Diesel Generator Maintenance 101: Essential Tips for Long Life and Reliability

By TAFE Corporate

August 31, 2024

Read Time : 5 Mins

Share the Blog:

A generator is an assurance. An assurance that guarantees the smooth running of businesses. Generators keep critical business systems running during outages, preventing expensive downtime. Regular generator maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of these crucial machines.

TAFE Motors And Tractors Limited (TMTL) powers businesses with silent gensets equipped with engines manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, delivering optimal durability without compromising performance or reliability. These silent gensets are widely used in a variety of settings, from homes and businesses to hospitals and industrial facilities. With diligent generator maintenance, these silent gensets can provide uninterrupted service for many years. Read on to discover common generator problems and their practical solutions, ensuring your operations remain undisrupted.

Significance of Diesel Generators

Before we jump into generator maintenance, let’s have a quick look at the significance of a diesel generator.

Diesel generators are pivotal in offering power backup to various industries and residential settings. They are used widely in diverse industries, including but not limited to construction, manufacturing, industries, healthcare, telecommunications, hospitality, and tourism. Some industries use diesel generators as their backup power supply. On the other hand, certain industries use diesel generators like TMTL silent gensets as a primary source of power too. TMTL silent gensets are designed to work efficiently even in challenging conditions making them an integral part of many critical infrastructures.

On top of providing power supply during sudden power outages or blackouts, generators offer other benefits too. They ensure that critical operations in different industries continue to function seamlessly. This, in turn, helps prevent disruptions. Diesel generators compared to other power backup solutions come at a lower rate of maintenance, and the operational costs of diesel generators are also lower. If you are looking for robust and reliable silent gensets, you must buy them from trusted brands like TMTL. However, even with branded generators, regular generator maintenance is crucial. It can enhance the overall efficiency, lifespan, and safety of the silent gensets.

It is crucial to identify and address the common generator problems affecting diesel generators’ performance to offer the right maintenance. Most of the problems that affect diesel generators can be solved or avoided to a large extent through regular generator maintenance. If you have any concerns related to your TMTL silent gensets reach out to 1800 425 8685.

Tips For Efficient Generator Care

Since a well-maintained generator is key during a power outage, let’s dive into how to keep your generator running smoothly. Here are a few essential tips that would help you avoid generator repair and enhance the smooth working of generators.

1. Checking Fuel System: When it comes to the fuel system, there are certain things to be ensured. The fuel quality shouldn’t be compromised. It must be clean and free from contaminants. Replacing fuel filters at the mentioned intervals is crucial to prevent clogs and maintain fuel flow. Using clean fuel filters could help enhance diesel fuel quality, especially in extreme weather conditions.

2. Checking Cooling System: Similarly, when it comes to a cooling system, make sure to maintain the coolant level as it is advised. The generator must have the right mixture of water and antifreeze to avoid overheating and freezing. The coolant concentration should be 50:50 to ensure smooth working of the generator.

3. Oil Changes: The best way to reduce engine wear is to change engine oil and oil filters at regular intervals. It is also important to clean the radiator and cooling fins to prevent heat dissipation. If you have doubts regarding the same, you can refer to the manual or contact the helpline for expert guidance. Another thing to ensure while taking care of your generators is to use only genuine oil filter elements. Failing to do this can cause damage to your generators. The old filters and oil should be disposed of consciously.

4. Battery: It is crucial to look out for corrosion, loose connections, and signs of damage regularly. Battery must be replaced, if required, or at intervals suggested by the manufacturer. Similarly, look out for greenish-white powder deposits on the battery and cable terminals, and clean and remove them with hot water during service or on a need basis. The vent plug holes must be kept clean and tightened at respective spots. The electrolyte level of every cell must be checked every week and maintained between minimum and maximum levels. Always use distilled water and never use tap water to fill the battery. Make sure to apply petroleum jelly on the terminals after fully tightening them. Avoid using grease on the terminals. During service, check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell using a hydrometer and adhere to the specifications that are mentioned above.

5. Exhaust System: Monitor the exhaust system of the generator to address issues without delay. This can also be done to avoid leaks and corrosion and prevent harmful fumes from entering the environment. Checking the smoke is of paramount importance. The smoke should be colourless, and if not, reach out to TMTL service at the earliest at 1800 425 8685.

6. Cleanliness: Maintaining overall cleanliness is also an important part of generator care. This includes exterior and interior cleanliness. Generally, you can look for oil drips, leaks, or damages and if the hoses and belts are in good condition. Early identification and rectification of issues could eliminate several common generator problems.

7. Record/Bookkeeping: Make sure to maintain detailed records of all activities associated with your diesel generator, including dates, performed tasks, and parts replaced. This not only helps in scheduling future maintenance but will also save you from spending huge sums on expensive generator repair works.

Contacting the experts for concerns that need to be addressed is as important as general maintenance. Avoid tackling concerns on your own. TMTL service helpline is always available for guidance at 1800 425 8685. Our team has expert professionals to address your queries effectively and offer you timely assistance.

Other Articles