A Generator Maintenance Checklist for Diesel Generators
An industrial generator (also known as a genset) can last for decades, but only if it is properly maintained. Although a generator has few moving parts, it contains sensitive components that need regular attention. Complete genset maintenance requires different measurements to be performed on different schedules. If you need a schedule for performing these steps, here is a basic checklist for daily, monthly, semi-annual, and annual diesel generator maintenance.
daily measurements
Diesel generators must receive the following measures daily:
- General inspection – Inspect the generator set for loose parts, signs of corrosion on parts, traces of carbon, and dust buildup.
- Checking the coolant heater – Make sure the coolant heater is in place and inspect for signs of wear.
- oil check – Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
- fuel control – check the fuel level and add fuel as necessary.
- Checking charge air pipes – make sure the air charge pipe is securely connected to the radiator and inspect for signs of wear.
Maintenance personnel usually perform the above measures. Generator technicians can also perform them as part of a scheduled service agreement.
weekly measurements
Diesel generators must receive the following measurements on a weekly basis:
- Air Filter Check – Check the air filter for debris and clean it as necessary.
- Battery charger check – Check the float voltage reading on the battery charger and adjust the voltage as necessary.
- Fuel Filter Drain – Drain the water from the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
- Fuel tank drain – Drain the water from the bottom of the fuel tank until diesel fuel appears.
Many facilities have generator technicians perform the weekly measurements on a generator maintenance checklist. If they are performed by building maintenance personnel, they should have training in generator maintenance.
Monthly Measurements
Diesel generators must have the following measurements performed monthly:
- Checking the coolant concentration – Take a sample of the coolant with a hydrometer and verify its concentration by referring to the manufacturer’s service manual.
- Drive Belt Tension Check – Check the belt for proper tension and inspect it for signs of wear.
- exhaust condensate drain – Drain the condensate from the condensate trap.
- battery check – Check the charge of the starter battery and examine the connections for looseness and corrosion.
Because the correct concentration of coolant in an outdoor generator can be influenced by the weather, a generator technician who specializes in emergency power equipment in the Carolinas should perform the coolant concentration check.
Semester Measures
Diesel generators must have the following measurements carried out every six months:
- Oil and filter change – Replace the oil and the oil filter, regardless of whether the group has been used in a non-simulated power outage.
- Coolant Filter Change – Replace the coolant filter, regardless of whether the set was used in a non-simulated power outage.
- Crankcase Breather Cleaning – Clean the crankcase breather according to the manufacturer’s service manual.
- Air filter element change – Replace the air cleaner element, regardless of the level of debris buildup.
- Radiator hose check – Check the connection of the radiator hoses and inspect them for signs of wear.
- fuel filter change – Change the fuel filter, regardless of the level of sediment accumulation.
Generator technicians should perform the above measurements.
Annual Measurements
The generator set must undergo a thorough annual cleaning of its cooling system.
Conclusion
The above measures are necessary for a diesel generator to remain in excellent condition. By incorporating them into a generator maintenance checklist, you can prepare your facility’s generator for the next power outage.
Although building maintenance personnel can perform some maintenance actions, many of them deal with components and types of inspection that are specific to diesel generators. Unless maintenance personnel are trained in these measures, they should be performed by a power service that maintains emergency power equipment in the Carolinas.
