Regular maintenance is key to ensure your electric generator runs smoothly and remains operational whenever a power outage does occur. In addition, with generator maintenance – you also prevent fuel issues, save money for the long-term, lengthen equipment lifespan, and boost your generator’s efficiency.
As such, it’s of paramount importance to keep your generator in good working condition – for streamlining operations in the workplace and improving the bottom line.
So, you have to conduct frequent inspections to spot for a generator’s warning signs. Read on to know what are the six signs you should look out for that may indicate a need to conduct an electric generator repair.
1. Fluid leakage
Fluid leakage is one of the easiest signs to spot. If you notice any fluid leaking during your routine inspection, schedule an engineer to take a look as soon as possible.
Fuel leakage can lead to increased fuel consumption, which results in a higher fuel cost. If it is a coolant leak, there may be a risk of the generator overheating after prolonged operation.
2. Increased fuel consumption
Suppose you notice that your generator is not performing up to the recommended level provided by the manufacturer. In that case, it may be due to an increase in fuel consumption.
However, keep in mind that fuel leakage may not be the only cause of high fuel usage. You may wish to have an expert access the situation and check for further issues.
3. Slow to start
If you notice your generator is slow to start whenever you power it on, it could be a sign of more severe problems. The slow start could be due to a lack of use, especially if this is the backup generator, and therefore may be a non-issue.
However, if your primary generator is giving you problems, that means it is time to give your engineer a call.
4. Damaged or faulty parts
It is crucial to look out for any damaged or faulty components when conducting an inspection. A generator that is situated outdoors is subjected to weather conditions that can damage the machine’s various components.
There is also an increased risk of the machine parts being damaged when directly exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period.
Look out for any damaged copper windings that may indicate the need for a generator rewinding. Any frayed wires have to be replaced, and the loose nuts and bolts have to be tightened up. If you spot any damaged components, it is advisable to call in an expert to take a look before activating the generator.
5. Strange sounds
It can be hard to distinguish the strange noises from the regular sounds emitting from your generator. Pay attention to specific audio cues, such as metal-on-metal sounds, loud banging noises or a sputtering engine that may indicate problems with your generator.
6. Increased gas emission
It is normal for a few puffs of smoke to be produced when activating the generator, and they will soon dissipate. However, your generator may have an underlying issue if the smoke does not clear up after a few minutes. If your generator is emitting excessive smoke or the smoke produced is black, you should turn it off immediately and have your engineer inspect it.
Blow-by gas can be emitted when your generator is active. Blow-by occurs when there is a leakage of the combustion gas between the engine’s piston ring and the cylinder wall into the engine’s crankcase.
It is not possible to have a perfect seal between the piston ring and the cylinder wall. As a result, this leakage is bound to occur. However, it is still advisable to measure the blow-by gas emitted from your generator regularly. Increased emission of this gas could be a sign of faulty components that need replacing.
It is advisable to schedule regular inspections on your generator to prevent more significant issues down the line. Your engineer will be able to conduct a generator overhauling and detect any issue that needs fixing immediately. Performing regular maintenance gives you added security and ensures you are less likely to encounter a faulty generator.
