How To Troubleshoot Common Issues with Industrial Diesel Generators

Is your Industrial Diesel Generator not working properly anymore? Are you looking for ways to troubleshoot it? Then let us help you!

Industrial Diesel Generators are a great asset to any business. They generate electricity during power outages. Additionally, some businesses use industrial generators in areas without any connection to the power grid.

In all, they are a great investment for businesses and organizations. They minimize low load and power shortage, which helps any business run smoothly.

But like all machines, it has an expiration date, too! With time, your Industrial Diesel Generator starts to have some issues that can ultimately affect your production cycle.

So, what should you do in that case? Should you just dispose of your industrial generator?

Obviously no! The right solution is not scrapping your asset just like that! But how can you ensure your diesel generator is still in use?

Let us explain…

First, you need to analyze and identify what exactly is wrong with your industrial generator. There are many common issues with Industrial Diesel Generators that are fixable. After you troubleshoot your industrial generator properly, they are as good as new.

Now, let’s talk about what these common issues are (and how to fix them!)

What Are Common Issues with Industrial Diesel Generators?

Although Industrial Diesel Generators are extremely durable, they are still machines at the end of the day, which means eventually they will start having some issues.

So, what are these issues? Keep reading to find out the list of common issues with industrial diesel generators and their solutions below:

• Dead Battery

As we discussed above, oftentimes, people use industrial generators for power shortages. This means their diesel generators would stay on standby until a power outage

Now, we know diesel generators are durable. However, they still require maintenance, as when they are on standby for a long period, their battery starts to die.

Your easy fix is placing your battery on a trickle charger. Your battery would be ready to go. However, you should still do regular maintenance and change your batteries as well. 

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), you should change the batteries of your generator every 2 to 3 years.

• Running on Empty

One of the most common issues Diesel Generator owners face is generators running out of fuel.

For most parts, it can simply be human error, which can be fixed by simply checking the fuel level when your generator does not start. 

But other times, it can be a fuel level gauge error as level gauges sometimes do not work properly. This can happen when the fuel level gauges get stuck in position and may indicate an incorrect fuel level compared to what it actually is.

Manual checks and regular service and maintenance by specialists from Swift Equipment Solutions can help you avoid this situation and further problems.

• Generator Leak

When an industrial diesel generator is taking heavy loads often, it requires more and better maintenance. As they are used in commercial businesses, it is quite common for this to be the case. In such cases, generator leaks can become a problem you might face.

If there is any leak of any kind (fuel, oil, or coolant), you should call a qualified technician from a trusted company like Swift Equipment Solutions to take a look at it and repair it.

There is another problem with generator leaks – Wet Stacking. Wet Stacking refers to a situation in which your generator might think there is a leak when, in reality, there is none.

Generators can think? No, not in any way that it matters anyway. But this happens due to accumulated unburned fuel, acid, carbon particles and condensed water in the exhaust system. 

Regular maintenance can help resolve these issues before they become a bigger problem and cost you expensive repairs.

• Clogged Filtration System

Most high-quality industrial diesel generators come with built-in air filtration systems. Such diesel generators ensure the carburettor receives appropriate oxygen to mix with the fuel. 

This makes the filtration system a key part of the internal combustion engine.

Since the filtration system mainly consists of a series of pipes whose job is to get sufficient amounts of air to the engine, these pipes are quite vulnerable to debris or dirt. This can result in the breakage of components or systems from high-speed rocks moving inside the filtration system.

To avoid such heavy damage from mere debris and small rocks, you should hire Swift Equipment Solutions to regularly maintain and clean your generator, including the filtration system. Specialists like these companies have years of experience with industrial diesel generators and their maintenance.

Remember, “Precaution is better than cure”. And that applies not just to humans, but to diesel generators too!

•  Broken Block Heater

It is common knowledge that most oils get thicker over time. So, to prevent the thickening of oil, the block heater heats the generator’s coolant to circulate and keep the engine block warm.

This phenomenon still happens even when your generator seems to be sitting idly. This means the block heaters are constantly running all the time. So, issues arising with block heaters are foreseeable.

You need to regularly check your generator block heater and keep an eye out for any minor issues to ensure it is working properly and, in future, might not cause any problems with the generator.

Generator Maintenance and Care

Industrial Diesel Generators are dependable and durable machines for many industries. Their significance is undeniable. That makes their maintenance and care all the more important.

So, what are the necessary steps you can take to avoid any problems with your industrial diesel generator?

 As heavily mentioned, opt for regular maintenance of your diesel generator. This includes cleaning the filtration system along with some regular checks.

Then, keep an eye on your diesel generator. Any minor issue can indicate a problem with the diesel generator well before it becomes a huge issue and costs you a lot (and We mean a lot!)

Be smart and maintain your diesel generator to help your business.

Common Questions about Industrial Diesel Generator issues and troubleshooting

How often should I change the battery of my Diesel Generator?

You should change the batteries of your diesel generator in 24 to 36 months (2 to 3 years). This is not only for your safety but is also better for your diesel generator.

Are block heaters necessary for industrial diesel generators during the summer?

Block heaters are actually quite important for your diesel generators, even in summer and even in warm regions. This is because the generator oil thickens with time; it may thicken faster and more often in winter or cold regions, but it thickens regardless. Block heaters prevent the thickening of oil and further damage.

How do I do regular maintenance of my diesel generator? 

Our suggestion is to hire professionals from reputed companies such as Swift Equipment Solutions to perform regular maintenance on your industrial diesel generator. With their experience in the field and customer-friendly services, you are guaranteed the best maintenance and upkeep of your industrial diesel generator.