While it’s not advisable to run generators below their optimal workload-to-fuel-consumption level, the reality on jobsites and in emergency situations sometimes demands it. If this happens to be the case, regularly scheduled and preventative maintenance regimens become even more crucial for maintaining the health of the power system. Generators regularly expected to run on light loads should be subject to more rigorous maintenance regimens to ensure there’s no excessive wear or deposit buildup.
If generators must be run at light load for a period of time, then in general they should afterwards be run under an increased load. This raises the temperature and pressure within the generator’s cylinders, which helps to clean off deposits in the combustion chamber.