I recently retired from the other large gen company (almost 25 years) and never saw a mouse in that series of set unless someone knocked out the rubber around the gas line (reseal with silicone) or left the front door off. Ants (and misc bugs) are another issue and they come for the heat in the control box. We used "ant bait traps" by the battery and I also found they don't like WD-40, which has the added benefit of keeping the aluminum nice and steel parts from rusting. I basically clean the unit, fog everything with WD-40, then wipe it down again. No rust, no crust, and way fewer bugs!

You forgot the most important part, checking the valve lash . The manual says every 2 yrs but I check and adjust yearly. Instant death to a air cooled engines are loose or misadjusted push rods.

I'm a master plumber by trade, you dont need the generator running to check for leaks. It will still leak without the unit running.

Just bought my first “standby” generator as a backup to a solar array. Thanks for the maintenance tips. 👍🏻

Great job guys! What about the valves?

Great informative video! I'm a service technician for a dealer in Miami. I definitely need that oil drain extractor!

1) Sand shovel under the oil filter is brilliant 2) 50/50 Borax and suger will take care of ant issues back to the nest 3) Agree with rupe53, Ant and mouse baits are a smart move. 4) Wires: To get around the poor design, Squirrels hate Cayenne pepper insect repellant. I apply twice a year especially the cars engine compartment. 5) Generac: I know two souls that have owned these generacs. Both had to change the circuit board a month past the 5-year extended warranty. And there is no way to mechanically work-around this board. Generac made sure you could not repair the board or components on the board. Rather than building like it like the time tested engine control board in your car. Generac had the whole control board cast in an acrylic like plastic, rendering another component useless and sent to the landfill.

spray BiFen around base for ant, spiders and such. Use ear tags inside for spiders as well. Did not see plugs get replaced.

Is a valve clearance check part of maintenance?

You guys did an amazing installation job on this, inside and out.🎉🎉❤

Yall forgot to check valve lash needs to be between 3 and 4 thousands. Also LOCK the gen cover. My installer said several customers have had there cover blow up enough to get rain in it and damage controler when not locked. Put keys in breaker box on magnet inside so you don't lose them

I know people who did not lock the top and hurricane came power went out and generator was destroyed while running with heavy wind and rain with the top torn off.

So he checked the oil sensors and the stepper motor with his hands, huh? No multimeter?

You aren't wrong about those rodents. My parents own that exact model of Generac generator now because rodents had a Kohler dinner. Absolutely shredded the cable harness.

why didn't you adjust the valves?

I have a 16 kw G force engine. Would you know when checking oil on the oil filler dip stick, is it checked with oil stick resting on thread's Or threaded all the way in?? Manual doesn't say, & have gotten a clear answer yet!! Thx.

Whats your schedule for checking valve gap?....how many hours of run time...or is it based on when it wont start?

I have the newer style 22kw where you can't get to the battery from the front. You have to remove the side panel. What are the major differences in the units?

Warm it before you gap the valves?

You dont check valve gap?

Keep it clean and rats out

Adam has no personality!

What haven't you done

What about the valve adjustment