Industrial generators are more durable compared to residential generators. But as it goes for to any form of machinery they also undergo wear and tear. You need to schedule regular maintenance to ensure proper operation of the generator.
In this blog post, you will learn about some tips for maintaining industrial generators. Always contact a reliable Huntsville power equipment technician for any kind of repair and maintenance work.
1. Issues Due to Improper Load
One common mistake people make when buying an industrial generator is not putting sufficient load. Most businesses tend to buy a larger generator in the hopes that it can accommodate future load requirements.
But operating a generator with a little load can result in damage to the equipment. Operating the generator at improper load can result in a condition known as wet stacking.
Wet stacking generally occurs when the operating temperature inside the generator is not hot enough for the joints to seal up. A light load won’t burn the diesel, which will allow wet fuel to pool inside the engine stack. The wet fuel can leak through the exhaust, which can then result in a major issue including a fire.
To avoid wet stacking, you should ensure proper load. You need to run the generator with at least 35 percent of the load capabilities. This will prevent generator problems from rising due to improper load.
2. Fuel Leak
Another common problem with industrial generators is a fuel leak. You must call a qualified technician for generator repairs in case of a leak. But in some cases it may look like there is a fuel leak when it fact there is another problem at hand.
A generator that does not operate regularly will develop carbon particles. This will result in the accumulation of lube oil, carbon particles, unburned fuel, acids, and condensed water in the exhaust system of the generator. To avoid the problem, you should run the generator regularly for a few hours until the surplus fuel burns off.
3. Generator Startup Issue in Cold Weather
Generator engines won’t start in extremely cold water. This happens because the oil thickens in frigid temperature. To avoid the temperature it is important that you use the right type of oil.
Moreover, it is also important to use a block heater for keeping the engine warm. The heater will circulate the fuel around the engine block. This will maintain proper temperature, which will prevent the oil from thickening.
4. Over Heating
A common issue with industrial generators is overheating. The generators can overheat when the coolant levels are low. You should check the coolant level regularly and refill it if required.
It’s important to remember that some generators run hot during regular operation. But if you notice a significant rise in the engine temperature, you need to take immediate action.
Apart from the coolant, low fuel levels and lubricant can also result in a heating problem. You should check these fluids before starting the generator.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important so that the generator operates properly. It is essential to schedule generator services with a reliable generator repair company. The maintenance plan should be according to the recommendation of the manufacturer.
Some maintenance tasks need to be done monthly while others are required once a year. You must look at the instruction manual to find out about recommended intervals for maintaining the generator. A regular inspection of the generator will involve inspection of the following components.
- Fuel system
- Cooling system
- Air induction
- Starting system
- Automatic transfer switch
- Fuel and oil filter
- Water separator
A planned schedule will be the key in preventing generator issues in the industrial settings. Generac Superstore deals with all types of industrial generator repairs and maintenance tasks. Contact us today at (855) 880-1880 for professional industrial generator maintenance in Huntsville and Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN.