If you have ever used a generator before, especially during the winter months, then it’s possible that you might already know what we are talking about here. Although diesel generators have been around for a long time, and are statistically still... the most popular genset types owing to their tremendous longevity and robustness, the machine is still vulnerable to a few issues, just like any device ever invented.
If you are amongst the unfortunate buyers who have experienced the hassles of using diesel fuel for their generators in extremely cold weather, then this article is for you. Although diesel gensets are the most reliable units for producing backup power (https://thisoldhouse.com/electrical/21015400/backup-power), if your genset model is particularly old, or has been subjected to improper usage, then it’s possible that your once ever-reliable machine starts to become a bit temperamental furing frosty weather.
If you live or own a business at a location where the temperature can drop to chilling levels, then you would probably experience “diesel gelling” which may trigger a few performance issues, and in some worst-case scenarios, lead to acute machine failure. Imagine the sheer sense of helplessness you’ll feel when the lights go out in the middle of a snowstorm and you realize that your generator has refused to start. Imagine the sadness when the first thing in the morning that you hear is a stuttering, sputtering generator motor and then the machine breaks down.
The guide will help you to find the best generator according to your needs and preferences.
# Why “Fuel Gelling” Must Be Taken Seriously:
Fuels derivates that are extracted from fossils (such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc) might undergo “gelling” to some extent. Diesel fuel, however, contains a higher proportion of paraffin wax (a.k.a., “petroleum wax”) than just about any other fuel type. Now, despite what you might think, this is a great element that can be used to increase the lubrication and viscosity of diesel fuel.
As a result, diesel is able to perform better and retain its combustion efficiency under more extreme conditions. This is especially true for warmer or more tropical climates. However, when the conditions suddenly become quite frosty, the same paraffin wax that was of great help suddenly becomes an issue. As with any common wax, when the temperature drops, the wax thickens, and may even form crystals.
Now, since most generator units contain an oil filter, you may expect these impurities to be removed before the main fuel reaches the engine chamber, but during winters, the filter may easily get clogged. As a result, this wax-fuel mixture may get stuck to the internal parts and hinder the generator’s operation, known as “diesel gelling” (https://tap.fremontmotors.com/what-is-diesel-gelling-and-how-to-stop-it). This might be the reason why you face starting issues with your genset during winters, especially if you own an older model.
# Where Does The Solution Lie?
But enough with the problems? We are more interested in learning about the techniques that can be adopted to solve the problem of “fuel gelling”. If you notice any of these symptoms when using your genset, then it’s quite possible that “diesel gelling” has already set in:
1. Sputtering sound when revving up the genset engine.
2. Engine refuses to start after multiple attempts.
3. Underwhelming or fluctuating performance.
4. A noticeable variation in the diesel rail pressure
5. Motor facing acceleration issues.
Here’s what you can do to mitigate or completely eradicate the gelling problem:
1. Use High-quality Fuel Additives:-
Here are just some of the benefits of adding fuel additives to your generator fuel (diesel)-
Improved flow during cold conditions
Cold-filter plugging point is reduced
Proper disposal of unwanted fuel deposits.
Your genset fuel can be first treated before being fed to the engine, and fuel additives can achieve that task with minimum fuss. High-quality diesel additives help reduce the gelling point, so the paraffin wax stays molten even at colder temperatures. You can even ask for a proper additive product at your local service station.
2. Warming Up The Generator Before Use:-
A generator unit works much like a human body, in that it needs proper warming up before some action or else it might get overwhelmed and ultimately break down. So, before you need your diesel generator to power your entire premises, make sure that it runs freely (under no-load conditions) for 3-5 minutes so that the lubricant and diesel fuel can reach a regular temperature, while the internal body of the machine heats up.
3. Buy Your Generator From An Expert:-
If we’re being completely honest, the best way to prevent diesel gelling, or any other performance issue is by buying your genset from a well-reputed, highly acknowledged supplier in the first place. This is why for over a decade, https://Ablesales.com.au has been providing affordable and reliable backup power solutions to all residential and commercial clients in Australia. Our premium range of high-quality generators are manufactured by the most celebrated brands in the whole industry (Cummins, Honda, Mitsubishi, to name a few), while our exceptional gensets are shipped to global customers anywhere in the world.
# Conclusion:-
In the winter season backup for diesel is essential. Because generators are capable of running 24 hours in any weather if installed properly with a suitable place and weather. Generators need and require a healthy environment not too cold and not too hot only then they can perform well. That's why you should hire a professional and experienced installer for the application of backup diesel generators.
Because facing diesel gelling in winters can be dangerous and lossful too. It can cause many changes and lower down the performance very badly. And this is something no one wants. That's why using diesel for fueling in winters can be a good choice for overall performance.
Since dealing with diesel gelling over the winter can be risky and costly. It has the potential to bring about a lot of changes and significantly reduce performance. And no one wants that, which is why utilizing diesel for fuel in the winter might be an excellent option for performance.
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