Diesel generators may be famous for their power and durability, but these systems call for regular maintenance to ensure their safety and productivity.
Diesel generators are the safeguard for when the power goes out or if you just need a power source. They’re basically a fossil fuel burner with electrical power. They can operate in all kinds of weather conditions and disaster situations. Knowing how to maintenance them, avoiding problems and fixing problems, means a good idea of some of the primary problems that can arise.
First of all is making sure your generator is clean. Give the generator a good once over to make sure the oil that can drip isn’t a problem and that pipes, wires, nuts and bolts are in place. You don’t want the elements or critters getting into the generator. If you don’t know what to look for, ask a professional. Better to be safe than sorry.
The overall look-see. These diesel generators can get contaminated or any numbers of compromising situations like general corrosion. There are diagnostics to detect and repair them if caught early enough. Often, just running these exercises that test the systems thoroughly against water vapor build up and debris buildups. Keeping a weather eye on coolant levels, fuel systems, starting procedure systems and oil levels will allow for greater prevention and quicker remedy.
Other parts of the generator need just as much eyeball attention. Anything out of the ordinary calls for professional attention. Are pipes or panels showing cracks? Has corrosion or mold taken root? Many generators are near moist areas and also suffer from water vapor condensation which can cause corrosion and mold can compromise. The wind can carry a good amount of particulate debris that can get inside a generator and worst of all are insects like nesting colonies of bees.
Rural areas might find animal hair and farming debris embedded in a generator while city placed generators can get debris from roads and tires and other substances that get caught by the wind.
The other major systems to keep an eye on are the coolant systems. If they fail you’ve got major trouble on your hands. There are procedures to checking the engine oil. Getting the right classification and oil viscosity are part of it. Do what the manufacturer says regarding oil procedures and match their recommendations as best as possible. Drill the oil inspection process until it becomes second nature.
Batteries call for lots of maintenance. Batteries are like a system all to themselves. First, off is making sure the batteries work and are fully charged. That’s their purpose, to deliver power when all else fails. To neglect the batteries, their integrity, and storage power, is to invite disaster. Regular attention via inspections and testing are what’s called for here. Never give failure the opportunity to take advantage here. There are regimens for a number of battery maintenance procedures. Cleaning batteries are quite a chore. It’s real hands-on maintenance and you need to talk to the manufacturers of both the generator and batteries for their exact recommended steps. Don’t improvise.
Remember, diesel generators are engineered and meant for additional or independent power under circumstances that are challenging. Proper Diesel generator maintenance should have you up and running when all else falls apart is what they’re there for. They have to be ready at a moment’s notice and they have to operate trouble-free for the duration of the event. Sine different environmental conditions can bring about the need to operate your diesel generator, careful planning, cleaning, and practice is essential. Yes, practice maintaining your diesel generator. Make sure others who would be operating it are as diligent. In the short and long term, you’ll find such attention a money saver if not a life saver too.