In other articles on our blog, we have analyzed how useful diesel power generators are in supplying electricity in industrial, commercial, health, emergency care, military operations, and home applications. However, users make many very common mistakes (more than we would like) when using a diesel power generator. These errors can result in decreased generator efficiency, increased usage costs, increased risk of personal injury and property damage, and decreased generator life.
In this article, we will look at what you should not do with your diesel power generator.
The first and most common mistake when using a diesel power generator is not performing proper maintenance. In this situation, so risks lowering generator efficiency, increasing usage costs, and shortening generator life—all of which involve money. It can be a lot, depending on the size of your generator.
Each diesel generator has a user manual where the manufacturer recommends maintenance information. Usually, the recommended maintenance for a diesel generator consists of changing the fuel, oil, and air filters, cleaning the exhaust systems, and replacing the seals and rings. Also, users are always advised to check the coolant level, engine oil level, and timing belt from time to time. Also, ensuring the generator is clean and free of dust and dirt is important.
Here is a generic maintenance schedule for a diesel power generator:
- Check the coolant level every six months.
- Check the engine oil level every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the timing belt every 500 hours of operation.
- Change fuel, oil, and air filters every 500 hours.
- Clean exhaust systems every 500 hours of operation.
- Replace seals and rings every 500 hours of operation.
- Make sure the generator is clean and free of dust and dirt.
- Check all cables, connectors, and terminals every 500 hours.
- Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and in good condition every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the oil pressure in the oil system every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the fuel pressure in the fuel system every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the air pressure in the air system every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the coolant level every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the coolant pressure every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the oil level in the lubrication system every 500 hours of operation.
- Check the oil pressure in the lubrication system every 500 hours of operation.
- Check all air, fuel, and oil filters every 500 hours.
Misaligned generator combustion.
Another common mistake when using a diesel power generator is incorrectly adjusting the combustion. If the combustion is not adjusted correctly, the generator will not perform at maximum performance according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The idle speed must be adjusted first to adjust combustion correctly. This adjustment is made by adjusting the throttle valve to increase or decrease the number of revolutions per minute (RPM).
The user must then adjust the ignition advance. Ignition advance refers to the point in engine time at which the fuel injector injects fuel into the cylinder. Adjusting the ignition advance allows the generator to run optimally.
Finally, the user must adjust the air/fuel mixture. This adjustment refers to the amount of air and fuel injected into the cylinder. Doing well (this mixture) ensures that the generator is working optimally.
Fill the tank of the diesel generator with poor-quality fuel.
We have seen (very common) cases where users must correct the mistake of using poor-quality fuel. Poor-quality fuel can reduce generator performance, increase operating costs, and shorten generator life. Therefore, it is important to use good quality fuel to ensure the generator performs properly within its manufacturer’s specifications.
To avoid the use of poor-quality fuel is best to purchase fuel from a reliable source of supply. It is always better to buy fuel from a reputable fuel company. And if this supplier is always stable, you can establish a confident relationship.
In addition, it is also important to ensure that the fuel you buy is the right one for the generator. This means that the type of fuel must match the type of engine of the generator. If the fuel is not adequate, the generator will not work correctly. For this purpose, we always recommend referring to the product user manual and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Finally, ensuring that the fuel is stored and transported safely is also important. Fuel should be stored safely, and ensure that the container is not damaged or rusted and is properly sealed to prevent leakage. Fuel must also be transported securely to prevent spillage.
Not having enough ventilation.
The last mistake when using a diesel power generator is not having enough ventilation in the area where the generator is installed. Lack of ventilation can result in a buildup of gases and smoke in the area, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the area around the generator is well-ventilated to reduce risk.
To have sufficient ventilation in the installation area of the generator, it is always better to place it in an open area. This will allow air to flow freely around the generator and prevent a buildup of fumes and smoke. If it is not possible due to the unavailability of the area, and it must be installed in a small area, it is important to install fans to help circulate the air.
Also, it is important to ensure the area is free of objects that could obstruct air circulation. This means that objects should not be placed near the generator, which can obstruct air circulation.
Finally, it’s also important to make sure the area is free of flammable materials. Flammable materials, such as fuel, should not be stored near the generator. This will reduce the risk of fire and explosion.
Don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team if you have questions about what we have commented on in this article or require support.
At Brags & Hayes we offer all the necessary support to advise you on purchasing and maintaining your diesel generator.
Contact us at +1.954.657.7777, or email us at info@bnhgenerators.com, and we will gladly help you.
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Estimated Delivery Time 20+ weeks
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