When the power goes out—whether due to a blizzard, ice storm, wildfire, or grid failure—a gasoline generator becomes your lifeline. But a generator is only as good as its maintenance. For preppers, keeping your generator running isn’t just smart—it’s survival.
Let’s talk routine maintenance, cold-weather tips, and the spare parts you should have on hand.
Why It Matters More in Canada
In Canadian climates, backup power is often critical for:
- Heating (especially if you use electric baseboards or a pellet stove)
- Refrigeration and food preservation
- Water pumps (well systems)
- Medical equipment
- Charging comms and radios
A power outage in -30°C isn’t just inconvenient—it’s potentially deadly.
🔧 Basic Generator Maintenance Schedule
Here’s a simplified routine that works for most portable gas generators (2,000–10,000W range):
🔄 After Every Use
- ✅ Check oil level and top off if needed
- ✅ Let it cool and wipe off dirt, snow, or fuel spills
- ✅ Run the carburetor dry (use the shutoff valve)
🗓 Monthly (even if not in use)
- ✅ Start it and run under load for 10–15 minutes
- ✅ Inspect for fuel leaks, corrosion, or rodent damage
- ✅ Test outlets with a basic load (like a shop light or heater)
🛠 Every 25–50 Hours
- ✅ Change oil (use winter-grade oil like 5W-30 if below freezing)
- ✅ Clean or replace air filter
- ✅ Inspect spark plug
🧼 Every 100 Hours or Seasonally
- ✅ Full oil change
- ✅ Replace spark plug
- ✅ Clean carburetor (or use fuel system cleaner)
- ✅ Inspect and tighten all bolts/hardware
❄️ Cold Weather Generator Tips
- Use synthetic oil (5W-30) for easier cold starts
- Keep the generator covered and off frozen ground (use a wood base)
- Use a cold-weather start kit or engine block heater (if compatible)
- Store fuel with stabilizer and rotate every 6–12 months
- Never run your generator indoors or in a garage—even with the door open!
🧰 Generator Spare Parts List for Preppers (With Quantities)
| Item | Recommended Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra spark plugs (correct model) | 2–4 |
| Air filters (foam or paper, model-specific) | 2–3 |
| Oil (5W-30 synthetic or manufacturer-recommended) | 4–6 litres |
| Fuel stabilizer (e.g., STA-BIL) | 1–2 bottles |
| Fuel filters (if applicable) | 1–2 |
| Oil filter (if applicable) | 1–2 |
| Carburetor cleaner spray | 1 can |
| Pull cord (recoil starter) replacement kit | 1 |
| Starter battery (if electric start) | 1 charged spare or maintainer |
| Extension cords (outdoor rated, 12/3 gauge or heavier) | 2–4 |
| Fuel line tubing (compatible diameter) | 2–3 ft |
| Gaskets and o-rings (carburetor/fuel bowl) | Assorted pack |
| Spark plug wrench | 1 (keep with generator) |
| Funnel and oil drain pan | 1 each |
| Generator manual (printed) | 1 laminated copy |
✅ Pro tip: Label all parts with the generator model they belong to. Keep them in a sealed bin with silica packs to prevent moisture damage.
🛒 Where to Source Parts in Canada
- Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, and Home Hardware for general parts and oil
- Small engine repair shops for specific filters and spark plugs
- Amazon.ca and PartSelect for off-brand or OEM carburetors, gaskets, etc.
- Local farm supply stores often stock generator and pressure washer parts
🗂 Backup Plans & Documentation
Every prepper should keep:
- A printed maintenance log
- A spare parts list in your inventory binder
- A laminated startup/maintenance cheat sheet taped to your generator
🔚 Final Thoughts
Your gas generator isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it tool. It’s a combustion engine that demands care. For Canadian preppers, where the grid can be fragile and winters are brutal, that maintenance could mean the difference between warmth and frostbite.
✅ Stay powered. Stay ready. Maintain your gear like your life depends on it—because one day, it might.
