Top Reasons for Generator Failure

Your commercial generator is a heavy-duty piece of equipment. Like all devices, it will wear down eventually and begin to exhibit signs of declining performance. This can result in unexpected shutdowns, negatively impacting your productivity and overall bottom line.

There are various reasons that a generator may fail, but being proactive about generator maintenance and repairs can help you avoid breakdowns and maximize the lifespan of your system.

Leaks in the System

Oil, fuel, and coolant leaks are a common concern with industrial generators. Leaks will make your power system less efficient as it is forced to work harder to perform at the same level. This increases energy usage and fluid consumption. If leaks are not repaired quickly, they can cause damage to your system, resulting in much wear and tear and, ultimately, a shortened lifespan. It is essential to have a professional technician from Valley Power Systems complete a leak inspection when your system is showing signs of inefficiency. They will have the right tools, equipment, and training to identify hidden leaks that can be difficult to locate on your own. You can trust that they will handle the repair promptly so that you can get back to business. 

Clogged Filters

Your filters are responsible for keeping dirt and debris away from the generator engine. When filters become excessively clogged, particles can enter the engine and wreak havoc, resulting in extreme damage. It’s important to check filters at least once a month to remove clogs, and you should make sure that they are changed regularly. Also, remember to inspect your filters after any major weather event, as these can stir up dirt in the area surrounding your generator. We recommend keeping the generator area as clean as possible to prevent buildup in the filters. 

Degraded Oil

Routine oil changes are crucial to extending the lifespan of your generator. Fresh oil keeps the different moving parts of the engine lubricated to reduce friction and regulate temperature. As oil ages, it thickens, which makes it harder to flow through your system. It also becomes contaminated with various deposits that accumulate over time. If your system continues to use degraded oil, you may notice a significant decline in efficiency. It’s essential to schedule regular oil changes to keep your generator in prime condition year after year.  

The exact frequency of oil changes will depend on the unit’s manufacturer, but they will generally need to occur after every 50 to 200 hours of operation. The power system may need oil changes more often depending on the generator’s size, age, usage, and environmental conditions. Our team at Valley Power System can provide you with an accurate oil change schedule and take care of the task for you promptly and professionally. 

Malfunctioning Block Heater

The block heater is responsible for warming up the engine block when the generator is not in use. This can help you avoid cold starts to gain access to more immediate power. The warm engine block will help fluids, like oil and coolant, flow more easily through the system by providing a more stable temperature environment overall. When block heaters fail, it can cause excess wear and tear on your system, which can ultimately lead to a shutdown. This issue should be addressed by a trained generator expert who will know how to replace the part properly. 

Power Issues

Oftentimes, the reason that a generator is failing is due to power issues. Your system may not start up at all, or it could power up slowly or roughly. If your generator performance seems inconsistent, it’s time for a professional inspection from a generator specialist. The problem could be a failing battery, a loose connection, or another issue. Our technicians will inspect the unit thoroughly, determine the source of the power problem, and address the repair promptly. 

Overheating

Your generator failure could be due to overheating. There are many reasons that overheating might occur, including:

• Exceeding power capacity
• Clogged filters
• Low oil levels 
• Leaking coolant
• Broken cooling fans
• Blocked exhaust system
• Damaged radiator core
• Cracked hoses 

Overheating the generator can lead to even more engine damage, including melted bearings and warped rotors. This kind of damage can be irreparable, and you may need a new system entirely. You should keep an eye on your unit for anything that could cause it to overheat. Generally, you will notice a great reduction in efficiency before this happens, so it’s crucial to stick to your maintenance schedule and reach out to a generator specialist at the first sign of trouble. 

Poor Maintenance

A generator that has been poorly maintained will be more likely to break down unexpectedly. The power system will be subjected to extensive wear and tear and become less efficient. Without regular maintenance, minor repair needs are more likely to go unnoticed until they grow into larger, more expensive problems. You could be looking at a generator replacement much sooner than expected. 

You don’t want to have to worry about not having the power you need in an emergency. Valley Power Systems offers customized maintenance contracts to ensure that you can continue operations without disruption. Our generator specialists will handle your oil and filter changes, leak checks, fluid refills, performance inspections, and more so that you can focus on your business. 

These are just a few reasons why your generator might fail. One of our generator professionals can give you an accurate diagnosis. At Valley Power Systems, we take a comprehensive approach to generator care. We will address your unit’s immediate concerns and look for any hidden issues that could cause you problems later. You’ve spent a lot of money on your generator, so you don’t want to have to replace it any sooner than necessary. By addressing repair needs now, you can prevent major issues that might require a complete generator replacement.

Our team will work hard to maximize the useful life of your generator through regularly scheduled maintenance and timely repairs. When the time comes for replacement, you can count on our company for state-of-the-art power solutions at competitive industry prices.

Your Partner in Power

Are you experiencing signs of generator failure? Valley Power Systems can help. We have served businesses throughout California since 1949, and we are proud to offer a wide range of power solutions. Whether you need a rental, a portable, or a standby model, we’ve got you covered with today’s top brands. 

When your generator isn’t functioning as it should, our experienced technicians can conduct a comprehensive assessment to uncover the source of the problem and recommend the most cost-effective repair options. Our technicians are factory-trained and certified to handle all your generator repair and maintenance needs, from oil and filter changes to complete engine overhauls. When working with a unit, our goals are to minimize downtime, keep you up and running, and extend the lifespan of your power system so that you can rely on it for years to come. 

If it’s time to invest in a new genset, Valley Power Systems has access to the top manufacturers in the industry. Our team is ready to explore your options. Contact us today to learn more.

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