How to Prevent Overheating of a Diesel Generator

A diesel-powered generator is efficient in fuel, and it is also reliable because it is durable, and you will enjoy using it for a long time. Even with the advantages of the diesel generator, it has some problems that you might have to deal with. One of these problems is overheating, and it is vital to deal with anything that causes overheating.

The primary cause of overheating is when the coolant is low or not using it properly. Anytime you notice the generator overheating, you need to ensure that you check out the problem and figure out how to deal with it.

Why prevent overheating

Overheating will shorten the lifespan of your generator, and when slip rings are exposed to the high temperature, they can unsolder and cause other problems to the generator. The bearings may also start to melt with the high temperature. Among other issues that overheating can cause are:

The rotor may warp
The cylinder head can crush and restrict the flow of coolant to it
The core of the radiator can damage
it can damage the valve guide by expanding the exhaust valves

Apart from the significant damages, overheating can also damage many different parts of your generator, and it can be costly to repair. Sometimes you may find that repairing the generator can even exceed the cost of buying it, and in the long run, it will not be cost-effective to have the generator as a backup. If the generator shuts down, it will not be working effectively to give you power when you need it.

When your generator keeps shutting down and overheating, you will need to replace it sooner than you had expected. This is because overheating shortens the lifespan of the generator.

Repairing a generator can be costly, and at times you may have to buy parts that are not easy to find. This is why you need to ensure you have kept your generator in great shape.

Causes of overheating in the generators

There are many causes of overheating in diesel generators, and you need to deal with them so that you prevent overheating and damage to your generator.

Overloading the generator
If you over fuel the generator
The cooler fan is broken
No circulation or poor circulation of coolant, which might be as a result of a collapsed hose.
Low coolant levels, which might mean that the coolant is leaking.
There is dirt accumulated in the generator or on one of the parts has grease accumulated on the surface. The dirt or grease can hinder heat dissipation and cause overheating.
The diesel injectors are clogged.
Damaged exhaust systems
The oil level is low
The radiator pipeline has blocked

It is vital to keep up the maintenance of the generator so that you can take care of any damages before they get worse and start to overheat your generator.

Sometimes, you may face overheating immediately after buying the generator, and in many of these times, this might be because of manufacturing defects. If you notice that it is overheating while still new, you might need to check with the manufacturer and see any defects and damage to the generator.

How to Prevent Overheating

Although a generator can fail once in a while also overheat due to many circumstances, you need to note that you need to act if you notice constant overheating. The best thing to do to prevent overheating is to keep up with the maintenance schedule and also ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you are using it.

Proper servicing will ensure you are keeping your generator running smoothly, and you will also extend its lifespan. You can also do the following to prevent overheating of your generator:

Have your generator in a well-ventilated room or area. You can build a simple shed to keep the generator so that it is safe.
If there is anything that emits heat near the generator, you need to remove it and place it far from your generator.
Ensure that the exhauster is not blocked by anything. Remove anything that might be blocking the exhaust to ensure it has a clear way.
Clean any dirt or grease that might block the fan and any other parts
Ensure that the coolant and the oil levels are proper and add more in case they run low
Avoid overloading the generator and if the one you have is not able to generate enough power, consider buying a more powerful generator.
Use enough fuel and do not over-fuel the generator. The fuel and coolant you use should also be of high quality because low quality will damage your generator too.
To keep the generator in good working condition, run it regularly even if you have had power for a long time. It is good for the generator to keep working and not to stay idle for a long time.
Check the electric brake conditions, and if you notice the overheating alarm, you should stop the generator.
Make sure nothing falls on the generator and keep it from any small objects when it is working or even when transporting it.

It is crucial that you keep your generator working well so that it will not overheat. A generator requires airflow, and wherever you place it, you need to ensure that it is reachable and keep it clean and maintain it regularly.

Apart from improving the generator’s lifespan, the diesel generator will work more effectively when you keep it maintained and clean. You will also prevent it from polluting the environment because it will not emit dangerous gasses to the environment. If you have a properly-ventilated place, you should have your generator in it, and if not, you should make a shed that you can use to store the generator safely and securely.

If you’re looking for new surplus or certified used diesel generator, Swift Equipment Solutions is the supplier you need. Take a look through our product listings or get in touch with us on +1-713-903-7775 or sales@swiftequipment.com with any queries or concerns that we can help you address.