Preventative Maintenance
Preventative generator service built on Generator Source’s certified 31-point inspection
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.
Choose your maintenance plan
Each plan includes everthing in the plan before it
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.
PM1: The 31-point inspection
Every quarter,each plan starts with a Preventative Maintenance 1 (PM1) inspection of all 31 critical components, selected from decades of field experience and manufacturer recommendations, so nothing gets overlooked and you get a complete picture of your generator’s health.
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 Maintenance Schedule
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
| PM1 |  |
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| PM2 | |
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| PM3 | |
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| Load Bank | |
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PM2: PM1 Inspection + Load Bank Test
A PM2 service includes everything a PM1 does, plus:
- Oil change
- Oil, air, and coolant filter replacement
- A load bank test that applies a controlled load at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 80% to verify capability, stability, and cooling
Video: 2MW Caterpillar Load Bank Test Highlights
PM3: PM1 + PM2 w/Load Bank + Major Wear Item Replacement
A PM3 service includes everything a PM1 & PM2 does, plus:
- Coolant flush
- Cooling-system hose replacement
- Sealing gasket replacement
- Thermostat replacement
Video: Generator Source Service
Our Techs are EGSA Certified
EGSA (Electrical Generating Systems Association) certified techs must pass a rigorous assessment covering electrical and mechanical components, system interactions, and proper service and maintenance procedures for onsite power generation. > Learn more
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
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