In Lagos, a generator is not a luxury, it is infrastructure. Most homes and businesses run generators for 6-16 hours a day. That kind of usage demands proper maintenance, yet most Lagos generator owners only call a technician when something has already broken.
Essential generator maintenance schedule
Weekly (during heavy use):
- Check engine oil level
- Check coolant level (for water-cooled generators)
- Check fuel level and inspect for leaks
- Run the generator under load for at least 30 minutes if it has been idle
Monthly:
- Clean or replace air filter
- Check and clean spark plugs
- Inspect exhaust system for leaks or blockages
- Test the battery (for electric-start generators)
Every 6 months or 250 hours:
- Full oil and oil filter change
- Fuel filter replacement
- Belt tension check
- Full load test
Annually:
- Full service by a certified technician
- Injector cleaning (diesel generators)
- Cooling system flush
Common generator problems in Lagos
Won't start: Usually a flat battery, bad fuel, or a faulty starter. Do not crank it repeatedly; this drains the battery further.
Overheating: Blocked air vents, low coolant, or running above rated load. Shut down immediately if the temperature warning comes on.
Excessive black smoke: Incomplete combustion, dirty air filter, wrong fuel mix, or injector problems.
Voltage fluctuations: AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) failure, which is dangerous for appliances. Do not connect appliances until fixed.
Finding a generator technician in Lagos
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