How to run in an Inverter Generator

Running in an inverter generator

 inverter generator

Did you know that what you do in the first few hours of owning an inverter generator can have a big impact on how long it will last? If you don’t carefully run in your generator, you will almost certainly have some big problems with it before you know it.


WHY you need to run in your new inverter generator

When you don’t take the time to properly run in your new portable generator, you’re risking some pretty serious damage. You’re also likely just shortening its lifespan. Buying a portable inverter generator is an investment and it’s something that you should expect to last for quite some time.
If you don’t carefully run it in, though, you are shooting yourself in the foot.

The process for running in a Redback RB4 inverter generator is a cycle of letting it run to get the inverter generator to run to optimal efficiency.

UPDATE: See the latest Redback RB4.5 4.5kVA Portable Inverter Generator

It’s important to let a Redback RB4 inverter generator run so that oil can circulate throughout and cover all moving parts. But it’s also important for another reason. Something you might not know about engines is that when they are new, tiny pieces of metal are likely to break off and move around in the engine.

This can cause some serious engine wear so if you care about the longevity of your portable Redback RB4 inverter generator, it’s vital to follow these instructions for running it in properly.

How-to: Step by Step
It does take approx. 20 hours of your time but the process for properly running in a generator is quite easy, even if you don’t know much about engines. Follow these steps and your Redback RB4 inverter generator should be working well for years to come.

1. Go shopping.
Before you can run in your Redback RB4 inverter generator, you need oil, petrol, and a few other supplies.
• For petrol, you should use at least 95+ octane fuel.
•The Redback RB4 uses 10w30.



2. Add the oil.
Using the oil funnel provided, fill up your portable Redback RB4 inverter generator with 450ml of oil. 



3. Add the fuel.
Next, fill the tank up with petrol.
95+ octane is required for the Redback RB4 inverter generator.

Tip: By slowly pulling the pull rope with out using enough effort to start the generator you will prime fuel through the fuel lines making the inverter generator easy to start.

4. 20 hours run in period.
Run the Redback RB4 inverter generator with a small load (less than 2500) for 20 hours. A 500w -1000w load is perfect for the run-in procedure.



5. First service.
After completing your 20 hours run in period it’s important to complete your first service. This can be done by iTechworl, small engine mechanics or even by yourself. There are 5 things to be done in this service. Replace the oil, clean the air filter, clean the sediment tray, clean the spark arrestor and change the spark plug.
This first service helps get rid of most of those metal flakes and fragments.
Getting these out will prevent serious wear on the engine and help the Redback RB4 inverter generator run a lot smoother.

You will notice that the next time you do a service (50 hours) that the oil will be significantly cleaner than it was after the first 20 hours.

Other Considerations

Although it’s the first 20 hours that are the most important, don’t forget about regular maintenance over the course of the Redback RB4 inverter generator’s lifetime.

Always follow the maintenance schedule, as laid out in the log book. Failure to do so will not only stop the Redback RB4 inverter generator running the way it should but could also affect your warranty.

Just like with a car, regular maintenance can be easy to put off but it is incredibly important.

Luckily, The Redback RB4 inverter generator maintenance doesn’t take too much time or effort. It just has to be done!

Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments section bellow if you have any questions.

 

Article author

Ian 
ian@itechworld.com.au