generator maintenance
expert care for your generator
reliable generator maintenance solutions
BISON provides free and professional technical consultation and maintenance services, professional manufacturers to answer any questions you may have during the use of generators.
Choose the right oil
Users typically do not pay close attention to what they put into their generator’s oil reservoir. If you are one of them, it is time to change.
Not all power generator oils are created equal. A multitude of factors influence their choice, including generator type, operating conditions, and fuel type. There are many types of power generator fuel in which you can select the best one for your generator. Before selecting one you need to do research about the different types of oil available in the market.
Drain gasoline from your generator
If the fuel is old or contaminated, drain and refill the tank with fresh fuel. Help extend the life of your generator, avoid costly maintenance, and most importantly, be ready for the upcoming season.
Since old gasoline can cause starting problems, knowing how to safely drain generator gasoline is an important part of keeping your generator in top condition.
Replace the three filter elements
A diesel generator set is a specialized project that requires specialized care and maintenance. One way to ensure it’s always running to peak standards is to change your oil filter regularly.
The frequency of changing the oil filter depends on the size of the generator.
You should shut down the engine and allow time for the lubricating oil to return to the sump before changing the filter.
Cleaning and replace air filter
As an integral part of a power generator, the air filter plays an important and discreet role. It is the primary defense against harmful dust and debris getting inside the generator. An air filter is never a disposable component – its efficiency is closely tied to the regularity and meticulousness of its maintenance regime. Frequently cleaning your air filter eliminates the buildup of contaminants that block airflow, starve your engine of the oxygen it needs, and force it to work harder, which accelerates wear and tear.
Clean a generator fuel tank
Is your generator’s fuel tank clean? Many times, our generator technicians come across diesel generators that appear immaculate externally, but internally, they are filled with dirt and grime. If the tank is not properly cleaned, it can degrade the quality of the fuel and reduce your genset’s performance. If you’re relying solely on your filters to trap all the impurities, you might need to reconsider.
Carburetor cleaning
A well-functioning carburetor is vital for an engine to operate smoothly. A dirty carburetor could be one reason why your generator isn’t starting. Maintaining the cleanliness of this crucial component is necessary, as it impacts the overall efficiency of your generator.
Discover simple, step-by-step instructions to clean your generator carburetor, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.
Clean a spark plug
During the rainy season or when the generator is being repaired, moisture buildup in the spark plugs can prevent the generator from starting. As with any component exposed to such harsh conditions, spark plugs can accumulate deposits and wear over time. Additionally, over time, carbon residue can form on the surface of the spark plug. It will directly affect engine performance and fuel mileage. Now, no one wants that.
So, BISON will walk you through the process step by step.
Check and add coolant
The lifeblood of any generator, coolant is more than just an accessory – it’s a necessity. This vital component plays a pivotal role in maintaining the generator’s temperature, ensuring it performs optimally even under extreme conditions. Without it, your generator risks overheating, which can lead to expensive damage and inconvenient downtime.
Today, China BISON will demystify the process of checking and adding generator coolant and guide you through simple but important maintenance routines.
Check the exhaust system
The exhaust system removes harmful gases from the engine, ensuring they are safely discharged from the generator. A clogged or malfunctioning exhaust system can cause harmful gases to accumulate or reduce engine performance. BISON recommends that the exhaust system (exhaust pipe and muffler) should be checked for blockage, rust, or corrosion after every 100 hours of operation. During routine maintenance, if you find visible soot or carbon deposits accumulate, clean the exhaust pipe. Excessive soot may indicate incomplete combustion or fuel problems.
Battery maintenance
Maintaining the battery of a diesel generator is essential to ensure that the generator is able to start and function properly. A well-maintained battery will also have a longer lifespan and require fewer replacements. In order to maintain the battery, it is important to keep the terminals clean and tight, ensure that the battery is charged, check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary, inspect the battery for damage, store it in a cool and dry place, and perform regular load testing.
Running at low load or no load
Preventing low-load and no-load operation avoid running the generator unloaded for more than 15 minutes. For low-load operation, it is recommended that you contact generator suppliers or China BISON’s account manager BISON can provide guidance on safe values and duration of low-load operation. After low load operation, it is recommended that the generator load is briefly increased to raise the temperature and pressure. A generator no-load test should be performed once a year, i.e. the generator should be run for a few hours to remove all deposits.
Cleaning the generator
A clean generator is more efficient, and regular and systematic cleaning of the generator’s external components (housing, exhaust, vents) is required to prevent dust and debris from clogging and affecting cooling. BISON believes that cleaning the generator every 50 to 100 hours of operation is the best cleaning frequency, and is more often in dusty or dirty environments.
When cleaning, turn the generator off and allow it to cool. Dirt that has accumulated on the outside can be removed with a soft cloth or brush.
Cylinder pulling in diesel generator
Cylinder pulling is a process that involves removing one or more cylinders from a diesel generator engine for maintenance or repair. This process is often necessary when a cylinder is damaged or worn, and it is not possible to repair it in place. Cylinder pulling can be a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. It is important to perform cylinder pulling correctly to ensure the generator runs efficiently and reliably. In this guide, we will delve into the topic of cylinder pulling in diesel generators, covering the reasons why it is necessary, and the steps involved in the process.
Exercise your generator regularly
Follow the China generator manufacturer is recommendations for exact details on exercising your generator regularly and ensuring peak performance when needed. Depending on the purpose of the generator, local, state, or federal regulations may also require specific exercise cycles. For example, Collier County, Florida, requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to test emergency backup generators in a way that regularly simulates power outages.
Generator storage
Ensuring the proper storage of a generator is crucial for maintaining its durability and efficiency. To safeguard the generator from damage and guarantee its readiness for use, it’s vital to handle fuel and oil appropriately and conduct routine maintenance assessments.
Attending to these steps will not only ensure your generator is ready for its rest phase but will also take a proactive stance in maintaining its optimal functionality throughout its service life.
Winterizing generators
A power generator should power your most essential electronics during a power outage or when there are no electrical outlets nearby, such as at a construction site.
In this case, if you have yet to winterize your generator beforehand, there’s a good chance it will be damaged when exposed to winter temperatures.
There are many problems with running a generator during the cold winter months, such as:
So-called “cold engine start” can ultimately damage a generator’s engine.
engine-genset maintenance
Failure to maintain the diesel gensets can result in engine failure to start, fuel leaks, dead batteries, or loss of usable output are typical problems with engine gensets that are not adequately maintained.
So first, think about how you treat the diesel gensets. You don’t leave a genset in the driveway for long periods and expect it to magically start after six months of never opening it. Then, ensure the power switch is in the “OFF” position and disconnect the spark plug wires before working on the engine to prevent accidental starting.
your guide to generator parts care
Generator connecting rods reuse or replacement
The power which is generated by the piston in the combustion chamber of a generator engine is transferred to the crankshaft through the connecting rod. While transmitting such a tremendous amount of power, the connecting rod is subjected to different stresses, making it vulnerable to damage. Therefore, the connecting rod bolt is used to connect the connecting rod and the connecting rod bearing cap under the considerable stress generated when the generator engine is running. So, are generator connecting rods reused or replaced?
Diesel generator crankshaft failure
When the diesel generator is working, the surface of the crankshaft journal bears a considerable unit pressure, and the sliding friction speed is relatively high. The heat dissipation effect of the journal is poor, and the surface of each journal is highly susceptible to abrasive wear.
Therefore, the diesel generator must check the crankshaft during maintenance, find out the situation, and choose the correct repair method to ensure the fatigue strength and wear resistance required for the diesel generator crankshaft.
Causes of damaged voltage regulator (AVR)
Excessive engine speed can damage the diesel generator’s automatic voltage regulator (AVR). An AVR is a device that helps maintain a steady output voltage from an alternator and is usually designed by the generator manufacturer to operate within a specific engine speed range. If the engine speed exceeds this range, it may cause the AVR to malfunction or fail, resulting in unstable voltage output and possible damage to the generator or other connected equipment.
removing and replacing generator fans
Generators are the backbone of many industries, providing essential power when it’s needed most. At the heart of these robust machines is a component known as the generator fan. The fan plays a critical role in maintaining the generator’s efficiency and longevity by ensuring that the unit remains cool during operation. It works by circulating air around the generator, reducing the risk of overheating and potential damage.
Common causes of piston ring failures
In the intricate symphony of a generator’s internal components, piston rings stand as unsung heroes, playing a crucial role in the engine’s performance and reliability. These small yet mighty rings form a vital barrier between the high-pressure combustion chamber and the engine’s crankcase, ensuring seamless operation.
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding piston ring failures—undoubtedly the Achilles’ heel that can compromise the heartbeat of your generator.
Installing wheels to generator
In the world of generators, power is key, but mobility is the unsung hero that ensures seamless energy wherever it’s needed. Whether you’re a construction site manager aiming for efficiency or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort, the answer lies in enhancing your generator’s mobility. And the solution? Adding wheels to your generator.
That’s where generator wheels come in, transforming your trusty generator from a powerful hunk of metal into a portable powerhouse.
Generator types and their specific needs
Standby generators: Since it relies on batteries for starting, the battery health and the automatic transfer switch should be checked regularly. In the case of long periods of inactivity, the air should be changed, the coolant and oil filters checked, and the fuel system treated.
Portable generators: They are used for temporary or emergency situations and require an oil change after 50-100 hours of heavy-duty operation. Fuel stabilizers are required during long-term storage.
Industrial generators: This generator requires periodic load testing to prevent light loads from causing “wet build-up” in the diesel engine. The fuel tank must be routinely tested and treated because large amounts of fuel are usually stored.
don't wait for a problem to arise
By maintaining your generator regularly, you can avoid major problems caused by minor malfunctions. You should follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer of your BISON generator, but keep in mind that it is not fixed. As your generator ages, you must repair and replace parts more frequently.
benefits of generator maintenance
- Save money by avoiding costly replacement or leasing a generator.
- Improve generator efficiency and performance, reduce energy consumption and expenses.
- Extend the life of your generator.
- Make sure your generator is in good condition to prevent potential safety hazards.
