Standby generators are essential for uninterrupted power in mission-critical operations such as data centers, healthcare facilities, towers banks, hotels and residential . If you have invested in one, you know the importance of ensuring it will perform flawlessly when the main power grid fails. To keep your standby generator engine in good working order, follow these steps:
- Regular servicing and maintenance are necessary, even if you don’t use the engine frequently. Skipping services can lead to problems later. Changing engine oil and filters is particularly important if your generator is not in a controlled environment. Dust can impact engine operation, and condensation can collect in the engine and react with contaminants in used oil.
- Maintain the fuel and fuel supply. Fresh fuel is critical, and condensation should be regularly drained from the fuel tank. It’s also important to change the fuel filters as prescribed, even if the engine is not being used. Bacterial growth can permeate the fuel system leading to clogged filters which will impact the gensets ability to start when needed.
- Ensure the batteries and starting system are fully charged and ready when needed. Insufficiently charged batteries are a leading reason backup generators fail to start when needed.
- Regularly check the condition of the air filters. Remove any dust or blockages that may have accumulated on the air filter covers during standby periods.
- Regular testing is crucial. However, avoid running the engine at no or light load for extended periods. If you need to exercise the engine, keep the operating period down to minutes until the battery charging rate returns to normal. For engines with light load profiles, regular oil sample analysis and corresponding oil changes can help detect excessive fuel dilution and general oil deterioration, avoiding premature engine component wear.
- Set up a regular program to run the generator at full load for a minimum of four hours. This will keep the battery in good working order, burn off any build-up of carbon in the engine and exhaust system, and allow your team to practice their processes for switching back to prime power after the generator has been in use. Load should be built up gradually from zero over the first hour and the balance completed at full rated load.
If you experience a failed start/stop event, contact us at Sparrowtech to complete a thorough check, particularly inspecting the exhaust system for unburnt fuel and draining accordingly. This should be followed up with a minimum of four hours of operation at full load.