, you can reinstall the spark plug. For cleaning, we recommend using a wire brush and non-flammable cleaner. To avoid stripping the threads, we recommend first turning the cleaned or new spark plug into position by hand. Then, use the spark plug wrench to tighten it securely. A generator spark plug must be hand-tight; otherwise, it could overheat and damage the inverter generator! Finally, reconnect the spark plug connector to the spark plug and close the spark plug cover and side cover.
Conclusion
Depending on your experience and technical knowledge, performing maintenance on a portable inverter generator can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Practice makes perfect, and your DENQBAR generator will thank you with quiet operation, longevity, and the associated cost savings! Due to repetitive steps, such as removing the side covers, we recommend performing all three maintenance tasks in one go. This will speed up the process and save you time!
Not really a tech person? Honestly assess your abilities and, if needed, consult a professional – improper maintenance can negatively affect the generator. Independent workshops are often a great choice for routine maintenance, offering quick and local assistance.
We hope this overview of the three maintenance processes for a DENQBAR inverter generator helps you get the most out of your generator! Want even more power? Then check out our other models:
