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A diesel generator is a perfect source of power in instances where electric power fails. During thunderstorms, it is not uncommon for different areas to experience extended blackout periods which result in financial loss due to downtimes in commercial facilities. With the recently issued tornado watch for the larger part of Wisconsin, now is the perfect time to ensure that you are on the top of your generator maintenance.
In this article, we discuss 7 reasons why you should not gamble about maintaining your workplace generator, or portable generator for that matter.
Although diesel generators are sturdy, durable, and quite reliable, making sure they undergo preventive maintenance is recommended. Plenty of generators will not immediately manifest symptoms of failure until the generator is unable to run when in case of power outage. Regular preventive maintenance enables the technician to identify problems with your generator and resolve them before they get any worse.
In addition to conducting a visual inspection, experienced technicians always ensure to have a generator maintenance checklist which ensures that they have a look at some of the most important aspects, including but not limited to –
Regularly checking all these aspects ensure that your generator performs optimally at all times.
The internal combustion engine of a generator that is not regularly maintained is prone to producing carbon monoxide, which is fatal if it is inhaled. During the maintenance process, the technician will ensure that the generator is positioned in such a way that it releases any fumes outdoors rather than indoors. To this end, keeping the generator clean can also prove to be very helpful.
Wasps, birds, rats, snakes, and other critters can infest your generator’s housing. Rats and mice are especially notorious for setting up a nest and chewing through the appliance’s wiring. During proper maintenance, all the parts of your generator are checked and cleaned from potentially damaging dirt and debris. They are then tested to ascertain that they are working as intended. In fact, the technician will also disconnect generator batteries and reconnect them to ensure there are no underlying issues. Doing so in accordance to a maintenance schedule as recommended by the engine manufacturer helps improve generator efficiency!
Generators running on diesel need to have the diesel fuel tank emptied and refilled at least twice every year. This is because the fuel deteriorates with time, especially when the generator goes for long periods without being operated, and hence it is recommended that you drain fuel system completely. Regular maintenance ensures that the fuel levels are checked and the supply is changed, thus eliminating problems arising from fuel problems.
Ignoring regular standby generator maintenance might save you a few bucks today. However, this could lead to costly repairs in the long run. It is, therefore, in your best interest to ensure basic maintenance tasks like change fuel filters, replace air filters, drain coolant, change coolant filters, check fuel supply etc. can help ensure seamless engine operation. If such maintenance is ignored for a fairly long time, in extreme cases, you may even need to replace the entire unit, which can prove to be a costly affair – especially since the cost of standby generators is constantly on the rise.
Unmaintained generators normally have shorter lifespans. As you do not want to constantly be on the lookout for a diesel generator for sale, it only makes sense to take care of your investment. Ensure maintenance at regular service intervals and taking care of timely shutdown periods can help avoid start up hitches and keep your generator set functioning smoothly for years at end!
If you are looking into investing in a generator for your industrial or commerce al facility, Central States Diesel Generators has a solution for you. Apart from stocking different types of generators for sale, we have the necessary knowledge and experience when it comes to maintaining your generator.
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Make sure to get your portable generator, as well as a standby generator, inspected every six months, or after every 400 hours of use. If in case your generator isn’t used very often, you should still ensure a maintenance schedule of once every year.
It is recommended that the engine oil of a generator must be changed after every 100 hours of use. In case, you run the generator often, you must keep an eye on the oil level. While doing so, make sure that the generator set has cooled down, else you or your technician may run the risk of getting burned.
As is the case with oil change, the spark plugs of the diesel generator should also be changed after every 100 hours of use. At every generator servicing the technician should inspect if the spark plugs are worn out or cracked, and must immediately change them if that’s the case.
Portable generator won’t start? Don’t panic – here's 9 common reasons why your generator’s engine won't start, and how to fix it.
While it may seem obvious, your generator’s fuel levels should be the first thing you check. If fuel levels are low, add more fuel to the tank.
Keep in mind that ‘stale’ fuel older than 30 days old can damage the fuel tank and may cause the generator to not start.
Most generators have a sensor to alert you when oil levels are low. However, if the spark plug is properly gapped and still not igniting, your low-oil sensor may be busted.
Be sure to check your generators oil levels with a dipstick. If the oil is low, refill it with the specific oil type recommended by your manufacturer.
Note: Running the generator on an angled surface may trigger the low oil sensor even if there is enough oil.
A dirty or damaged spark plug may be preventing your generator from starting.
To check your generator’s spark plug, remove it from the engine with a spark plug socket. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it carefully and clear away any signs of dirt and debris. Replace the spark plug if you notice any cracked porcelain or broken electrodes.
Then check the spark plug is working by holding it against the engine’s crankcase while pulling the recoil starter. If it’s working, you’ll see blue sparks.
If you have a full tank of fuel but the generator still won’t start, there may be a problem with the fuel valve or fuel line.
Ensure the fuel valve is set to open when starting your generator. If the generator still won’t start, open the vacuum relief valve on the top of the fuel tank. Then, unplug the outlet hose from the intake side of the fuel valve to see if fuel is flowing freely.
If your generator has an in-line fuel filter between the fuel valve and carburetor, be sure to check that as well for any blockages.
If your generator sounds like it’s trying to start, but just won’t turn over, the choke lever may be in the wrong position.
When cold starting the generator, the choke lever should be completely closed. Then, gradually open the choke lever as the generator warms up.
Alternatively, if you’ve been using the generator and only turn it off briefly, the choke lever will need to be halfway or fully open in order to restart the generator.
If your generator has been in storage, it’s likely your carburetor could be blocked with old, sticky fuel.
As a solution, shut off the fuel valve and open the carburetor drain at the bottom of the carburetor’s bowl. If the generator still won’t start, remove the entire bowl from the bottom of the carburetor and clean out any old fuel.
To avoid this in future, follow portable generator storage best practices such as draining the fuel tank and carburetor beforehand.
Just like your car, generator batteries lose charge over time due to lack of use. So, if your generator has an electric push-button or remote start, the battery may be flat.
To recharge the battery, try starting the generator using the backup pull starter. If this doesn’t work or your generator doesn’t have a pull starter, try charging it with a 12-volt DC outlet or jump starting it from your car.
You should never have anything plugged into the generator when starting- this includes vacant extension cords.
A clogged air filter may prevent the necessary amount of air entering the carburetor for ignition.
To check the filter, open up the air filter compartment on the side of the generator and check the air filter element inside. Clean or replace if necessary.
If you’re still unsure, it’s always best to contact an expert.
With years of experience, you can rely on Blue Diamond Machinery to provide the right advice and a generator to meet your unique charging requirements.
For more information on the best model to suit your power requirements, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.
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