Generator Maintenance Basics For Mobile Food Vendors

It’s important to remember that your food truck’s generator is a mechanical and electrical device that will require service and parts to maintain proper function. In addition to exercising the generator on a regular schedule, you should pay close attention to the following list of generator maintenance basics.

Generator Maintenance Basics

Cooling System

Radiator fins must be inspected monthly. Clear of all dirt and debris. Make sure the generator is OFF prior to inspecting by shining a light through the front of the radiator. If the light doesn’t shine through the fins, clear the blockage.
Antifreeze levels should be checked on a weekly basis.
Make sure the block heater is plugged in and warm. Block heaters should be plugged in year-round. They reduce wear on the generator’s engine.
Inspect hoses and the water pump for signs of wear, bulges, cracking, and leaks. Check hose clamps for tightness.

Fuel System

Change fuel filters every 200 to 250 hours. This range depends on environmental conditions and how clean the fuel is. At a minimum, change the filter on an annual basis.
Keep an eye out for wet spots around the fittings.

Battery and Charging Systems

The charging gauge (or indicator light) should read OK on the battery charger.
Make sure the battery and charger connections are tight, and clean any corrosion off the terminals.

Engine

Inspect the engine for leaks and wear.
Check engine belts for wear, cracking, splitting, or looseness.
Check oil levels. In addition, the engine oil and oil filter should be changed annually, or every 100 to 250 hours.
Check the air filter every 100 hours of operation and change the filter at least once per year. Make sure the filter canister does not contain dirt or other debris.

The Bottom Line

Your food truck’s generator is as important as the truck itself. If your generator isn’t running, you aren’t selling. Follow these generator maintenance basics to assure your generator is in tip top shape the next time you need to start it.

Do you have any additional tips or generator maintenance basics? Share your thoughts in the comment section or on social media. Facebook | Twitter

By Richard Myrick|2018-05-17T08:52:41-04:00May 17, 2017|Under the Hood|

About the Author: Richard Myrick

Richard Myrick is an architect by degree (Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan) who began his career in real estate development and architectural planning. In September of 2010 he created Mobile Cuisine Magazine to fill an information void he found when he began researching how to start a mobile hotdog cart in Chicago. Richard found that there was no central repository of mobile street food information anywhere on the internet, and with that, the idea for MCM was born. Richard also wrote the "Running a Food Truck for Dummies" available in bookstores everywhere and Amazon. You can reach out to Richard by email at: [email protected].