Benefits of Generator Maintenance
A diesel generator is a perfect source of power in instances where electric power fails. During thunderstorms, it is not uncommon for different areas to experience extended blackout periods which result in financial loss due to downtimes in commercial facilities. With the recently issued tornado watch for the larger part of Wisconsin, now is the perfect time to ensure that you are on the top of your generator maintenance.
In this article, we discuss 7 reasons why you should not gamble about maintaining your workplace generator, or portable generator for that matter.
Generator Maintenance helps Catch and Repair Generator Problems at the Earliest
Although diesel generators are sturdy, durable, and quite reliable, making sure they undergo preventive maintenance is recommended. Plenty of generators will not immediately manifest symptoms of failure until the generator is unable to run when in case of power outage. Regular preventive maintenance enables the technician to identify problems with your generator and resolve them before they get any worse.
Generator Maintenance ensures proper functionality
In addition to conducting a visual inspection, experienced technicians always ensure to have a generator maintenance checklist which ensures that they have a look at some of the most important aspects, including but not limited to –
- The engine speed
- The fluid and oil levels
- Oil filter and air filters
- The belts, hoses, lines, connectors, and any other accessories
- The control panel as well as the engine
- The cooling system
- Generator supply connections
- Battery cables and battery terminals
- The exhaust system, and so on
Regularly checking all these aspects ensure that your generator performs optimally at all times.
Generator Maintenance prevents carbon monoxide generation and poisoning
The internal combustion engine of a generator that is not regularly maintained is prone to producing carbon monoxide, which is fatal if it is inhaled. During the maintenance process, the technician will ensure that the generator is positioned in such a way that it releases any fumes outdoors rather than indoors. To this end, keeping the generator clean can also prove to be very helpful.
Generator Maintenance increases your generator’s efficiency
Wasps, birds, rats, snakes, and other critters can infest your generator’s housing. Rats and mice are especially notorious for setting up a nest and chewing through the appliance’s wiring. During proper maintenance, all the parts of your generator are checked and cleaned from potentially damaging dirt and debris. They are then tested to ascertain that they are working as intended. In fact, the technician will also disconnect generator batteries and reconnect them to ensure there are no underlying issues. Doing so in accordance to a maintenance schedule as recommended by the engine manufacturer helps improve generator efficiency!
Generator Maintenance helps prevent fuel problems
Generators running on diesel need to have the diesel fuel tank emptied and refilled at least twice every year. This is because the fuel deteriorates with time, especially when the generator goes for long periods without being operated, and hence it is recommended that you drain fuel system completely. Regular maintenance ensures that the fuel levels are checked and the supply is changed, thus eliminating problems arising from fuel problems.
Generator Maintenance ultimately saves you money
Ignoring regular standby generator maintenance might save you a few bucks today. However, this could lead to costly repairs in the long run. It is, therefore, in your best interest to ensure basic maintenance tasks like change fuel filters, replace air filters, drain coolant, change coolant filters, check fuel supply etc. can help ensure seamless engine operation. If such maintenance is ignored for a fairly long time, in extreme cases, you may even need to replace the entire unit, which can prove to be a costly affair – especially since the cost of standby generators is constantly on the rise.
Generator Maintenance prolongs the generator’s lifespan
Unmaintained generators normally have shorter lifespans. As you do not want to constantly be on the lookout for a diesel generator for sale, it only makes sense to take care of your investment. Ensure maintenance at regular service intervals and taking care of timely shutdown periods can help avoid start up hitches and keep your generator set functioning smoothly for years at end!
If you are looking into investing in a generator for your industrial or commerce al facility, Central States Diesel Generators has a solution for you. Apart from stocking different types of generators for sale, we have the necessary knowledge and experience when it comes to maintaining your generator.
Read More About Generators –
Generator Specification Sheets – How to Read and Interpret
How Do Generators Function?
Tips To Get the Best Deals While Selling Your Diesel Generator
Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Maintenance
How often does a diesel generator need maintenance?
Make sure to get your portable generator, as well as a standby generator, inspected every six months, or after every 400 hours of use. If in case your generator isn’t used very often, you should still ensure a maintenance schedule of once every year.
How often should I change my generator oil?
It is recommended that the engine oil of a generator must be changed after every 100 hours of use. In case, you run the generator often, you must keep an eye on the oil level. While doing so, make sure that the generator set has cooled down, else you or your technician may run the risk of getting burned.
How often should you change generator spark plugs?
As is the case with oil change, the spark plugs of the diesel generator should also be changed after every 100 hours of use. At every generator servicing the technician should inspect if the spark plugs are worn out or cracked, and must immediately change them if that’s the case.
