Pick pros for maintenance and general generator repair

The most important time- and money-saving thing you can do with any generator is to keep up its maintenance. However, even with terrific maintenance, there may be times you need repairs. When it comes to either maintenance or repair, it's usually best to hire a professional. Look for companies that carry manufacturer parts and who back up their work with a guarantee.

I recommend: Continental Engine, Inc. offers generator repair service (including mobile repairs), carefully complying with manufacturer specifications; they do diesel, gas and electric generator repair. Bay Diesel & Generator supplies diesel generator repair and maintenance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Power Source Equipment Co. provides gas generator repair services on many makes of generators.

Select services for specialized generator repair

Some generator services companies specialize in particular aspects of their trade. If you know you need work done in their specialized area, who better to call upon?

I recommend: Edison ESI does general repairs on generators, but specializes in medium voltage (2300V and above), motor rewinds and reconditioning. National Electric Coil specializes in rewinds, including those done in the field. AGT Services Inc. specializes in electrical troubleshooting, field rewinds, stator core repairs and high-voltage bushing replacement and manufacturing.

Finding generator repair parts

If you have qualified employees (with electrical licenses), generator maintenance and repair may be tackled by those individuals. The key, however, is they must be qualified. There's little point in having an unqualified person repair an expensive generator only to have the work done incorrectly, necessitating spending more time and money on a professional repair. That said, there are plenty of places to buy authorized generator parts.

I recommend: Energy Systems has an inventory of more than $1 million in parts for Generac generators. Parker Power carries parts for a variety of generators, including Yamaha, Coleman, Kawasaki, Onan and others. GoPower.com has a vast selection of parts for industrial diesel generators.