Top 5 Tips Related to the Maintenance of Diesel Generators

A generator has become almost a basic necessity these days, due to an increase in the frequency of power outages and blackouts due to various unpredictable factors. A diesel generator is the ultimate combination of the traditional kind of diesel engines with the electric ones. Even though a diesel engine is primarily designed to run on diesel, these generators manage well with other types of fuels such as natural gas also.

People often tend to forget some important things related to the generators and end up relying too much on the mechanics or service centres and so on. Here are some tips to help one with the maintenance of the diesel generators.

The Reasons Behind the Need to Maintain Diesel Generators:

Any kind of mechanical equipment, no matter how frequently or infrequently it is used, is bound to develop snags at one point or another.

Diesel generators are most often a standby power supply source and therefore would not be used very frequently. In due course, we tend to ignore the condition of its various mechanical parts such as bearings, tubing’s, excessive heating, leakage of oil and things of that sort. We downplay the need for maintenance servicing. Even if we do, we attempt stop-gap methods or use poor quality spares. This leads to severe mechanical issues that lead to under performance and later into malfunction and breakdown.

Things to Do to Maintain Diesel Generators:

As mentioned already, there are a couple of things to do in order to protect the diesel generators. Here are 5 ideas on how to maintain the diesel generators:

Regular inspection

Regular inspection and careful observation can help you in different ways to find out about any mechanical problems in the making. You can make it a monthly routine to make an overall check. This way you will encounter small issues which can be rectified and prevented from developing into a major damage. You need to be absolutely sure about the fuel systems, electrical problems or other issues.

Lubrication issue

Lubrication issue is another such important thing to consider. While the generator is being shut down, it is better to use the dipstick. This way the extra oil can get drained up. The oil filter is needed to be replaced from time to time too. This is precisely in order to avoid the environmental pollution and problems. When the engine remains idle for a longer duration, the oil tends to become thicker, also some metallic wear particles may settle on crucial parts. Clean filters will ensure that circulated oil is filtered off any impurities. Improperly filtered oil and recycled oil can damage engine parts.

Cooling system

The cooling system should be inspected routinely. The tubes that connect the different parts of the cooling system can be faulty. Due to deposition of various sediments, the cooling system may get clogged. This affects the cooling of the generator. If cooling is not proper it will lead to overheating of the engine. A generator that runs for long in an overheated condition is at severe risk of breakdown.

Fuel system

The fuel system is also one thing that should be maintained regularly. Diesel generators have diesel fuel pumps which are very complex components the performance of which is related to the quality and purity of the fuel. Sediments that form during long times of inactivity can affect the diesel fuel pump.

Apart from cleaning, fuel, cooling and various other issues, do not forget to check the battery condition too. The battery may get discharged and if that happens, you may not be able to start the generator.

The most important thing above all is to find a skilled professional supervisor to handle all these issues. After all, a person who has prior knowledge about these kinds of equipment, as well as diesel generators, can always be helpful. Never entrust this machinery at the mercy of amateurs.

Follow these easy tips and maintenance of diesel generators will be trouble free.

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