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Imagine waking up on a chilly morning, heading outside to start your Generac generator, only to find that it’s not running properly.
After some minutes of diagnosis, you noticed the oil filter is dirty and needs to be changed. This may seem like a daunting task but fear not, because changing the oil filter on your Generac generator is a simple process that you can do yourself.
Not only is changing the oil filter important for the health and longevity of your generator, but it’s also an easy way to save money by avoiding costly repairs down the line.
By taking a few minutes to change the oil filter, you can ensure that your generator is running smoothly and efficiently, even during the toughest of weather conditions.
So, whether you’re a seasoned generator owner or a first-time user, learning how to change the oil filter on your Generac generator is a valuable skill that will serve you well for years to come.
And with the simple steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to get your generator back up and running in no time. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Tools You Need to Change the Oil Filter for Your Generac Generator
When you are planning to change the oil filter for your Generac generator, you must have the right tools on hand to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Here are a few necessary tools you will need:
1. A new oil filter
The first thing you will need is a new oil filter that is compatible with your Generac generator — You can make a few searches on the internet with your generator model or check the owner’s manual or consult with a professional to ensure that you get the correct oil filter. If you mistakenly used the wrong filter, sorry to say, it can cause serious damage to your generator.
2. Wrench
Secondly, you will need a wrench to remove the old oil filter. A filter wrench or a strap wrench is recommended for this task as they provide a better grip, make it easier to loosen the filter and at the same time help tighten the new oil filter. Therefore, whatever wrench you are using, you should make sure it fits the size of the oil filter.
3. Draining pan
When you are removing the oil filter, old oil that’s stored in the oil filter will be dropped on the floor. To prevent unnecessary work, you will need a drain pan to catch the old oil that will be drained from the generator. You should make sure to choose a pan that is large enough to hold the amount of oil that your generator holds.
4. Rag or paper towel
Fourthly, you will need a rag or a paper towel to wipe away any oil or dirt around the oil filter area. This will ensure that the new oil filter can be installed correctly. Additionally, it will also help the filter wrench after cleaning the filter with the rag or paper towel to grip it firmly.
5. Oil Funnel
Fifthly, you will want to pour the new engine oil you bought and that can’t be done without an oil funnel. Therefore, an oil funnel is also necessary to pour the new oil into the engine without spilling it around. You should make sure the oil funnel you are to use fits the size of the oil filler hole.
6. New oil
Lastly, you will need new oil to refill the engine after the oil filter has been changed. Check your generator’s owner’s manual to determine the correct type and amount of oil needed. You can also check some of the best engine oil generators we recommend.
10 Ways To Change the Oil Filter for Generac Generator
Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for changing the oil filter on your Generac generator.
Step 1. Turn off the generator and let it cool down
If you’ve been running the generator for a while now, the first step you need to take is to turn it off and let it cool down completely. As a result, making the generator cool down will ensure that you don’t get burnt while handling the generator oil because it might be extremely hot.
Step 2. Locate the oil filter
The next step you should take is to locate the oil filter on your Generac generator. It is typically located on the side of the engine, usually located near the engine block and it’s cylindrical. However, if you’re having trouble finding it, which I know it’s not always the case — consult your owner’s manual.
Step 3. Drain old engine oil
Before removing the oil filter, you will need to drain the old oil. In this case, you will need the drain pan and some other wrench tools depending on the size plug end you will drain the oil.
You should place the drain pan underneath the oil drain plug, which is usually located at the bottom of the engine block — Remove the plug and let the oil drain into the pan.
After that, you will have to find a place to keep the old oil in the pan, because you still need it when removing the oil filter — You can put the old oil in a can you no longer use as long as it is not leaking.
Step 4. Place the drain pan under the oil filter
After you have placed the old engine oil in a can, you should place the drain pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that spills out during the oil filter change process.
Step 5. Use the oil filter wrench to graph and remove the old oil filter
After placing the drain pan, it’s now time to use the wrench or oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter in a counterclockwise direction. After you have loosened it, you can now use your hand to remove the old oil filter. As you are doing it, be sure to hold the filter over the drain pan to catch any oil that may still be inside.
Step 6. Clean the area around the oil filter
Now that you’ve removed the old oil filter before you fix a new one, you should make sure the area is clean, and not only clean but be curious that no dirt should enter the place it was lost.
You can take a rag or paper towel you got and clean the area around the oil filter. And the best way to achieve its cleaning is by using petrol and a brush to wash and clean the area.
This will help ensure that the new oil filter can be installed correctly and will also help prevent any dirt or debris from getting into the engine.
Step 7. Install the new oil filter
After you are done with the previous steps, it’s now time for you to install the new oil filter you got for your Generac generator.
You can take the new oil filter and apply a thin layer of oil to the gasket. Additionally, you can also add a few new oils to the oil filter before installing it.
This will help create a good seal and make it easier to remove the filter during the next oil change, and at the same time make the oil filter start working effectively even before the engine oil starts circulating.
Therefore, to install the new oil filter, you can do so by screwing it on in a clockwise direction — Tighten the filter until it’s snug, but don’t over-tighten it so you can easily lose it later.
Step 8. Refill the engine with new oil
Now that you have fixed the oil filter, it’s high time you replace the plug you lose beneath your generator to remove the old oil.
After you have done so, you can make use of the funnel and the new engine oil you got to refill the engine with the recommended amount of new oil.
You should make sure to pour it slowly and carefully to avoid any spills. Additionally, you should also check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure that it is at the proper level.
Step 9. Start the generator and check for leaks
After refilling the engine with oil, start the generator and let it run for a few minutes. But first, make sure you clean the oil drain plug area and the filter.
After that, you can now start the generator to run for a while and check for leaks around the oil filter and the drain plug. If you notice any leaks, you may need to tighten the filter or the plug properly. But in cases there are no leaks, you’re good to go!
Step 10. Dispose of the old oil and filter
Lastly, this isn’t much of a big deal because it’s not a must. But if you feel the need to dispose of the old oil and filter after you have completed the oil filter change process — you should dispose of the old oil and filter properly. And the best way to achieve that is to take them to a recycling center or a service station that accepts used oil or use the oil engine oil as a lubricant for your gate or car break.
Finally, if you’d think this is a problem you can’t fix by yourself, you can book a free quote with some of our professionals in generator repair to help fix the issue.
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