Diesel generators have been making their way into many businesses and residential buildings for backup power.

Their many benefits have made them a widely popular option. But it’s important to keep these machines well-maintained in order for the investment to be worth it. Diesel generator maintenance isn’t difficult but there are certain things that should be avoided.

We’ve compiled a list of the seven most common maintenance mistakes to avoid with your diesel generator.

1. Using Improper Fuel

Obviously, when you’re using a Diesel engine of any kind, you need to only use diesel fuel. Using other options for fuel, like gasoline, can completely ruin the machine.

Not only is the type of fuel important, but the quality of the chosen fuel will also make a major difference in the machine’s performance. This is especially true for generators since they don’t get used as often.

A high-quality fuel source will prevent build-up and condensation in the fuel system when not in use. This ensures that the generator will fire up when needed.

Using old fuel can also lead to major problems, even if it started as high quality. Keeping the fuel fresh and moving is key to a well-performing generator.

2. Avoiding Repairs

It’s easy to put off doing repairs on any kind of engine. You hear something that doesn’t sound right and think (and hope) maybe it will just go away.

But not making repairs is one of the biggest mistakes diesel generator owners can make.

When you see signs of damage you need to take the generator in as soon as possible to an experienced mechanic who will know how to fix the underlying issue. The good news is, most generator repairs are actually much more affordable than other engine types.

Don’t try to save money by not handling a repair. It may end up costing you way more when you have to replace the generator together.

3. Forgetting to Clean Filters

The unfortunate side of owning any kind of machinery is that there is a lot of out of sight out of mind elements that need to be remembered.

One of the biggest things that are often forgotten is the filters within a diesel generator. These filters allow the machine to function as efficiently as possible to get you the best results.

A filter will get clogged as it does its job to keep only the cleanest fuel moving through the machine.

Changing a filter is normally a very simple task that anyone can handle. All it takes is locating the filter, getting the right size replacement, and switching them out. It should be done on a regular basis a few times a year depending on how often it’s used.

4. Not Letting it Warm Up Before Use

If you’ve worked with a Diesel engine before you know that you have to let the machine warm up some before it can really be used.

This is also true for a diesel generator and is one of the most important generator maintenance tools. The warm-up period helps the machine to effectively use the fuel it’s pushing through and lowers condensation build-up.

It doesn’t take much time but can make a big difference in how well the generator performs, especially on those cold nights.

5. Leave it Sitting Too Long

The most important way to warm-up your diesel generator is to turn it on on a regular basis. Letting it sit for long periods of time will result in many problems.

Using diesel generators is often a back-up for a more permanent source of power, like when the power goes out in a bad storm. It would be a waste of money if you couldn’t use the generator when you needed it because it hadn’t been turned on recently.

When the fuel sits for too long it can become stale and even gummy. If that’s the case it won’t flow through the system easily and, therefore, it won’t start.

This is an easy fix though. Just make sure to turn on the generator every few months for a little while. After that, it should be good to go whenever you need it.

6. Missing Routine Check-ups

Just like everything in life, a diesel generator needs to be routinely looked over and inspected for potential problems and needed repairs.

This could be done in a variety of ways, either you handling the inspection yourself or taking the machine into a professional mechanic. Whichever way you choose, this maintenance routine is critical to extending the lifespan of the generator.

The benefit of taking the generator into a mechanic is that they may be able to show you new ways to get the most out of the generator.

When you miss these inspections, you’re likely missing little issues that could turn into major problems down the road if they aren’t dealt with properly and quickly.

7. Trying to Handle Repairs on Your Own

Even though they are much more simple than other types of diesel engines, a diesel generator is still a complicated piece of machinery. This means that it should be taken in to a mechanic for any major repairs.

That is especially true when you know you’ll be counting on your generator in critical situations.

A trained, professional mechanic will be able to make all of the necessary repairs while guaranteeing the work that they do. It’s a huge benefit to have a skilled person work on your machinery to get things done right the first time.

Best Tips for Diesel Generator Maintenance

A diesel generator is often a large investment upfront at the time of purchase. But it’s a great place to put your money because of how long it will live and how much use you can get from it.

It’s important to take the time to have regular, routine diesel generator maintenance in order to keep it performing at its best.

If you’re interested in learning more about diesel generators or getting one for yourself, contact us today!