Inside the Mind of a Generator Tech: 45-Point Inspection Breakdown
When the power cuts out and your generator fires up, there’s one reason it does: because someone gave a damn enough to do the maintenance right. That’s where my 45-point inspection comes in — a step-by-step, no-shortcuts process I’ve refined through years of wrench-turning and troubleshooting Arizona’s backup power systems.
Most homeowners think maintenance is just “change the oil and walk away.” Nope. Not if you want it to start when it matters.
What the 45-Point Inspection Really Covers
Without giving you the entire blueprint (because, frankly, it's what you're paying me for), here's a breakdown of what goes through my head and hands when I’m servicing your generator:
1. Location, Location, Location
I start with the basics — is your generator installed right? That means it's level, away from windows, clear of downspouts, and not sitting in a swamp. I’ve seen brand-new installs violate half a dozen codes. That’s a no-go.
2. Engine Deep Dive
This isn’t a quick oil check. I replace spark plugs, air filter, and oil filter, adjust the valves if applicable, and check the exhaust for leaks or cracks. Valve tappet adjustment? You bet. If it’s due, I do it. That’s what separates techs from parts-changers.
3. Fuel System Scrutiny
From tank or meter to the connections, I check it all. Pressure, leaks, corrosion — I even use a gas leak detector, not just a sniff test. If there’s a cheap rubber hose or an indoor yellow flexline where a flexible stainless one should be, I’ll catch it.
4. Battery & Charging
A lot of failures trace back to poor battery health. I clean terminals, verify voltage and charge rate, and use a conductance tester to give you a real reading — not a guess. I’ll even tell you how much battery life is left.
5. Electrical & Controller Diagnostics
Firmware updates? Yep. DC voltage readings before/during/after startup? Check. Fuses, connections, clamps — if it moves current, I’m checking it. Cold weather kits (in snow regions) installed wrong are more common than you think.
6. Cooling, Cleaning & Cosmetic
Fan belts (where applicable), airflow, obstructions, rust, oil drips, dead lizards — I clean it all up. I don’t just vacuum out the mouse turds — I make sure it stays dry and looks like someone cares.
7. Test Run & Load Simulation
This is where the rubber meets the road. I put the unit in manual mode, let it run, listen for anything weird, then simulate an actual outage by flipping the main breaker. With your permission, I’ll watch it transfer load, check amps per leg, then return it to utility power and Auto mode.
8. Final Wrap-Up
Fuel valve on? Breakers set? Lid locked? Controller showing green? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Then, I hand you a full report — not some scribbled invoice with a checkmark next to “looked good.” You get real data, real observations, and if something needs fixing, I tell you straight.
Why It Matters...
Cut-rate inspections miss the very issues that cause failure when the grid goes down. Loose lugs, aging batteries, misadjusted valves, firmware bugs — all of it adds up. My 45-point checklist exists to catch the problems before they catch you off guard.
Because when the lights go out, your family’s counting on that generator to work. And I’m making sure it does.
Need a real inspection from someone who’s been elbow-deep in these systems for decades?
Reach out to On Demand Power.
I’ll treat your generator like my own — because your backup power is no place for shortcuts.
