Winterization Tips for Diesel Power Systems

As temperatures drop this winter, you’ll want to make sure your diesel generator has been properly winterized. Whether it’s a portable or standby unit, it needs to be ready to endure the colder weather so that it will run when you need it most. You don’t want to be stuck without power should an outage occur. A power failure can have a substantial impact on your operation. It’s best to prepare ahead of time with these tips to keep your power system running during the winter months and avoid winterization. winterization - standby generator in snow

winterization - standby generator in snow

Perform an Inspection

The first thing you should do is complete a visual inspection of the unit. Check all components of the power system and take note of any obvious signs of deterioration, like worn connections or cracked hoses. These should be replaced right away to prevent further performance issues.

Replace Filters

Filters keep out dust,...

5 Reasons Your Generator Won’t Start

5 Reasons Your Generator Won't Start

You rely on your generator to provide the power that your facility needs should the main electrical grid experience an outage. Continuous power can help you maintain operations and avoid substantial financial losses, ultimately protecting your company’s bottom line. However, even the most reliable generators may fail to start at some point. Here are some of the top reasons that can cause generator failure:

1. Battery Malfunction

There are several things that can cause your battery to fail. For example, loose or dirty connections can adversely affect battery performance. These connections should be cleaned and fastened tightly at periodic intervals. Your battery failure could also be due to a buildup of lead sulfates, which can affect its ability to provide sufficient electrical current. Usually, by the time this has happened, you will need to replace the battery altogether.

2. Fuel, Coolant, or Oil Leaks

Fuel leaks often happen due to an issue with the pump system. You...

Diesel Engine Maintenance: The Basics

A well-maintained diesel engine can serve your business for many years. While these machines are widely known for their superior durability and high-quality performance, they can begin to wear down during their normal use. To keep your engine running at its best, getting routine diesel engine maintenance is essential. Here are some simple maintenance tips every business owner should know to care for a diesel engine.

1. Get Timely Oil Changes

Most manufacturers recommend changing oil every 3-5,000 miles or so. You may need to do this more often in severe driving conditions, such as:

Extremely hot or cold weather
Frequent stop-go driving in traffic
Towing trailers or other heavy vehicles regularly

Oil degrades over time, making it less effective at its job. Without periodic changes, the oil will thicken, creating sludge and other deposits that can have a disastrous effect on your engine. Fresh oil will keep your engine components clean and lubricated. This will help the engine...

Power Outages Affecting Thousands in California

Last week, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), California’s largest utility company, cut off power to more than 500,000 businesses and homes. This decision was included in the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) plan as a precaution against potential wildfires due to the strong winds that have spanned large portions of the state. PG&E officials say that more power outages could be scheduled depending on weather conditions in the coming weeks.

Dealing With Power Outages

PG&E has warned that power outages could last for days, even weeks for some customers, and the shut-offs are likely not over. After the PSPS plan is complete, one estimate finds that approximately 2.5 million people could be without the power they need to run their Damaged Power Lines Power Outages Valley Power Systems California

Damaged Power Lines Power Outages Valley Power Systems California

businesses and/or households. This has left many Californians looking for ways to prepare. Follow these tips to help you plan...

Purchasing a Standby Generator?

8 Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Standby Generator

When it comes time for you to buy a new standby generator for your business, there are some important factors that will influence your purchase. With the many brands and types of generators available on the market today, we at Valley Power Systems want to help you Standby Industrial Generator in California - Valley Power Systems

Standby Industrial Generator in California - Valley Power Systems

make the right decision for your facility. Here are 8 things you should consider before choosing a generator.

1. Fuel Type

Natural gas and diesel are the two most common fuel types for standby generators. Both have their own benefits and selecting the right one for your facility will depend on your preferences. Natural gas is convenient because it is supplied directly through the utility line. It’s also one of the cleanest fossil fuels available, making it a good choice for businesses who worry about their environmental impact. Diesel...

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