5 Tips for Reliable Diesel Engine Maintenance

Even with the soaring cost of gas, diesel fuel would need to increase by 25% to 30% to lose its cost-saving advantage over gasoline. Still, the only way you can save money, in the long run, is with diesel engine maintenance.

A diesel generator can cost more upfront, but it pays for itself over time. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, and they have a longer life span.

Keep reading to learn five tips for reliable diesel engine maintenance.

1. Keep It Clean

Because diesel engines last longer than gasoline engines, they may benefit from more regular cleaning. After all, dirt and dust have more opportunities to accumulate when you use an engine more often. Over time, dirt collects on your engine’s components, shortening its lifespan and perhaps reducing fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, you could operate in a location with harsh winters. Your generator engine’s components and parts may wear out faster due to the climate and an accumulation of rust and corrosion.

Many industries rely on diesel generators. Cleaning their diesel engines is an essential but crucial task for these companies.

2. Warm It up Regularly

Diesel engines must maintain a set operating temperature for a total fuel burn. However, a diesel engine does not reach the specified operating temperature when used at low speeds.

In other words, if it’s not used regularly, it can develop wet stacking. Wet stacking occurs when operating temperatures remain lower than the recommended operating temperature for an extended period.

When a diesel engine operates with no or a minimal load, it merely provides enough power to keep its components running. It also overcomes internal friction. It uses extremely little fuel, and the temperatures within the cylinders are far lower than when the engine is under regular stress.

Preventing Wet Stacking

If there are no indications of wet stacking, take precautionary steps to avoid it. Consider operating the generator for a few minutes once a week with an electrical load that achieves the specified operating temperature. Also, think about having it inspected and repaired by a professional regularly.

Alternatively, your generator may have mild or severe wet stacking symptoms. You should have a professional generator maintenance specialist do a load test in either of these instances. The test will help you see if you can keep running your generator as is or if you must overhaul it.

In some cases, wet stacking is still in its early stages. The specialist will perform a load test utilizing the building’s load or an external portable load bank. The unburned fuel will burn off, resolving the problem.

3. Check the Air Filter Routinely

The most essential purpose of an air filter is to protect against pollutants. It also helps your fuel and exhaust system work appropriately.

It acts as a deterrent to debris that might taint the engine and its more delicate components. However, when an air filter gets soiled, it can no longer serve its function.

Check your air filter with routine preventive maintenance. A clogged filter might cause your generator engine to choke, requiring more fuel to provide the power you need.

In general, you’ll want to replace your air filter every 500 hours, or if you notice less engine power or more engine wear, get it checked out.

4. Maintain the Cooling System

Diesel engines run hotter than gasoline engines, exposing their radiators to greater temperatures and overheating. Overheating can cause engine components like cylinders and gasket seals to distort, resulting in complete and possibly irreversible engine failure.

Regular coolant exchanges and proper cooling system maintenance are excellent ways to keep your diesel engine from overheating. Here’s how you can keep your radiator in good working order.

Fill the cooling system and radiator with radiator cleaning fluid. Also, remove any rust and contaminants from the antifreeze. Finally, top off the system with fresh antifreeze to help it cool more efficiently.

5. Replace the Fuel Filter as Needed

Gas engines use a single fuel filter, while most diesel engines use two. The primary fuel filter usually sits between the gas tank and the engine. In contrast, a secondary fuel filter typically rests between the transfer pump and the fuel injectors.

Diesel fuel absorbs more water from condensation in the tank. This happens because of the less refined nature of the fuel. For this reason, many manufacturers design diesel engines with two fuel filters.

A few things can happen to your engine when there are water particles in diesel. For example, you could notice a drop in horsepower. Your generator diesel engine may also stall. Lastly, your fuel injectors can explode in the worst-case scenario.

Stay Ahead of Problems With Proper Diesel Engine Maintenance

Don’t wait until your generator breaks down to give it needed attention. Maintain regular inspections and preventative maintenance to keep it running. Experts recommend a fuel filter change for most diesel engines every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Still, you should verify the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific make and model.

Also, it’s best to simultaneously change the primary and secondary gasoline filters to get the most out of their efficiency and longevity. When it comes to fuel filters, it’s also important to know that not all fuel filters are equal. To avoid any potential problems, use a high-quality diesel-specific filter.

Get the Most for Your Investment

We hope these diesel engine maintenance tips help you keep your generator running smoothly. If you have questions or need advice on maintaining your equipment, please don’t hesitate to contact Swift Equipment. We’re always happy to help our customers get the most out of their investments.

In the meantime, check out our inventory of diesel generators—we’re sure you’ll find what you need.