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Diesel Generator Maintenance Checklist
Diesel generators generally do not require extensive service to continue running at their full capacity. However, some routine maintenance is required. To learn more about diesel generator repair and service, read on.
Check The Oil
One of the most important components of diesel generator repair and service is checking the oil. Like all internal combustion engines, diesel generators use motor oil to keep internal parts lubricated. The oil on a diesel generator can be easily checked using the dipstick when the generator is not running.
Check The Coolant
Diesel generators get very hot after running for prolonged periods of time. They use coolant to keep internal mechanisms from being damaged by this heat. The coolant should be checked and refilled regularly for optimal operation.
Drain Fuel Filters
One often-overlooked component of maintaining diesel generators is draining the fuel filters. Vapor will accumulate in the filters until they become full. If the fuel filters are not drained by this point, they will no longer be effective.
Test The Batteries
Just like a car, diesel generators require batteries to run. These batteries will run down over time, so they should be tested regularly. This will help prevent unexpected stoppages in operation.
Also read: Tips on Buying a Used Diesel Generator
Exercise The Engine
As companies that offer used diesel engines for sale know, the engines must be exercised from time to time. The generator should be run at one-third of the nameplate rating for an hour or so every month. Those looking for generators for sale should ensure that they have been exercised.
Check For Exhaust Leaks
One of the most important maintenance checks to perform on a diesel generator is an inspection of the exhaust system. Exhaust leaks can sap the power of a diesel generator. They may lead to bigger problems, and they can even be dangerous in confined areas.
Clean The Generator
The exterior of the generator should be cleaned regularly. This will keep the generator’s protective casing in good shape. Also, it will keep foreign material from getting into the air or fuel filters. Carefully cleaning the exterior of the generator may even keep foreign material from clogging up the exhaust system.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Maintenance Checklist of Generator
1. Why is it important to exercise a generator?
If the electricity supply to your building or factory is hardly disrupted, the generator may not be used for long periods. As with any appliance, a generator may stop functioning properly if it is not in use. This is why a generator must be regularly exercised.
Exercising refers to the practice of switching the generator on and letting it run at one-third of the nameplate rating at regular intervals. For instance, 60 minutes every month. If you are buying a second-hand generator, ensure it has been exercised.
2. Why is it important to check the coolant?
When generators run continuously for longer periods, the various parts of the generator can heat up. Long exposure to high temperatures can damage the internal components of the generator. This is why diesel generators have a liquid cooling system that helps maintain temperature for optimal functioning. The coolant must be regularly checked and refilled to keep down the internal temperatures.
3. Can the fuel filters get clogged?
Diesel, the main fuel source in a diesel generator, tends to get gummy after six to 12 months if it remains unused. This is where fuel filters play an important role in cleaning the fuel. However, at times, vapor can clog the filters. Hence, it is important to drain the fuel filters regularly. Without regular draining, they will not effectively clean up the fuel.
4. How often do generator batteries need to be changed?
Diesel generators use industrial batteries, which may need to be replaced every two to three years. However, it is best to get a technician to do a thorough review and then recommend if they need to be replaced. It is important to have properly functioning batteries, as malfunctioning batteries can damage the diesel generator.
5.Why is it important to keep your diesel generator in good condition?
Every machine requires maintenance to continue running efficiently. So is the case with diesel generators. In fact, it is even more important to keep your diesel generator in good working condition since they are often installed as an alternate power source in crucial environments at different industrial setups. If a diesel generator conks off at a crucial time, it can cause massive monetary and business losses to the organizations. That apart, keeping a generator in a good condition will also elongate its shelf-life and will save money on untimely repair and service costs.
6.What is the main maintenance checklist for a diesel generator?
If you wish to keep your diesel generator in good condition, keep checking the following periodically. This includes the engine oil, the coolant, drain fuel filters, the batteries, exercise the engine, exhaust leaks, and keeping the generator clean and tidy. If you periodically check these elements, you will not only keep the generator running in good condition but will also be able to detect any threat on time and rectify it before it’s too late.
7.Why is it important to keep the exterior of the generator clean?
When using a diesel generator, it is not only important to keep its internal parts up and running but also to keep the exterior clean. This will help the generator’s protective casing in good shape. That apart, it will keep dust and other pollutants from entering the air and https://www.midamericaengine.com/learn-commercial-generator-repair-services/fuel filters. If such elements enter the interior system of the generator, they can clog the exhaust system and lead the generator to underperform.
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