Keeping Your Commercial Engine’s Fuel System Clean

If your commercial generator engine doesn’t have a healthy fuel system, it may struggle to perform efficiently. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could even experience complete mechanical failure. This could leave your business without the power you need during the most critical times, such as a power outage.

Your standby power system requires optimal fuel quality to deliver the best performance during emergency situations. Fuel, however, degrades over time, so the fuel system needs constant monitoring, testing, and cleaning to ensure reliability. Here are some solutions to consider for maintaining your fuel system.

Use Carburetor Cleaners

A gas engine will include a carburetor. When a generator won’t start up, a clogged carburetor is often the culprit. To keep the carburetor components clean, you should use a carburetor and fuel system cleaner. These contain a unique mixture of cleaners and lubricants that’s designed to keep the system maintained so that you don’t experience engine failure when you need power the most.

Keep Fuel Injectors Clean

When a fuel injector is clogged, it has a difficult time injecting gas into the combustion chamber of your engine. Over time, sediment can build up in the injector, causing a blockage. This reduces the injector’s effectiveness and can make the other parts of your engine wear down faster than they should.

First, check your fuel filters. If your fuel filters are clean but you are still experiencing problems with the injector, try a fuel injector cleaner to see if that addresses the issue. If not, it’s a good idea to have a professional technician inspect the system for you. They can do a comprehensive fuel system assessment and let you know if any repairs are needed to get your system running at its best.

Change Fuel Filter

A good fuel filter can help you prevent dirt and other sediment from building up in the fuel injector in the first place. A clogged filter increases the likelihood that dirt, debris, and sediment will enter your system and damage internal parts and components, resulting in potentially costly repairs. Like air filters, fuel filters should be replaced regularly to maximize their performance.

Test Air Intake

It’s recommended to test the fuel system’s air intake at least once a year. This can help you identify obstructions or any other problems the system might be having. When the system isn’t taking in air properly, you’ll notice a reduction in engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Store Fuel Properly

Fuel can be stored from six to 12 months without experiencing a significant decline in quality. Make sure to mix in some fuel stabilizer before storing it away. Fuel stabilizers are designed to keep fuel from degrading quickly. When placing the fuel in storage, note that location is key. It should be kept in a clean, dry, and cool space that’s away from any heat sources to prevent accidental fires.

However, you should know that the fuel that’s in the tank of the generator will not last as long. This is because the fuel is continuously recirculated through the engine and exposed to extreme pressure and heat. This wears down the quality and can result in sticky, dark, and gel-like fuel that becomes engine sludge, which can be detrimental to the overall system. This is why it’s important to regularly assess fuel quality and refill the tank with fresh fuel as needed.

Signs You Need Fuel System Service

Proper maintenance of your fuel system can help you identify common issues and get repairs performed promptly by a trained technician. The sooner that you are able to address problems, the better for your system. Here are some signs that your engine needs a fuel system service right away:

• Rough startup
• Loses power when overstressed
• Corroded injectors
• Clogged fuel line and filters
• Dark exhaust
• Unusual odor in the tank
• Water in fuel
• Sediment in fuel

Fuel system cleaning should be done as part of your periodic preventative maintenance. Dirty fuel, clogged filters, and engine sludge are all top contributors to engine failure. A loss of power is not only inconvenient for your business, but it can also result in lost production and have substantial financial ramifications. You can protect yourself with regular maintenance service from the professionals at Valley Power Systems. We can handle any of your generator maintenance requirements, including:

• Oil changes

Fresh oil is the first line of defense against mechanical issues with your generator. It should be replaced on a regular schedule to keep engine parts and components clean and well-lubricated.

• Air filter changes

Air filters keep dust and dirt out of your system. It is good practice to change them at every maintenance check, or more often if you notice a decline in performance.

• Engine tests

If you don’t know why your engine is failing, Valley Power Systems can help! From the electrical components to the fuel system, we will assess the entire unit and inform you what repairs will be needed to get it up and running again.

• Leak inspections

Leaks can cost your business a lot of money in wasted energy, and sometimes they can be difficult to locate. We have the necessary equipment to uncover leaks at their source and provide a reliable solution.

• Other services

From general maintenance to full engine overhauls, we’ve got you covered. Our mission is to help you maximize the lifespan of your generator.

We’re Your Power Partner in California

A clean fuel system will keep your operations running smoothly. You’ve made a significant financial investment in your generator already, so you should protect it with regular fuel system cleaning. If you need help with fuel system maintenance or have any other power need, Valley Power Systems of California is here for you. We offer a wide selection of generator products and related services, including installation and repair. Our technicians are factory trained and certified to handle any problem you might be having with your power system. Contact us today to learn more!

 

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