Without reliable standby power sources, commercial and industrial facilities risk catastrophic downtime, especially during the busiest months of the year. Imagine an unexpected power outage at a manufacturing plant that causes machinery to completely shut down, or a system failure at a data center that leaves sensitive information and millions of users at risk. For medical facilities, standby power can mean the difference between life and death–not something to leave to chance!
Being prepared is the best way to navigate emergency power situations. A diesel generator can be a reliable and cost-effective way to do that. They are renowned for their dependability and longevity compared to other generator types. However, a diesel generator is only as good as its cooling system and maintenance plan.
Most diesel generators are made with relatively simple parts, but they are still vulnerable to wear and tear. If your generator is running, you might assume it’s running efficiently, but that’s not always the case. Overheating is a common cause of engine failure or higher-than-normal fuel consumption. As experts in commercial and industrial cooling systems, we’d like to share a few service components that every diesel generator owner should keep in mind.
Generator Inspection and Cleaning
It may sound obvious, but the first step to maintaining a reliable diesel generator is simply to give it a thorough checkup at least once per year. Inspecting the cooling system, checking fluid levels, cleaning the radiator, hoses and belts and looking for insect or animal nests should all be part of the preventative maintenance plan. We also recommend running the generator engine, loaded, for a short period of time every couple of months. This helps prevent oxidation and ensures the engine is starting properly.
Generator Cooling System Service
Diesel engines need regular inspection and cleaning of the radiator to keep cool and prevent harmful overheating. The generator coolant level must also be checked regularly. Diesel engines need a specific coolant mixture to run at peak efficiency.
Cooling system diagnosis may reveal a need for regasketing or radiator core repair. If left undetected, these radiator issues can have a serious effect on the entire generator’s performance.
Generator Lubrication Service
As with any engine, a diesel generator engine must have its fluid levels checked on a regular basis. The oil and filter should be changed and disposed of properly. If the oil level gets too low, moving parts can degrade over time and lead to major repair or replacement work. It’s important to match the OEM lubricant specifications for your specific generator model.
How to Start Your Diesel Generator Maintenance Plan
The last thing any business wants is equipment failure during an emergency situation. If your generator kicks in, it probably means there’s already been an energy failure, so don’t take any chances. Give your standby power source the care it deserves and it’ll come through when you need it. At Industrial Radiator Service, we are diesel generator radiator experts and can create a preventative maintenance plan that’s perfect for your system. If it’s immediate service or repair you need, we’ll get your generator cooling system back in top shape, either with field service at your location or at our service center in Dallas, TX.
Contact us today to get started with your generator service plan.
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