Pre-storm season and after extended outages

Generator Repair Near You

Portable and standby generator repair and maintenance.

Generators are unique among small engine equipment: they may sit unused for 11 months, then need to start reliably the moment the power goes out. The carburetor is almost always the first thing to fail after extended storage — gasoline left in the bowl for more than 30 days begins to oxidize and leave a varnish deposit that restricts fuel flow. A generator that cranks but won't run, or runs rough, almost always has a carburetor issue. Carb clean or rebuild on a portable generator typically runs $60–$90.

Beyond storage issues, the most common generator repairs are AVR (automatic voltage regulator) replacement for units producing incorrect voltage ($80–$150 for the part), capacitor replacement for similar symptoms ($20–$60), and carburetor replacement on units where a rebuild isn't practical ($40–$80 for the part). For dual-fuel generators (gas/propane), the regulator and solenoid are additional components that may need service.

Standby generators — permanently installed units from Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton — are significantly more complex. They include automatic transfer switches, battery-backed control boards, and load management systems. Standby generator service should always be performed by an authorized dealer or a shop with specific experience on standby systems. Electrical safety is a serious concern with standby units: they connect to the home's main electrical panel and must be serviced by qualified technicians.

For all generators: run the machine under load for at least 30 minutes every 90 days to keep the carburetor clean and the engine lubricated. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank and run it through the system before any storage period longer than 30 days. These two habits eliminate 90% of carburetor-related failures.