No one wants to find out their backup generator is not working in a hurricane or snowstorm.  The average cost to repair a generator is $275.  Maintenance of a small, portable 7 to 10 kW model will typically be less expensive, costing around $70.  On the other hand, a larger, mounted 30 to 45 kW model can cost as much as $700 to repair.  Knowing the common generator problems and simple solutions will save you a bundle.

List of Problems

Residential generators might experience a variety of problems.  To avoid costly damages and downtime, learn how your generator operates and how to diagnose generator issues.

1. Generator Battery Failure

Battery Failure is the most common generator problem.  Before using your generator, always ensure the batteries, chargers, cables, and connections going to and from the battery are in excellent working order.  Clear and tighten connections on a regular basis and clean any sulfation buildup from the battery plates.  Lead sulphates can prevent the battery from providing a significant current, resulting in system failures that could have been avoided.

Over time, batteries age losing capacity and power.  When maintained properly the common lifespan of a quality battery can be up to three years depending on usage, charging setup and application.  To make sure the generator set will start on demand the batteries must be maintained and always charged fully.  Most systems today have an installed charger.  Planned replacement every 3 years will prevent failure during a peak usage time.

2. Generator Failure to Start

Your generator’s automatic settings may have been switched off if someone hits the emergency stop button or sets off alarms on the control switch.  Check the automatic operation controls are set if your generator fails to start.  For the generator to automatically kick in when needed, the primary control switch must be in the off/reset position.  If you’re still having trouble starting your diesel generator, double-check all connections to ensure the equipment is in good operating order.  If your generator has been serviced, ensure sure the automated controls are reset before the generator is used again.

3. Generator Stalling During Operations

Perhaps the most annoying for a generator owner is having it repeatedly stall shortly after starting.  A variety of reasons might be at fault if your generator starts up but then stops working.  In natural gas generators, for example, fouled spark plugs might prohibit the unit from producing enough power to keep running.  If your generator’s spark plugs are damaged or fractured, you should replace them after 100 hours of use.  Spark plug failure is mostly a problem with natural gas generators.  Diesel generators lack spark plugs.  Also, make sure the generator’s filters are clean and functioning properly.  Oil filters remove impurities from the machine’s engine oil, which would otherwise build up and wear down the engine over time.  Clean air is let into the machine by air filters, which compresses and burns the fuel.  Replace the filter if it is unclean or worn to keep your generator functioning properly.

4. Generator Has Clogged Fuel Lines

Clogged fuel lines are one of the most common reasons that your diesel generators’ fuel may cease operating.  The diesel flows into the engine through fuel lines.  They will pass an insufficient quantity of gasoline if they are blocked.  Oxidation creates sludge accumulation in the lines, which is a common cause of clogged fuel lines.  While oxidation is an unavoidable process, effective fuel treatment and maintenance may mitigate its effects and help your gasoline last longer.

5. Generator Low on Coolant

Coolant depletion might be the cause of your generator engine overheating.  Coolant is the liquid that keeps your generator cool by spreading heat throughout the engine and preventing components from freezing or overheating.  The coolant helps to resist the high temperatures produced by your generator’s engine, but the water in the coolant evaporates over time.  Fluid level inspections, as well as routine maintenance, may guarantee that your engine has the fluids it need.  Overheating may be an indication of a more serious problem, such as damaged hoses and drive belts or filthy coolant blocking the radiator core. If you follow up with regular fluid replacements but still have low levels, a leak is most likely to be responsible.  Regular maintenance on a unit may frequently avoid oil, gasoline, or coolant leaks.

6. Generator Leaking Oil, Fuel or Coolant

Loose components, degradation due to age, or improperly fitting components can all lead to leaking oil gaskets on a generator.  Components can become loose because of vibration from a running generator or the use of non-genuine components that may not fit properly.  Always inspect the tank pumps and gasoline lines for cracks during routine maintenance to ensure everything is in functioning condition.  Crankcase breathers, which assist remove undesirable gases from the engine, can cause oil leaks by creating a pool of oil.  Installing a recirculating breather instead will avoid this leaking.  If your pump system breaks or you overfill the gasoline tank, you may have fuel leaks.  Always check to see whether you’re filling the tank to the proper amount and inspect your complete fuel system for overfill or leaks.

7. Generator Block Heater Hose Failure

Block heater hoses may quickly wear out due to the high temperatures they produce.  Block heater hose failures are one of the most typical causes of coolant leakage.  By warming the coolant, block heaters aid in maintaining appropriate generator starting temperatures. Coolant might seep into other parts of the machine due to worn hoses.  Because rubber hoses can be damaged by high temperatures, silicone hoses should be used and replaced every three to four years.

8. Generator Wet Stacking

When it comes to diesel generators, wet stacking is another type of fluid leak that causes inefficiency.  Oil, unburned gasoline, and condensed water build up in the exhaust system and leak out as a black, viscous liquid.  A moist stacking problem can be resolved by burning off the extra fuel.  Monitoring exhaust temperatures and implementing mechanisms for load bank testing and generator paralleling can also help prevent future wet stacking.  This is typically a problem that only affects diesel generators; however, it is frequently the cause of a diesel generator failing to operate at rated loads.

9. Generator Fuel Depletion

For diesel and natural gas generators, fuel depletion is a prevalent issue.  Fuel gauges can occasionally fail to display accurate fuel levels, resulting in generators running out of fuel without your awareness.  The generator’s mechanical gauges or fuel filters may become clogged with sludge, preventing it from correctly showing fuel levels.  Check your generator’s fuel levels manually before each usage to help prevent unexpected fuel depletion.  On-site fuel storage is an easy way to receive extra gasoline when you need it.  Finally, look for impurities such as dirt and water in your gasoline filters and lines.

10. Generator High Fuel Level Alarm

Overfilling a fuel tank can result in a variety of problems, including wet stacking and other leaks.  When gasoline levels are too high, high fuel level sirens sound, alerting you to cease overfilling the tank.  While this is a useful and generally accurate function, it’s conceivable that the high fuel alert can sound erroneously when gasoline expands due to natural thermal expansion such as on hot days.  As the fuel level drops to a suitable level, the alert may cease on its own.  Otherwise, if no actual difficulties are causing the alert, you can manually reset it.

Conclusion

If your generator still won’t start after looking through these typical problems, or if you’re unsure about your abilities to troubleshoot your generator, look for professional generator repair services near me.

Looking for an Experienced, Reputable Company for Generator Repairs in New Jersey Area?

The owner, Tommy Rozmerski, is a certified Generac mechanic with many years of professional experience doing maintenance and repair work with just about any generator model.  Our expert service specialists at Stirling Generators, LLC have the skills and experience to assess your generator and fix it quickly.  Ultimately, a Stirling Generators professional has comprehensive maintenance skills, extensive knowledge of warranty limits, and if needed, replacement installation.

Based out of Stirling, NJ, we are the leading NJ generator installation, maintenance and repair company.  We service North and Central NJ including, but not limited to, Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, and Morris Counties.  For more information, you can contact us at (908)334-3556 or check out our website https://stirlinggenerators.net/union-county-generator-repairs/ .