Maintaining your diesel generator is important for ensuring you and your family can enjoy your large boat or yacht all season long. Recognizing when it is time for diesel generator maintenance can help save you hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars in costly repairs.
The most common reason for an emergency rescue call at sea is a malfunctioning diesel generator. Although you can repair most minor issues that arise when using a diesel generator, it is important to contact a professional repair service before that minor issue becomes a major one.
How can you recognize when it is time for professional diesel generator maintenance and not something you can easily repair in an afternoon? Below are some important signs and tips for recognizing when it is time and why you should contact a specialist.
The Presence Of Noxious Fumes
Noxious fumes are generally the best indicator of a malfunctioning diesel generator. These nasty fumes can not only be a nuisance but also a danger to everyone on board your yacht or large boat. Noxious fumes are usually accompanied by white or black smoke.
Black smoke is usually indicative of too much fuel present, not enough air, or the timing of the injector pump is off. The common cause may be simply a dirty air filter but if the intake hose is collapsed or there is a restriction to the exhaust, then you may need to consider professional diesel generator maintenance service.
When there is not enough heat to burn the diesel fuel, white smoke will usually occur. Besides the white smoke, a rich fuel scent will also be present. A bad glow plug can cause white smoke when the generator initially starts up. A low engine cranking speed may also be to blame.
White smoke could persist despite replacing a bad glow plug. In this case, incorrect injection timing, a worn out injection pump, or bad injectors could be to blame and require a specialist to repair before the problem becomes much worse.
Issues With Diesel Stalling
Sometimes when decelerating the diesel will stall. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. Usually, stalling will occur when there is a lubrication problem with the injector pump. If the idle speed of the large boat or yacht is low, it could prevent the pump governor from properly recovering during deceleration and cause stalling.
Generally, this issue can be fixed by adding a lubricant but if the additive does not fix the stalling, it may be necessary to clean the pump or have it entirely replaced. Contacting skilled diesel generator maintenance mechanics can help order and replace the pump quickly.
Contact The Professionals Today
Here at RPM Diesel Engine Company, INC. we employ highly skilled professionals equipped with the latest hardware and tools to properly fix any diesel generator malfunction. We provide the highest quality service to ensure your time at sea is fun and issue free. Contact RPM Diesel today for all your diesel engine and generator repair needs.
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Diesel Generator Maintenance
