Just like any appliance in your home, maintaining your generator helps prevent it from breaking down or needing untimely repairs. The more attention you give your generator, the longer it will last, and the better it will function. In fact, did you know that a properly maintain generator lasts twice as long as one without annual routine maintenance?
In order to properly maintain generator, it is important to ensure that your equipment keeps running for years to come. The below mentioned key points are essential for you to know in order to maintain generator properly.
Diesel Generator Routine General Inspection
During the running of the diesel generator, the exhaust system, fuel system, DC electrical system, and engine require close monitoring for any leaks that can cause hazardous occurrences. As with any internal combustion engine, proper maintenance is essential. According to Georgia Scott of Constant Power Solutions one of the leading Generators and Power Equipment Manufacturers in the UK, standard servicing and oil change times are recommended at 500hrs in order to maintain generator, however, some applications may require shorter servicing times which is why after-sales services should be top-notch.
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Lubrication Service
The engine oil must be checked while shutting down the generator at regular intervals using a dipstick. Allow the oil in the upper portions of the engine to drain back into the crankcase and follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for API oil classification and oil viscosity. Keep the oil level as near as possible to the full mark on the dipstick by adding the same quality and brand of oil.
The oil and filter must also be changed at acclaimed time intervals. Check with the engine manufacturer for procedures for draining the oil and replacing the oil filter and their disposal is to be done appropriately to avoid environmental damage or liability.
Nevertheless, it pays to use the most dependable, highest quality oils, lubricants, and coolants to keep your engine working. Therefore, it is highly advisable to purchase lubricants that comply with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) generic lubricant specifications.
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Cooling System
Check the coolant level during shutdown periods at the specified interval. Remove the radiator cap after allowing the engine to cool, and, if necessary, add coolant until the level is about 3/4 in. Heavy-duty diesel engines require a balanced coolant mixture of water, antifreeze, and coolant additives. Inspect the exterior of the radiator for obstructions, and remove all dirt or foreign material with a soft brush or cloth with caution to avoid damaging the fins. If available, use low-pressure compressed air or a stream of water in the opposite direction of normal airflow to clean the radiator.
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Fuel System
Diesel is subject to contamination and corrosion within one year, and therefore regular generator set exercise is highly recommended to use up stored fuel before it degrades. The fuel filters should be drained at the designated intervals due to the water vapor that accumulates and condenses in the fuel tank.
Regular testing and fuel polishing may be required if the fuel is not used and replaced in three to six months. Preventive maintenance should include a regular general inspection that includes checking the coolant level, oil level, fuel system, and starting system. The charge-air cooler piping and hoses should be inspected regularly for leaks, holes, cracks, dirt, and debris that may be blocking the fins or loose connections.
According to the Marketing Department of Italy “While the engine maintains its mechanical properties, it can give rise to problems related to the quality of diesel fuel. The chemical make-up of diesel fuel has changed in recent years; a certain percentage of bio diesel at low or high temperatures releases impurities, while a certain percentage of bio diesel at warm temperatures mixed with water (condensation) can be the cradle of bacterial proliferation. Besides, the reduction of Sulphur reduces lubrication, which eventually blocks the fuel injection pumps.”
“Moreover, by purchasing a Genset, it is important to know that a wide range of optional accessories is available that allow to extend maintenance intervals and ensure providing quality power throughout the genset’s life. In the mobile range, for example, Visa SpA offers fuel water separator filters, giving the customers the reassurance required when engine failure is not an option or the fuel tank inspection points.”
Ms. Clarizza Cortez of Adpower one of the leading providers of Diesel and Gas Generators in the Middle East and North Africa also mentions that, since the fuel quality is bad in most countries, they install Water Separator Fuel Filters and additional filtration system to protect the sensitive fuel injection system; and advise the customers to replace the elements on time to avoid such breakdowns.
Testing Batteries
Weak or undercharged starting batteries are a common cause of standby power system failures. The battery must be kept fully charged and well-maintained to avoid dwindling by regular testing and inspection to know the current status of the battery and avoid any start-up hitches of the generator. They must also be cleaned, and the specific gravity and electrolyte levels of the battery checked frequently.
Merely checking the output voltage of the batteries is not indicative of their ability to deliver adequate starting power. As batteries age, their internal resistance to current flow goes up, and the only accurate measure of terminal voltage must be done under load. On some generators, this indicative test is performed automatically each time the generator is started. On other generator sets, use a manual battery load tester to attest to the condition of each starting battery.
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Cleaning batteries:
One of the most important ways to maintain generator is to keeping the batteries clean by wiping them with a damp cloth whenever dirt appears excessive. If corrosion is present around the terminals, remove the battery cables and wash the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water (¼ lb baking soda to 1 quart of water). Be careful to prevent the solution from entering the battery cells, and flush the batteries with clean water when finished. After replacing the connections, coat the terminals with a light application of petroleum jelly.
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Checking specific gravity:
In open-cell lead-acid batteries, use a battery hydrometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery cell. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.260. Charge the battery if the specific gravity reading is below 1.215.
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Checking electrolyte level:
Yet another way to maintain generator is by checking the electrolyte level. In open-cell lead-acid batteries, verify the level of the electrolyte at least every 200 hr of operation. If low, fill the battery cells to the bottom of the filler neck with distilled water.
Routine Engine Exercise
Regular exercising keeps the engine parts lubricated and thwarts oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up the fuel before it deteriorates, and helps to provide reliable engine starting. Engine exercise is recommended to be executed at least once a month for a minimum of 30 min. loaded to no less than one-third of the nameplate rating.
Most importantly, when it comes to engine maintenance, according to Peter Whitfield of YorPower a leading independent UK diesel generator manufacturer, it is recommended to do inspections regularly because preventative maintenance is better than reactive maintenance. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to follow the designated service procedure and intervals.
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Keep your Diesel Generator Clean
Oil drips and other issues are easy to spot and take care of when the engine is nice and clean. Visual inspection can guarantee that hoses and belts are in good condition. Frequent checks can keep wasps and other nuisances from nesting in your equipment. The more a generator is used and relied on, the more it needs to be taken care of. However, a generator set that is rarely used might not need a lot of care.
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Exhaust system inspection
In case there are leaks along the exhaust line which usually occurs at the connection points, the welds, and the gaskets; they should be repaired immediately by a qualified technician. Nevertheless according to Ms. Arlene of Maverick Generators in South Africa, always make sure your units are serviced. Especially 24 hrs before using your generators. “For standby generators, for example, you need to have your units serviced 150hrs on average. However, if the generator is used constantly the hours go up much quicker and in more regular intervals,” she adds.
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