Preventative Maintenance 1
Generator Source’s Certified 31-Point Inspection Process
PM1 Generator Service
Generator Source’s Certified 31-Point Inspection Process
Every quarter, your industrial or commercial generator needs a Preventative Maintenance 1 (PM1) inspection to ensure it’s ready to perform when you need it most. Our comprehensive 31-Point Inspection evaluates every critical system and component, identifying potential issues before they cause failures or costly downtime.
This systematic approach ensures no component is overlooked and provides a complete picture of your generator’s health. Each inspection item has been carefully selected based on decades of field experience and manufacturer recommendations.
PM1 Inspection Items & Service Videos
| Maintenance Item | PM 1 | PM 2 | PM 3 | Load Bank Test |
| Air Inlet System & Air Filters – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Alternator – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Barrel Insulation – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Batteries – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Battery Charger – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Bearings – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Block Heater – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Breakers – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Collect Oil & Coolant Samples – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Controller – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Coolant & Coolant Filters – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Crankcase Breather(s) – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Engine Oil & Oil Filters – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Exhaust Manifold – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fan and Fan Drive – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fuel Filters – Primary / Secondary – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fuel Lines – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fuel Tank – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Gauges – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Governor – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Hoses & Connections – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Jacket Water Heater – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Radiator – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Remote Annunciators & Alarms – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Safety Controls – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Starter – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Turbocharger(s) – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Vibration Isolators – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Voltage – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water Pump – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water Separator – 🎥 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Additional Service Items | ||||
| Change Oil | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Change Filters (Oil, Coolant, Fuel, Air) | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Change Coolant | ✔ | |||
| Change Rubber Hoses & Belts | ✔ | |||
| Change Thermostats & Gaskets | ✔ | |||
| Collect Fuel Samples | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request | |
| Transfer Test | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request | |
| Visual ATS Inspection | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request | |
| Change Batteries | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request | |
| Load Bank Test | ||||
| Accurate Temperature Gauge Test | ✔ | |||
| Auto Start Test & Tag Verifications | ✔ | |||
| Check Temperature with Heat Gun | ✔ | |||
| Coolant Leaks | ✔ | |||
| Engine Alternator Test | ✔ | |||
| Full Rating Tests | ✔ | |||
| Gauge Adjustment Tests | ✔ | |||
| Gauge Compliance Tests | ✔ | |||
| Oil Leaks | ✔ | |||
| Pre-Alarm Verification | ✔ | |||
| Shut Down Verification | ✔ | |||
Recommended PM Schedule
(PM1 + All Filters & Oil Change)
(PM2 + Coolant, Hoses, Gaskets & Thermostats Change)
Preventative Maintenance
No two power systems are the same; applications, loads, and environmental factors vary from site to site. While the guide below outlines our standard recommended preventative maintenance for the first 36 months of operation, we recognize that your facility may have unique demands. We are fully equipped to customize a service plan that specifically aligns with your equipment usage and uptime requirements.
PM Plans
This 31-point inspection examines all critical components to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
The PM2 includes everything in our quarterly PM1 inspection, plus an oil change, air & coolant filters, and a load bank test.
This Preventative Maintenance 3 includes all PM1 & PM2 items plus replacement of coolant, hoses, gaskets, and thermostats.
Our Techs are EGSA Certified
Our certified EGSA technicians deliver exceptional, hands-on expertise that our customers rely on.
Still have questions or looking for more information?
Generator Source specializes in low-hour, used, new, and surplus generator sets. We have a wide variety of generator sizes and models to fit any project. We are not a broker, we own what we sell.
Call us today (877-866-6895) or click Contact Us to be connected with one of our experienced sales reps.
We have 350+ generators in stock and ready to ship!
Generator Service FAQ
Got a question about generator maintenance? Our Service FAQs page covers it. Find clear answers on preventive maintenance intervals, load bank testing, fuel polishing, wet stacking, ATS issues, and NFPA 110 compliance. Written by the technicians who actually service generators in the field every day.
Custom Solutions
Custom power solutions, engineered to spec. ATS installation, control panel upgrades, frequency conversions, voltage changes, custom fabrication, paralleling, load bank testing, and oil analysis — all backed by expertise across Deep Sea, Woodward, Caterpillar EMCP, and Cummins Power Command. Tell us what you need.
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