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Extended Utility Outage in Phoenix – What To Do

When the grid goes down in the Valley of the Sun — especially during a brutal summer — a home standby generator isn’t just a backup plan; it’s your lifeline. But when that outage drags on for days (or longer), you’ve got to switch gears from casual owner to active operator.

Here’s how to keep your generator humming through a long-haul outage — without frying the engine, starving it of oil, or choking it on desert dust.

 

1. Read the Owner’s Manual – No, Really

 

Before you grab a wrench or top off the oil, crack open your generator’s owner’s manual. It’s full of critical information tailored to your exact model — including oil specs, valve adjustment intervals, filter part numbers, torque specs, and more.

 

Tape a copy to the inside of your transfer switch if you must. It’s that important.

 

2. Runtime Reality – How Long Can It Run?

 

Your generator can physically run for days, but you shouldn’t let it. Long runtimes without inspection are asking for trouble.

 

• Check the oil every 24-48 hours under continuous load. Shorten that if you’re running central A/C or daytime temps are above 105°F.

• Shut down and inspect every 72-96 hours. This cool-off period gives you a safe window to check for leaks, clean filters, and verify operation.

 

Schedule downtime during early morning hours when temps are lowest and loads are light.

 

3. Oil – The Lifeblood of Your Generator

 

Let’s talk about oil — because this is where people get burned. Literally and figuratively.

 

Air-cooled engines, like the ones in most residential Generac models, run hotter than liquid-cooled engines. They rely on airflow over the engine block for cooling. In Phoenix’s heat, they work overtime.

 

As a result:

 

• Oil breaks down faster.

• Some oil consumption is normal. The crankcase ventilation system can pull vaporized oil into the intake, especially during extended high-load operation.
• Top-offs are expected.

 

🛢 Use the correct oil. Your owner’s manual will specify it — typically 5W-30 full synthetic for desert climates.

🛢 Keep 2–3 spare quarts on hand during outage season, and top off to just below the full mark. Overfilling can cause its own problems.

 

4. Dust Storms – The Silent Killer

 

Arizona’s famous haboobs kick up so much dust they can choke your generator in a day. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, lowers power output, and increases oil consumption.

 

🔧 Check your air filter every 3-4 days during extended runtime — especially after a storm.

🔧 Keep at least one spare filter on hand. If it looks tan or gritty, replace it. Don’t try to “shake it out” and reuse it.

 

5. Valve Tappet Adjustment – Don’t Forget It

 

This one’s often ignored — until it’s too late. Over time, engine valve clearances (tappets) can drift out of spec. If they get too tight or too loose, you’ll get hard starting, backfiring, or worse — a burned valve.

 

If your generator is newly installed or has recently had an engine replacement, the first valve tappet adjustment should be performed at or shortly before 25 hours of runtime. This is critical for ensuring proper valve operation as the engine components seat and wear in.

 

Improper valve clearance can cause hard starting, loss of power, excessive noise, and even premature valve or camshaft wear. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items, yet one of the most important for long-term reliability—especially in high-heat environments like Phoenix.

 

Check your manual for the tappet adjustment interval — typically every 300–400 hours on air-cooled units. If your generator runs 12 hours a day for a month? You’re already due.

 

You’ll need:

 

• Feeler gauge (.003")
• 13mm Open End Wrench
• 10mm Allen Wrench

• Torque wrench (and a crow's foot) to be sure the jam nut is properly secured

• Replacement gaskets may be necessary (if damaged or torn)

• Access to the valve cover (it’s easier than people think)

 

Unless you’re comfortable working with feeler gauges and rotating an engine manually, this is best left to a qualified technician. But knowing when and why it should be done puts you a step ahead of most generator owners. Not comfortable doing it? Schedule a tech — but don’t skip it.

 

6. Quick Field Checklist (Every 2-3 Days):

 

• ✅ Check oil level and top off
• ✅ Inspect air filter
• ✅ Look for leaks or unusual odors
• ✅ Listen for unusual sounds
• ✅ Verify vents and exhaust are clear
• ✅ Check for any error codes on the controller

 

7. Fuel Supply & Load Control

 

• If on propane: Monitor tank levels daily. Consider rotating load to reduce consumption.
• If on natural gas: Make sure you’re not getting reduced pressure due to high area demand.

 

Be smart with your load:

 

• Run essentials: fridge, freezer, lighting, A/C (if you’ve got fuel to spare).
• Avoid high-draw appliances all running at once. Rotate laundry, microwave use, and pool pumps.

 

8. Don’t Ignore Warnings

 

If your generator shuts down:

 

• Let it cool.
• Check oil, air filter, and for error codes.
• Restart and monitor.

 

If it keeps shutting down, don’t force it — something’s wrong.

 

9. Keep a Maintenance Log

 

Record:

 

• Runtime hours
• Oil top-offs and changes
• Filter swaps
• Any shutdowns or error codes
• Tappet adjustments and inspections

 

This helps you stay on top of things — and gives your tech something to go on if service is needed.

 

👉 Download a Printable Generator Maintenance Log (PDF)

 

Final Thought: Treat It Like a Tool, Not a Toy

 

You wouldn’t drive a car across the Mojave without checking oil, filters, and tire pressure. A generator is no different — and during an outage, it’s your best friend. Respect it, maintain it, and it’ll return the favor.