After a major power outage swept through Muskoka earlier this year, 247 Generators is sounding the alarm on the importance of proper maintenance. Owner Murray Bullock says the company responded to over 30 calls from customers whose generators failed – many of which could have been avoided with regular upkeep.
“We saw eight generators with engines that actually exploded,” he says. “Most of the units that went down hadn’t had maintenance in years. Some had never been looked at since installation.”
During the outage, which left some homes without power for up to nine days, many air-cooled generators were pushed beyond their intended limits. “They’re not built to run nonstop for that long,” Murray explains. “When they do, things like valve adjustments become critical. If those are out of spec, you’re at serious risk of engine failure.”
247 specializes in generator servicing and preventive maintenance – not just sales. While they do offer units from brands like Generac, Cummins, and Kohler, the company’s focus is on keeping existing systems running reliably, especially during extreme weather.
“Maintenance isn’t just an oil change,” Murray explains. “We check valve clearances, inspect fan shroud bolts, and look for wear that others miss. One five dollar bolt we caught last week was about to shear off – if it had gone, it would have caused up to $1,800 in damage.”
Murray also warns that not all service providers are created equal. “A lot of electricians say they do generator maintenance, but they’re just doing the bare minimum,” he says. “They’re not trained technicians, and they don’t know what to look for.”
247’s technicians are certified, experienced, and available 24/7. The company provides detailed inspection reports and maintains service histories for all units they look after. Whether residential or commercial, they service all makes and models.
Most importantly, Murray says, they’re local. “We live here. We’re not coming from Toronto or Barrie. That means when the power goes out, we can respond quickly – and we understand what our community needs.”
His advice is simple: schedule yearly maintenance before the next big storm. “People think their generator will just work when they need it. But unless someone’s checking it regularly, they’re taking a big gamble. And the last outage proved it.”
TEXT KARI KLASSEN
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
