Stay on top of generator maintenance with blog articles covering routine service, troubleshooting, and long-term care. From oil changes and filter replacements to load testing and battery checks, these posts provide actionable tips to keep your diesel generator running reliably. Whether you’re maintaining a home standby unit or a commercial system, our guides help extend equipment life and prevent costly breakdowns.
Gelling starts to occur at a specific temperature known as the cloud point. It is coined after the white haze or “cloud” that appears as paraffin wax crystallizes. For example, #2 diesel fuel has a cloud point of 14 degrees Fahrenheit or -10 degrees Celsius.
Before diesel fuel enters an engine, it passes through a filter to strain out impurities. This filter is an incredibly important part of your engine, but it’s also a prime target for cold weather to wreak havoc. A naturally occurring substance in #2 diesel fuel is called paraffin wax. Under normal conditions, this wax remains in liquid form, so it’s harmless to your equipment. The problem occurs when cold temperatures cause paraffin wax to solidify and bind together into larger crystals that can’t flow through the filter. So when diesel users talk about gelling, they are referring to this issue.
Keep your cattery charged! As a responsible generator owner, one of the most crucial aspects of maintenance you must keep in mind is properly charging your generator battery. The battery is the heart of your generator, and its optimal functioning is crucial for the effective operation of your generator. In this blog post, we’ll delve […]
We decided to examine various diesel engine oil and fuel filters by cutting them open. Our findings were quite astonishing.
In the realm of mechanical precision and engine maintenance, the saying “All filters are not the same” rings true with remarkable clarity. This became evident when we recently acquired a batch of supposedly compatible filters intended as replacements for the renowned Perkins filters. However, upon subjecting these filters to closer scrutiny by dissecting them, it became glaringly apparent that they bore little resemblance to their counterparts. The stark differences in construction, materials, and engineering were undeniable.
Look inside a Perkins Oil Filter – All filters are not the same. We picked up some filters that were supposed to be replacements for Perkins. Ouch!
Understanding and Preventing Glazing and Carbon Buildup in Diesel Engines
As a diesel mechanic, I often see issues with engines that are a direct result of misapplication or misuse. Two common problems that arise are internal glazing and carbon buildup. These issues are particularly prevalent in generator sets and are primarily caused by failing to follow proper application and operating guidelines.
The break-in period for a diesel engine is crucial for allowing the engine to form a tight seal, preventing fuel and gases from escaping while preserving lubrication. Moderate load and heat during this period ensure proper piston ring mating, leading to enhanced performance, reduced oil consumption, and extended engine life. Adhering to these procedures maximizes efficiency, performance, and longevity.
