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When a diesel generator won’t start, the microcosm that it runs stops as well. Unfortunately, rarely do businesses realize they have a problem until the generator refuses to start.
You can avoid such problems by maintaining the generator and knowing the common diesel generator problems.
Keep reading to learn about the causes for needed diesel generator repairs and the ways you can avoid them.
Hose Malfunctions and Fluid Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common problems with a generator. They’re also the easiest problem to spot. If you notice a puddle of fluid accumulating regularly under or around the generator, you have a problem.
Regular maintenance checks spot and prevent basic fuel, oil, and coolant leaks.
Fuel leaks take place around the fuel tank or fuel lines. If you suspect a fuel leak, call a repair technician immediately. Leaky fuel poses an environmental and safety hazard, and it will cause more than just engine damage.
Coolant leaks usually stem from block heaters. High temperatures from the block heater will wear the hoses out faster than other hoses and cause leaks.
Oil leaks are typically not just oil. They often stem from wet stacking or what some people refer to as engine slobber. Fuel, condensed water, acids, carbon particles, and lubrication oil all accumulate and look like an oil leak.
When you take the time to maintain and clean your diesel generator, you will usually find the source of your leaks or prevent them altogether. Inspect your generator weekly, focusing specifically on spotting leaks.
Block Heater Repairs
Engines need block heaters to run properly. The block heater circulates coolant around the engine block, preventing oil from thickening in chilly temperatures.
The block heater maintains the temperature of the cooling system and keeps all parts of the engine warm. Engines typically consist of more than one type of material. For example, pistons consist of aluminum, and cylinder liners consist of iron.
Aluminum expands more quickly than iron. When the iron cylinder liners do not expand as quickly as the pistons, the pistons will scuff the piston skirt and cause damage.
An engine block heater will keep the engine warm so this damage does not occur. You can save yourself significant generator repairs by keeping your engine warm.
Overheating Engines and Low Coolant
Low coolant levels can also cause generator problems. Some generators will sound an alarm when the coolant level dips or rises. Others will just shut down.
If your alarm goes off regularly or your engine shuts down and you have to add coolant frequently, check your generator for leaks. Begin with the block heater hoses.
Inadequate coolant will cause your engine to overheat. This will subsequently damage other engine components and cause long-term damage to the rotor bearings, alternator, exhaust valves, head gasket, and more.
If you ignore your coolant levels and let your engine overheat, you will damage several engine parts and end up needing a new generator altogether.
Fuel Leaks and Gauge Malfunctions
Generators also will not start if they do not have adequate fuel. If you think you’re going through fuel more quickly than you should, check the fuel lines and tank for leaks, and then seek a repair technician immediately.
If your tank runs out of fuel but your gauges say you have plenty, then you most likely have a faulty gauge. Call in a generator repair technician to check the accuracy of your gauges and replace them if necessary.
Dead Battery
Like car batteries, generator batteries usually last several years. You can maximize the life of your battery by maintaining your generator regularly.
A generator not working could be as simple as a dead battery.
If you find yourself with a dead battery regularly, the problem may not just be the battery. You could also have a faulty alternator.
The alternator charges the battery while the generator runs. Thus, if your alternator isn’t doing its job, your battery will die regularly.
Control Malfunction
Generator control panels tell you everything you need to know about your generator’s functions. You should be able to see the oil pressure, battery voltage, coolant temperature, and more.
If your control panel malfunctions, check first to make sure you’ve turned on the automatic controls. If you still have problems, call in a skilled technician to fix the panel.
Avoid Problems, Maintain Your Generator
More than any other reason, poor maintenance leads to diesel generator problems.
To avoid repairing a generator, put your generator on a maintenance schedule. You should have a weekly, monthly, and annual checklist of things to maintain so your generator parts do not wear out.
Plan on either examining the following parts or having a technician inspect these elements regularly:
- Fuel system
- Lube oil system
- Engine monitors
- Cooling system
- Air induction and exhaust
- Safety controls
- Control panel
- Oil and fuel filter changes
- Automatic transfer switch
- Water separator maintenance
When you put together your maintenance plan, include an annual load bank test. This will burn off the unburnt fuel, carbon, and oil that have accumulated in the exhaust system and cylinders. In general, an annual load bank test will eliminate wet stacking.
Furthermore, an annual load bank test will test the cooling and fuel system and then vaporize accumulated moisture that sits in the engine and generator.
If you have air in your system, your generator still may not start. Older types of generators in particular suffer from this problem. If you run a regular maintenance schedule and your generator still won’t start, have a professional technician inspect the generator for this specific problem.
Diesel Generator Repairs Made Simple
Common diesel generator repairs include fixing fluid leaks, heater blocks, control panels, and batteries. Any one of these problems can leave your generator lifeless.
But proper and regular maintenance can prevent most of these problems. If you’re looking for a generator or generator parts, we have what you need.
Our staff takes time to make sure you find exactly what you need for your business by treating every customer with the highest degree of professionalism. We focus on answering your questions and addressing your concerns from the first day you contact us.
Contact us today and let us help you find your next generator.
The post What Are the Most Common Diesel Generator Repairs? appeared first on Swift Equipment Solutions.