How to Get the Most Out of Your Diesel Generator

Diesel power generators continue to be an old favourite due to their energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and performance. Their demand has become so high that the market size is expected to rise by 8% on the compound annual growth rate from 2020-2027.

All generator sizes are based on the electrical load they are intended to supply, it’s important to consider their use and environmental conditions before choosing the correct machine. Diesel generators require routine maintenance and regular performance checks to avoid any risk of failure. 

How To Make The Most of Your Generator by Maintaining It

A diesel power generator is a massive part of business infrastructure and having regular servicing and maintenance will allow the generator to operate more efficiently and make your purchase more cost-effective in the long term. 

You may notice a change in performance or output from your generator, but these are also significant signs that there is something wrong with your equipment: 

  • Smoke
  • Increase in fuel consumption
  • Sound
  • Vibration

It’s vital to run your generator regularly to ensure it works correctly and to bring it up to the ideal working temperature. Light loading of a generator can, over a long period of time, mean additional wear with a shortened lifespan.

To care for your generator, the most important thing to remember is to maintain regular oil changes. If you are running your generator often and on a high load, you will need to change your oil more frequently. It’s always recommended to keep top-up oil on hand, just in case.  

Poor performance can indicate that your generator may need servicing; but to make sure, you should regularly run your generator on load. This will assist with:

  • Lubrication of the engine parts
  • Uses the fuel before it degrades
  • Reduces carbon deposits
  • Increasing the life of your generator

Hampshire Generators recommend regular maintenance and servicing for all generators. We provide a range of generators nationwide, from heavy-duty to residential, portable, and agricultural. We offer a routine diesel generator service so that you don’t have to worry about your generator’s health! 

Cleaning Your Generator

If you have a small generator then just cleaning it can improve its lifespan. You can clean your generator manually or hire a professional diesel generator service to do this for you, but making sure that you use cleaning fluids, and scrub away any dirty residue on the surface, change the oil, and clean the carbon deposits, these methods can protect your generator for many years. 

When removing any dirt, do this with a soft brush or cloth so that no damage is caused to the fins. By using low-pressure air or water in the opposite direction of the airflow, it will clean the generator properly without causing a risk of failure.

Keep the batteries clean by wiping them with a damp cloth whenever the dirt becomes too much. If there is any extreme damage, then call our diesel generator service.

Visual Inspection Checklist

As well as cleaning, it’s important to maintain a diesel-powered generator’s overall health and functionality. To do this, we have created a checklist of things to look out for when inspecting your generator for issues or faults. We recommend doing this regularly so that you get the most out of your generator. 

Visual Inspection Checklist for a Diesel Generator:

  • Check oil and coolant levels regularly
  • Inspect fuel hoses, fuel storage and fuel system for leaks or weeps
  • Check coolant hoses for leaks
  • Check starter battery terminals, fixings and voltage
  • Mechanical inspection including fixings, guards, anti-vibration mounts, fan belts etc
  • Canopy condition including silencers, hinges, corrosion, cable entry etc
  • Electrical connection and wiring – security and safety
  • Run on load as much as possible

Which Generator are You Going to Choose?

If you need any more advice, we are always on hand to help you find the best generators for your needs. Get in touch on 01329 722390 to speak to a member of our friendly staff or email us at [email protected].