Diesel Generator Trouble: Repair vs. Replacement
Diesel Generator Trouble: Repair vs. Replacement
Your diesel generator is a critical part of your business. It ensures that you always have access to a reliable power source, keeping your operations running when there’s a disruption to the primary electrical grid. With a properly working power system, you won’t have to worry about experiencing significant financial losses due to lost production during a prolonged power outage. This can provide you with great peace of mind while protecting
your bottom line.
Like all electrical equipment, diesel generators will experience wear and tear over time, and you must be proactive about repairs to maintain reliability. If caught early, many issues can be repaired quickly and affordably. However, at a certain point, you may need to replace the system altogether.
At Valley Power Systems, we understand that you’ve made a substantial investment in your diesel generator and that you don’t want to replace it any sooner than necessary. With this in mind, we’ve created the following guidelines to help our customers identify whether a repair or replacement is recommended.
When to Repair
A diesel generator can last for 10 to 20 years, or even more, if it’s properly maintained. This involves handling repair needs as soon as they arise, which will prevent the problem from progressing. Additionally, addressing generator problems promptly will go a long way toward reducing repair expenses over time and extending the lifespan of your system.
Most common generator issues can be resolved with a repair service. These include:
- Coolant, fuel, or oil leaks
- Battery failure
- Exhaust system leaks
- Broken belts and hoses
- Fuel system issues
- Low oil pressure
- Starter motor malfunctions
- And many other generator problems!
If your unit is under 10 years old and hasn’t needed a ton of extensive work in the past, then a repair is likely the best solution. A timely repair will keep your system in peak condition and ensure it works when you need it most.
You can trust our certified technicians for all your diesel generator repair needs. When your system is on the fritz, give us a call. We’ll arrive promptly, assess the condition of your unit, and provide cost-effective repair recommendations. Once approved, we’ll get to work on the repair with minimal disruption to your business.
When to Replace
At a certain point, repairs won’t be enough to keep your diesel generator efficient and reliable. Here are some signs that it’s time to consider upgrading to a new system:
- The unit is using outdated technology. If you have an old or discontinued generator, it can be difficult to locate parts for the system. This can increase operational downtime and repair costs. By upgrading to a new diesel generator, you can take advantage of modern safety features, remote monitoring capabilities, and improved emissions performance.
- Your diesel generator keeps breaking down. This indicates that your power system is losing efficiency, and it may experience a major breakdown in the near future. Additionally, repair costs can really add up over time. If your unit requires frequent repairs, you may want to consider investing in a new diesel generator. A new system will be much less likely to fail anytime soon, providing you with great peace of mind.
- The generator is no longer fuel efficient despite repairs. There are numerous reasons why your diesel system could be consuming excessive fuel. If repairs aren’t enough to restore fuel efficiency, the generator could simply be too old or worn out to operate economically. At this point, you’ll want to consider a new diesel generator to reduce your fuel costs.
- The system struggles to keep up with your power requirements. You may have originally purchased a smaller generator when your business was just starting out, thinking it would be sufficient for your power needs. However, if your business has grown significantly, you may have noticed that your diesel unit struggles to handle the increased power load. This can lead to excessive wear and tear, power fluctuations, and even generator failure. You should replace the diesel generator for a larger capacity unit to maintain reliability.
If one or more of these is true for your diesel generator, don’t hesitate to contact our professionals at Valley Power Systems. We offer state-of-the-art power solutions to fit the individual needs of your business, and we’d be happy to answer any of your questions about our products.
How Often Should You Maintain a Diesel Generator?
This is a common question we get at Valley Power Systems. If you’re trying to put off replacing your unit, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance and repair requirements. In general, a diesel system will require its first oil and filter change after the first 25 to 50 running hours. This will help ensure the long-term performance of the system. After that, oil changes should occur around every 100 to 200 hours of operation, but this range can vary significantly depending on the model, the age of the system, environmental conditions, and usage and maintenance history.
For a more accurate maintenance recommendation, reach out to our team at Valley Power Systems. We offer customized maintenance plans designed to meet the needs of your particular system and budget. You can rely on our trained technicians to handle the maintenance tasks that your diesel generator needs, including oil and filter changes, battery inspections, coolant refills, and leak checks. We also conduct performance testing to ensure that your diesel generator will work as expected in an emergency.
At Valley Power Systems, we aim to reduce operational downtime and repair expenses with timely maintenance services. During their visit, our technicians also look for signs of wear and tear so that you can address repair needs before they become major problems. Our goal is to keep you up and running year-round.
Contact Valley Power Systems Today
Maintaining the health of your diesel generator is essential to enhance efficiency and performance. Valley Power Systems is here to help. Our highly trained and experienced technicians can address a wide range of generator maintenance and repair needs, from oil and filter changes to leak repairs.
When it comes time to replace your unit, you can count on us to have access to the latest power equipment. We’re proud to be an authorized dealer for some of today’s top manufacturers, including Atlas Copco, Waukesha, and Blue Star Power Systems. We’ll be happy to review your options, assist you through the purchase process, and set up the professional installation.
Valley Power Systems has been serving California businesses since 1949, and we look forward to partnering with you for your power needs. Contact us today to schedule your service!