Troubleshooting and maintenance
Technicians rely on their EnPak power systems every day for critical functions that help get work done on the jobsite.
Routine maintenance keeps the EnPak units in your fleet running smoothly and helps avoid unnecessary and costly downtime. Maintenance is typically a simple task, but it can be easy to put off — or to forget entirely.
Learn more about common maintenance mistakes and get five tips to stay on top of EnPak maintenance and optimize machine performance.
Common maintenance mistakes
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to maintenance of any machine is neglecting routine service. Delaying service keeps dirt in the oil or hydraulic fluid longer than recommended, adding wear to EnPak engines. The service indicators and interval hours countdown are good reminders, so pay attention to those alerts and build maintenance time into the schedule. This helps avoid unexpected downtime later.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, another common mistake is overservicing the unit. The idea of too much service seems counterintuitive, but overservicing can cause problems — and cost money. Take, for example, a technician who frequently checks the air filter. Every time they pull the filter off and push it back onto the machine, it opens the system and allows dirt and debris in. Changing filters too often means you’re not maximizing the useful life of those products, which costs more money in the long run.
It’s important to find a balance between not enough service and too much service. Here are some tips to help you streamline maintenance and improve machine performance.
5 EnPak maintenance tips
Tip 1: Track and service items separately.
Each item on your maintenance list has a different recommended service schedule, so be aware that there are varying alerts and interval countdowns depending on what you are tracking. Service recommendations vary for things like engine oil, compressor oil, hydraulic oil and the different filters on the EnPak. You can conduct all of this service at the same time if that’s your scheduling preference but understand that this method may cost more.
Tip 2: Don’t forget the brushes.
Users sometimes overlook EnPak brush maintenance. Change generator brushes every 1,000 hours, per recommendations. If this is neglected and brushes fail, it could be a costly repair if the slip rings are damaged. The generator will stop working if the brushes fail and that may lead to costly downtime.
Tip 3: Be aware of environmental factors.
You may need to conduct routine maintenance more frequently if EnPak units are used in harsh conditions or dusty, dirty environments. These types of jobsite conditions put more wear on components like air filters and brushes.
Tip 4: Buy OEM replacement parts.
Buy filters from the same manufacturer that produced the engine in the EnPak. Filters made by the OEM meet the standards required for that specific engine and help extend product life. In addition to offering individual filters, Miller has engine and air compressor service kits for each EnPak model. These kits offer convenience for users by providing all the parts needed for service.
Tip 5: Take advantage of features to reduce idling.
Miller EnPak systems have features that decrease machine idle time, which in turn helps extend necessary maintenance intervals. Auto-Speed™ technology automatically varies engine speed from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm to match compressed air, battery charge, hydraulic power and weld demands. This lowers maintenance costs as well as fuel consumption and noise. Auto Start/Stop automatically turns the EnPak engine on and off based on demand, reducing unnecessary idling along with fuel consumption and noise.
Maintenance for EnPak A60 and A30 models
Recommended maintenance steps are similar for both EnPak A30 and EnPak A60 systems. However, the recommended range of hours before service is needed varies by unit model and engine type. Always check the owner’s manual or the maintenance label inside the service door to find the recommended service intervals and replacement filter information for your specific machine.
Improved predictive maintenance features on EnPak units provide more alerts to technicians regarding service intervals. A countdown of hours until upcoming service intervals lets technicians and service managers easily track when routine maintenance is needed.
The EnPak A30 counts down service hours for engine oil and compressor oil. The EnPak A60 counts down service hours for engine oil, compressor oil, hydraulic oil and brush maintenance. The service interval hours are unique to each model and are listed on the maintenance label, which is located under the top cover of the EnPak.
EnPak troubleshooting and maintenance
Keeping up with routine maintenance and following some best practices can help you optimize the life and performance of Miller EnPak power systems. For information on troubleshooting common hydraulic system performance issues, read this article.