Diesel Generators are robust
and very much dependable when maintained properly. Enough has been said about maintenance
of a diesel generators. The maintenance programs primarily suggest timely replacement
of Lube oil, Coolant, Filters, Gaskets and other worn out parts. These are
important, but diesel fuel management is also equally important.
Diesel does not have
an unlimited shelf life. Over time it starts to deteriorate. The older
generation of diesel
engines could run on pretty much anything. With the advancement in diesel
technology the chances of failure due to poor diesel quality increased. Modern diesel engines operate at
a much higher injection pressure compared to the older generation engines. At
very high pressure even a microscopic particle will case accelerated wear and
tear to the fuel injection components.
If stored
under normal conditions, diesel will have 6 to 12 months of useful life. As the
fuel
gets older it will be contaminated mainly by three reasons:
1. Water condensation
2. Bacterial growth
3. Solid particulates
The
diesel fuel naturally attracts water and it is the biggest enemy of diesel. The
water particles present in the diesel will cause corrosion
of metallic parts of the fuel system. Contaminated diesel can be supplied by
the diesel supplier, condensation could be collected from the air inside the
storage tank or rainwater can enter the diesel tank through
vent holes. The microbes feed on the hydrocarbons of diesel. The water works as
a catalyst allowing the microbial growth. It forms a sludge in the diesel. The
sludge can get sucked into the engine
and choke the Fuel Filters and damage the Injectors. Solid dirt particles can
be present in the diesel from poorly sealed air vents or rusty walls of the
fuel tank. These particles will block the Fuel Filter and
damage the Injectors.
The nozzle
openings of the Fuel
Injectors are extremely precise. They deliver precisely measured quantity
of fuel in a well-defined spray pattern. A smallest dirt particle can pose
serious threat to these high precision modern Fuel Injectors. Electronically
controlled engines will have more precision engineered fuel system components
compared to mechanical engines. Dirt particles in the fuel may cause very
costly damage.
There are
simple ways to prevent these problems.
- Always use genuine Fuel Filters prescribed by the engine manufacturer.
- Follow the maintenance schedule of the filters.
- Regularly drain water from Water Separator.
- Buy diesel from reputed suppliers.
- Always keep the fuel tank full to prevent water condensation from the trapped air.
- If you are not using the Generator for long time, do consider the shelf life of the diesel.
- Clean the Fuel Tank once a year. Do not allow any rust formation on the tank.
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