How To Clean Generator Air Filter | 6-Steps Guide & Video

How frequently you clean the air filter affects the performance and lifespan of your generator. A clogged air filter can decrease airflow to the carburetor, result not only in generator misfires but also in noticeable symptoms such as the emission of black smoke and the scent of gasoline. Keep your generator breathing easily with a clean air filter to ensure optimal performance. 

But don’t worry. Generator Fixer is here to help you through the six-step process of what is, how to clean or change, both open-frame portable generators like Honda, Champion, Duromax, and Generac, etc.

However, the process is a bit different when it comes to closed-frame inverters. By the time we’re finished, your generator will be returned to peak performance and prepared to come to your rescue if the power goes out.

What is An Air Filter?

An air filter is a component of a generator that helps to clean the air before it enters the engine for combustion. Just like a car engine’s air filter, its job is to take out any dust, dirt, or other tiny bits from the air.

This is important because clean, and enough fresh air keeps the engine running smoothly and protects it from getting damaged by any junk in the air.

How to Clean Generator Air Filter in (6-Steps) Guide

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to save on maintenance costs, knowing how to clean your generator air filter is a worthwhile skill.

Tools and Materials Needed

Safety first, Before you start the cleaning process, unplug the spark plug wire boot to prevent any unexpected auto-start, and make sure the generator is turned off 20 minutes before to allow the engine to cool down and prevent accidents.

Step 1: Locate the Air Filter

The air filter box or assembly is typically located near the engine or close to the carburetor of the generator.  Otherwise, consult the owner’s manual if you are unsure about its exact location.

Step 2: Remove the Air Filter Cover

After reaching the filter, unscrew or unlatch the cover to access the air filter. Some generators may have a clip or latch holding the cover in place, while others may require a screwdriver to remove the screws.

Step 3: Clean the air filter

There are two basic types of air filters, (Foam or Paper) Each type demands unique cleaning processes for both filters. You can understand your generator’s air filter and then apply this suitable cleaning process.

a. Wet Cleaning for (Foam Filters)

If your generator uses a foam air filter, start cleaning it using a mild detergent and water. Mix a solution of water and detergent in a container. Immerse the filter in the solution and gently squeeze it to remove dirt and oil, then rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear. However, if the air filter is too damaged, this time it is recommended to replace it with a new one.

b. Dry Cleaning for (Paper Filters)

If your generator features a paper or pleated air filter, you can clean it by tapping it gently to dislodge loose dirt and debris. or use compressed air to blow out the debris.

Gently blow dry air (up to 100 psi) through the air filter in the opposite If you find any issues, it is recommended to replace the new one.

Step 4: Dry the filter

After wet cleaning, allow the filter to air-dry completely. If your generator uses a foam air filter, avoid using compressed air, excessive heat, or direct sunlight, as these can damage the filter.

Step 5: Apply Oil to Filter

A little bit of engine oil should be added to the filter. If the air filter is foam, you can pour a kind of oil upon it and gently squeeze it to spread the oil out evenly. 

For a fabric or paper filter, you can use a clean cloth or a brush to lightly apply the oil. Make sure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the filter. It should have a slightly tacky or sticky feel, but avoid over-saturating it with oil. Sometimes this question arises, why is there oil in my generator air filter? but there are a lot of reasons to present engine oil to your generator air filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the filter

Once the oil is in the filter, put it back into the filter assembly housing. Make sure it fits securely and that the air filter cover is properly fastened. Verify again that every connection is tight and secure. If you see that the filter assembly is broken or damaged, it is recommended to replace it.

Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire and start the generator with a generator pull rope or ignition key. Now the process is complete if you need more info, read below. 

Note: Depending on your generator’s make and model, the cleaning process may vary slightly. Always consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions tailored to your generator.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Air Filter?

Dry Air Filter

Designed to safeguard the carburetor and fuel line, the dry air filter traps dust and debris. A telltale sign of a dry air filter is its grey and rugged appearance.

Reduced Engine Performance

When an air filter is dirty, it hinders the airflow to the engine, resulting in diminished horsepower, acceleration, and overall performance. Inadequate air supply to the combustion chamber may cause the carburetor to fail to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio, leading to a drop in engine frequency (RPM). As a result experience lower running or starting wattages, along with fluctuating voltages.

Engine Surge or Stall

A blocked air filter can induce frequent engine surges or stalls, especially under load conditions. Inadequate air intake prevents the engine from sustaining an optimal air-fuel mixture, causing it to run lean and potentially stall.

Increased Fuel Consumption

A contaminated air filter forces the engine to work harder, compensating for the restricted airflow by increasing fuel supply. This inefficiency leads to higher fuel consumption as the combustion process becomes less efficient.

Engine Backfire

A constricted air filter disrupts the balance between air and fuel in the carburetor, resulting in engine backfiring. Inadequate air intake prevents complete fuel combustion, allowing unburned fuel to escape through the exhaust, igniting and causing an engine to backfire.

Black or Gray Smoke From the Exhaust

Incomplete combustion due to a restricted air filter can produce black smoke or gray smoke from the exhaust, posing health hazards. The unburned fuel also releases carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas harmful to living beings.

Engine Noises

Struggling to draw in sufficient air, the engine may produce more noise than usual, accompanied by vibrations and unusual sounds.

Engine Warning Light

Some generators feature an engine warning light that signals a dirty or clogged air filter. When illuminated, it indicates the need to inspect, clean, or replace the air filter or broken filter assembly, and the best practice for checking engine oil levels may need to be a generator oil change for best performance.

How Often Should I Clean the Generator Air Filter?

If you use your generator regularly, it’s important to keep the air filter clean. Depending on how often you use the generator and the environment in which it’s used, you may need to clean the air filter as often as every few weeks or as infrequently as once every 3 to 6 months.

If you live in a dusty area or use the generator in a dusty environment, you’ll need to clean it more often. However, if you only use the generator occasionally and it isn’t exposed to much dust, you can likely clean it less often.

Video Guide

If you encounter any issues or challenges while performing the cleaning procedure at a specific point, fret not, check out this handy video guide for seamless solutions and expert tips.

Conclusion

Filter cleaning or replacing your open-frame traditional generator is a fundamental part of routine maintenance. By following the above easy process, you can ensure that your generator operates efficiently and reliably when you need it most.

If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to reach out to the Generator Fixer team as soon as possible, or at a time that works for you.

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