5 tips for proper maintenance of a diesel generator

A diesel generator consists of a diesel engine and an inverter that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in alternating current. A diesel generator is typically fuel-powered. However, some are also powered by fossil energy or other petroleum products.

Powerful, reliable and long-lasting, diesel generators provide emergency backup power for businesses and homes. Even so, careful maintenance of the diesel generator is required to ensure that it remains in good working order for many years.

Here are some suggestions for keeping a diesel generator in good working order:

Perform routine checks

Accidents can occur at any time when operating a diesel generator. The simplest approach to avoid this unfortunate situation when using a generator is to do basic maintenance on a regular schedule.

Routine checks are necessary because the generator shakes when running, causing parts or nuts to break. Therefore, an accident or generator failure may occur. With this in mind, you should inspect the various systems such as the fuel, shock absorber, inverter and power components to ensure that everything is in top condition.

The filter should be replaced regularly. However, consult the manufacturer regarding the correct oil filter replacement procedure and proper disposal method to avoid environmental damage. For diesel generators to work well, it pays to use high quality oils, greases and coolants.

Clean your generator regularly

The stator and rotor of your diesel generator are crucial components that generate power simultaneously. However, exceeding the recommended operating limits causes these components to accumulate particles, dirt, soot and other impurities.

When this happens, your generator loses power and becomes less and less efficient, increasing the likelihood that the rotor and stator will fail completely.

You should pay special attention to these routine maintenance procedures, especially if you work in a dusty workplace. This ensures that your stator and rotor are in optimal working order.

Monitor the oil inside your generator.

On average, generator oil has a lifespan of five years. However, this does not imply that you should check the oil in your diesel generator every five years. The oil can become old if a diesel generator has been left idle for a long period of time. Because old oil does not flow easily, it can easily clog the engine.

Regular oil monitoring is the best way to avoid running your generator on old oil, greatly reducing starting problems. You should also check that your diesel generator has enough oil. Running a generator with little or no oil or gas can cause significant wear and tear on critical engine parts.

Start the generator every few months

Many families and businesses rely on diesel generators as a backup power source in the event of an outage. Therefore, diesel generators can sit idle for months or even years.

It is advisable to run your diesel generator every few months to keep the electric starter battery charged. This will also ensure that your generator is in top working order in the event of a power outage.

Make sure the batteries are working optimally

An undercharged or unstable battery is a recipe for mechanical failure. Batteries must be fully charged and maintained in excellent condition to avoid damage. This can be achieved by regular cleaning and monitoring of the relative density of the battery and the amount of electrolyte.

Testing a battery’s ability to create or supply enough energy to start a diesel generator is not the same as testing its voltage. The resistance to current flow produced by batteries increases with age.

The only valid test to estimate the output voltage is when the batteries are mechanically or electrically charged. This test is performed automatically on some diesel generators when they are started, while on other diesel generators it is done manually using a battery load tester.