Top 7 Reasons Your Industrial Generator Might Fail
Top 7 Reasons Your Industrial Generator Might Fail—and When to Call a Professional
Having an industrial generator that you can rely on is essential, especially during unexpected power outages. The generator will be able to manage your power requirements until the primary electrical grid is restored, minimizing any disruptions to your operations. However, if your power system fails, you risk costly downtime and potential safety hazards while you’re forced to wait out the outage. 
At Valley Power Systems, we understand that the last thing you want to deal with during an emergency blackout is a malfunctioning generator. You can be proactive by recognizing the top reasons an industrial generator might fail and knowing when it’s time to bring in one of our professional technicians.
1. Malfunctioning Battery
If your generator won’t start or starts up intermittently, there could be a problem with the battery. Battery issues are one of the most common reasons a generator fails. Generator batteries are typically designed to last two to three years and will begin to lose voltage as they age, causing them to struggle to provide the necessary power for your critical business systems. They can also malfunction due to corroded or loose connections, which interrupt the flow of power. If your generator battery won’t hold a charge or has damaged terminals or connections, call our team at Valley Power Systems for a repair or battery replacement. We’ll handle the job promptly so that you can get back to business.
2. Clogged Air Filters
Clean air filters are imperative to maintain reliable generator performance. Air filters catch dirt, dust, and debris that would otherwise damage the internal components of your industrial power system. When air filters are clogged, airflow is restricted, leading to poor performance, reduced efficiency, and potentially engine failure. We recommend checking air filters monthly for cleanliness and changing them as needed. Replacing the air filter is an easy task that you can do on your own between maintenance visits. However, if you swap out the air filter and you still notice issues with the generator, give us a call to set up an inspection for your unit.
3. Low or Dirty Oil
Oil plays a vital role in keeping your industrial generator in prime running condition. When the oil level is too low, the internal components of the generator engine won’t receive the lubrication they need to operate smoothly, which can lead to increased friction, overheating, and severe engine damage over time. Similarly, if the system runs frequently with contaminated oil, it can increase wear and tear on parts and potentially lead to complete engine failure. Ensuring your system receives timely oil changes from a professional is the best way to promote a long lifespan for your generator.
4. Cooling System Issues
From low coolant levels to leaking hoses and broken fans, a generator’s cooling system can develop a wide range of problems over the years. These issues often lead to overheating, which can result in serious damage to the generator engine if not addressed promptly. To protect your equipment, you should always keep the coolant within the recommended levels. Contact one of our professionals right away if you notice any leaks, damaged components, or unusually high operating temperatures. We’ll get to the source of the problem and provide the repair your system needs to maintain peak functionality.
5. Fuel System Problems
Many generator disruptions are caused by fuel supply issues. You might notice that the engine fails to start or attempts to start but then sputters and shuts down. The culprit could be an empty tank, a clogged fuel line, a fuel leak, or other related problems. Even stale fuel that’s been sitting in the tank too long can lead to poor performance. If you have replaced the generator’s fuel and are still experiencing power issues, it’s time to reach out to one of our highly experienced technicians to schedule a timely inspection.
6. Electrical Failures
Electrical failures are another common reason that generators fail. There are many signs that indicate a malfunctioning electrical system, including:
- Failure to start
- Power surges
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Sudden shutdowns
- Inconsistent voltage output
- Burning smells
These can be caused by faulty wiring, blown fuses, worn starter motors, and other issues. Due to the hazardous nature of electrical work, you should never attempt to handle these repairs on your own. Contact Valley Power Systems to schedule an inspection from an authorized technician. Our team has the proper knowledge and training to conduct electrical repairs at your site safely and promptly.
7. Poor Generator Maintenance
Poor generator maintenance leads to many of the above failures. You can help prevent most of these issues by investing in a customized maintenance plan from Valley Power Systems. We strive to address generator repairs before they develop into costly problems. During your maintenance visit, our technicians will handle routine tasks like oil and filter changes while checking for potential problems. If repairs are needed, we will offer you cost-effective recommendations for keeping your system in top condition.
When to Call Our Professionals
Industrial generators are complex machines that require specialized knowledge to maintain and repair. While it’s easy enough to replace air filters and coolant, it’s best to partner with a generator professional for any additional repair work that your system requires. If you try to complete challenging repairs yourself without the proper training, you could cause more problems and put your safety and the safety of those around you at risk. Working with a qualified technician is the best way to ensure your generator is repaired properly so that it can perform as expected.
When your generator needs repair, you can rely on our team at Valley Power Systems to properly diagnose the issue and provide expert repair solutions. Our company is backed by more than 75 years in the power industry, and we take a comprehensive approach to industrial generator repair and maintenance. Our goal is to keep your operations up and running with minimal downtime all throughout the year.
Schedule Your Industrial Generator Repair Today
Keeping up with your industrial generator maintenance and repairs will help ensure efficient performance and a long system lifespan. Our skilled technicians at Valley Power Systems are certified to handle all your generator service needs, from oil changes and leak repairs to complete engine overhauls. We are proud to serve business owners across California as their partner in power.
Are you ready to schedule your generator repair or maintenance service? Contact Valley Power Systems today to schedule your appointment with one of our friendly representatives.