5 Signs You Need Diesel Generator Maintenance

How long has it been since you’ve had a maintenance service for your commercial or industrial diesel generator? If it’s been a while, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with Valley Power Systems. Staying on top of your unit’s maintenance needs Diesel Generator Maintenance is crucial for ensuring reliability, reducing repairs, and keeping your warranty valid.

Here are five of the most common signs that a diesel generator needs professional maintenance.

1. Fuel Inefficiency

Has your diesel system been consuming more fuel lately? This is often one of the first signs that a maintenance service is in order. Without proper maintenance, generator parts and components experience increased wear and tear during normal operation. This forces the engine to work much harder than necessary to perform, resulting in excessive fuel consumption and potential system failures. Keep your diesel generator running like it should by investing in preventative maintenance from Valley Power Systems.

2. Power Issues

A diesel generator can experience a wide range of power issues over time. If the system is failing to start, powers up roughly, shuts down under load, or provides reduced power output than normal, it’s essential to schedule a professional inspection. The problem could be as simple as a loose connection or a dirty fuel filter, which can be addressed with routine maintenance. However, putting off the service could cause other issues that put your system at risk of a costly breakdown in the future.

You don’t want to be left in the dark when you need your diesel generator the most. Contact Valley Power Systems anytime you notice power issues with your system.

3. Strange Noises

While diesel generators are known to make a decent amount of noise during their normal operation, you should watch out for any sounds that seem abnormal for the unit. For example, knocking, grinding, or rattling sounds could indicate loose components, worn parts, or misalignment. These need immediate attention to prevent engine damage. Our experienced team will be able to locate the source of the noise and conduct the repair quickly so that you can get back to business.

4. Leaks

Leaks are a common problem for diesel generators, making maintenance even more critical. Even minor leaks can have a huge impact on system performance and your operating costs. Fuel, oil, or coolant leaks reduce efficiency as your generator engine struggles to maintain regular performance. Left unaddressed, leaks can escalate to overheating, equipment damage, and safety hazards. Regular maintenance can help you catch leaks early, before they have a chance to progress into a larger, more expensive problem.

If you suspect your diesel generator has a leak, call our team at Valley Power Systems to schedule an inspection. Our technicians have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to locate even the smallest leaks and repair them promptly.

5. Overheating

If your diesel system has been overheating, it’s time to call in one of our professional technicians. Continually overheating your diesel generator can have severe consequences, including warped internal components, efficiency loss, and sudden engine failure. The cost to repair the generator may outweigh the expense of a complete replacement. You don’t want to find yourself in this situation—the best way to avoid it is by contacting Valley Power Systems at the first sign of trouble.

Overheating may indicate that your diesel system is no longer able to handle your power needs efficiently. You may have initially invested in a small unit, but perhaps your operations have expanded significantly since then. In this case, your generator will struggle to keep up with your power requirements, leading to excessive wear and tear and unexpected breakdowns. At this point, you should consider a diesel generator replacement to maintain reliability.

Partner with Valley Power Systems for your diesel generator replacement. Our company is an authorized dealer for top manufacturers, like Atlas Copco, Blue Star Power Systems, and Waukesha. Our knowledgeable team can match you with the appropriately sized system for your power requirements. You can also count on our trained technicians to provide prompt and professional installation.

Schedule Your Diesel Generator Maintenance Service

Don’t delay scheduling the routine maintenance your diesel generator needs. Valley Power Systems offers customized maintenance contracts to provide the level of service your system needs at a competitive price.

Our diesel generator maintenance typically includes:

Battery inspection – Our team will test the system’s battery voltage to ensure the battery is charging and ready to start up your generator when you need it. We will also inspect the battery terminals and connections to confirm they’re clean, secure, and free of rust and corrosion, which can impede electrical flow and shorten your battery’s lifespan.
Coolant check – Coolant is important for regulating the internal engine temperature of your diesel generator. During the maintenance visit, our technicians will check the system’s coolant level and refill it with fresh coolant as necessary. We also offer coolant sampling, which can help you track the overall quality of your coolant to determine the best time for a coolant flush to clear out contaminants and buildup.
Oil and filter change – Routine oil and filter changes are essential to maximize the performance and lifespan of your diesel generator. Our team will conduct your oil changes at regular intervals to keep the system lubricated and running smoothly. We will also change out filters to prevent clogs that could cause unnecessary engine wear.
Performance testing – Our technicians will also assess the overall performance of your diesel generator. We will run the unit for a set amount of time to help us identify any issues with its operation that might not be caught with a simple visual inspection.
And other important maintenance tasks!

During your maintenance appointment, we will address these needs while also looking out for issues that could cause a problem for your system in the near future. For example, if we notice worn-out belts or connections, we’ll recommend replacing them now to keep your system running smoothly. Our goal is to provide the timely services your diesel generator needs to avoid costly downtime.

Valley Power Systems: A Full-Service Generator Company

Valley Power Systems has been serving California businesses since 1949. We are proud to offer top-of-the-line power solutions from trusted manufacturers. When you need diesel generator maintenance, you can rely on our highly skilled technicians for the job. From oil and filter changes to complete engine overhauls, Valley Power Systems has you covered. We also handle generator sales, installation, and repair services.

Make sure your diesel generator stays in optimal condition this fall. Schedule your maintenance service with our friendly team at Valley Power Systems today!