If there’s one thing that is most important about generators, it would be reliability. If you have an emergency generator for when the power goes out, and it doesn’t work properly, it’s not really an emergency generator at all. Whether you need a whole-house system for outages, you go on RV adventures with your family, or you are a manager with a whole fleet, keeping your generator in working order is imperative.

Your generator is a comprehensive network of pieces and parts that work together harmoniously to provide you with the power you need. This includes everything from control boards to spark plugs. There lies an unsung hero, a component that plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient performance: the generator oil filter. A clean, high-quality Generac oil filter is one of the keys to keeping your generator running at maximum capacity for years to come.

What are Generator Oil Filters?

Generator oil filters are the first line of defense against contaminants that can compromise the integrity of your generator’s engine. Generator engines run with oil circulating through the system, lubricating internal mechanisms to keep things running smoothly and without a lot of friction. The generator oil filter is a crucial component in this lubrication system.

Most generator oil filters are similar to those for cars. They consist of a cylindrical housing that contains the actual filter. Filters can be made of different materials, like cellulose or synthetic fibers. Those materials are woven together to create a porous material designed to catch things while still letting the oil through, much like a strainer in the kitchen.

Why Do I Need Generator Oil Filters?

Just like many other components of generators, the oil filter plays a critical role in keeping the generator operating without major issues. Without a proper generator oil filter, the oil circulating throughout the engine will become thick and full of impurities, threatening the function of your generator.

During the normal processes of the generator, different impurities will find their way into the oil and engine system. These impurities could be as small and simple as dust particles or as large as metal particles that have come from other parts of the engine. Regardless, having impurities in your oil is a great way to mess up your generator function.

In the long run, Generac oil filters help prolong the life of your generator. With clean oil, everything circulates and runs with the smallest amount of energy possible, ensuring your machine doesn’t work too hard or strain to provide power.

Why Generator Oil Filters Need to be Replaced Regularly

Even the highest-quality Generac oil filters become old and saturated with dirt and debris over time. A dirty generator oil filter not only reduces the effectiveness of the filter but also affects the efficiency of the machine.

If the generator oil filter is clogged, the generator has to work much harder to pass the oil through the filter. It also has a more difficult time moving the oil through the entire engine system since it often becomes thick and sludgy, which can cause:

• Undue wear and tear
• Excess heat production
• Higher energy use

How Often Should I Change My Generator’s Oil Filter?

For most Generac oil filters, it’s recommended to change them about every two hundred hours of use, but it’s always a good idea to check the manual of your specific model. If you’re operating in particularly dusty or otherwise harsh conditions, it may be necessary to replace your Generac oil filter more often. Fortunately, Generac oil filters come in convenient multipacks, so you will never find yourself without a backup.

How to Change a Generac Oil Filter in 4 Simple Steps

Before you get started with replacing your generator oil filter, you should read up on all safety precautions and instructions in the diagnostic manual of your individual generator, as well as the instructions with the oil filter. Grab your new oil filter from your go-to source for generator replacement parts. You will need the following supplies for changing your Generac oil filter:

• Tub or pan for old oil
• New oil filter
• For most air-cooled units, two quarts of oil

Step 1: The first step is to drain the oil to make room for the new oil. Make sure your generator is off so there’s no risk of electrocution. Remove the cap from the drain hose, ensuring you have placed a pan underneath to catch the old oil. The oil should empty from the generator relatively quickly. Once it’s done dripping, place the cap back on and the drain hose back into its secure place.

Step 2: Next, remove the old generator oil filter. This can be done by turning it counterclockwise, just as you would to unscrew a jar. Ready your new oil filter by applying a very light layer of clean oil straight to the filter. This helps the oil flow freely without getting interrupted by a dry filter.

Step 3: Screw your new generator oil filter into the correct spot. It should be touching the oil filter adapter on the inside, but it shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t remove it easily.

Step 4: Finally, fill the engine with new oil per the manufacturer’s instructions and dispose of the old oil per the local ordinances of your town or city. Congratulations, you just changed your own Generac oil filter!

Other Routine Maintenance for Your Generator

While you’re performing the regular maintenance of changing your Generac oil filter, it may be beneficial to also evaluate the need for:

• An air filter change
• Spark plug replacement
• Routine inspection

All of these should be done in regular intervals to keep your generator in the best condition possible. Fortunately, we have handy maintenance kits for performing these regular tests and filter changes. It comes with everything you need to change the oil filter, air filter, and spark plug, and take a quick look to check on the inner workings of your generator.

Generac Oil Filters and Your Generator Health

The humble generator oil filter may seem like a small component, but its role in engine health and performance cannot be overstated. By diligently capturing contaminants and keeping your oil clean and smooth, the generator oil filter is the silent guardian of your generator. Make sure you always have a clean, high-quality generator oil filter on hand when you need it most.