Why Do Diesel Generators Become Difficult to Start in Hot Summer?

As important power supply equipment, diesel generator sets are widely used in various industries around the world. In hot summer, ensuring the stable and reliable power supply is particularly essential for many enterprises. However, many factors such as high ambient temperature and high humidity may prevent diesel generators from starting smoothly. This not only affects the normal operation of the equipment, but also causes inconvenience to the production and operation of enterprises. Today, Dingbo Power will share several common reasons for diesel gensets struggling to start in summer.

What causes your diesel generator difficult to start or fail to start in summer?

Generally, many factors can lead to generator failure. The following are several top reasons for diesel generator not to start in summertime:

The reduced viscosity of engine oil

The right oil in a generator serves several critical functions: lubrication, heat dissipation, corrosion protection and cleaning. Oil viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil and its ability to flow at different temperatures. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil type and viscosity and use the best oil for your generator. Viscosity grades are recommended based on several criteria, including ambient temperatures.

In a hot summer, the viscosity of the oil will be reduced. This will can lead to inadequate lubrication, resulting in increased friction and potential engine failure. Therefore, when your generator operates in a higher temperature environment in summer, a higher viscosity oil that won’t thin out too much is preferable.

Defective fuel system

In the high temperature environment, the volatility of the fuel is enhanced, which makes it easy to form an air resistance in the fuel tank and the fuel pipes, affecting the supply of fuel. Meanwhile, high temperatures may also lead to aging and cracking of fuel pipes, further aggravating fuel supply problems. These problems can cause the diesel generator difficult to start .

To fix the problem, you should check the fuel tank and fuel lines and other components in fuel system regularly and replace the aging and cracked parts in time. Additionally, sunshades or other insulation measures can be installed above the fuel tank to reduce the volatility of the fuel. To prevent the generator starting failure, it’s also important to use high-quality fuel and ensure sufficient fuel.

Weak or dead battery

Diesel generator sets rely on batteries to start. However, high temperatures in summer may affect battery performance because it makes the electrolyte inside the battery easy to evaporate. In addition, the high temperature may also oxidize the battery plate and reduce the discharge capacity of the battery. A battery failure could also be due to dirty or loose connections. If the battery fails, the generator will not start.

You should check the the electrolyte level height and concentration of the battery regularly in summer and add distilled water or electrolyte timely if necessary. Keep the battery surface clean and dry to avoid plate oxidation. In a high temperature environment, you can consider using high temperature resistant batteries or taking other cooling measures. In addition, charge and discharge the battery periodically to ensure that the performance of the battery meets the requirements.

Problematic starting mechanical parts

The starting mechanical parts of the diesel generator such as the starter may be deformed due to thermal expansion in a high temperature environment, resulting in a smaller fit clearance and an increased starting resistance. High temperature may also cause inadequate lubrication on starting machine parts, further aggravating the difficulty of starting. Moreover, dust and impurities in the air in a high temperature environment increase, which can cause air filters to get clogged. This will lead to insufficient engine intake and insufficient combustion, which makes it difficult to start the diesel generator set.

Therefore, you should pay special attention to the starting mechanical parts of the diesel generator set in a hot summer. Timely maintenance and adjustment should be carried out. Inspect the diesel generator starting mechanical parts and the fit clearance periodically. Any damaged parts should be replaced in time. For the components deformed by thermal expansion, you can take appropriate adjustment measures to restore them to their original state. In addition, clean and maintain the starting mechanical parts regularly to ensure its normal operation. A clogged air filter can prevent the carburetor from getting the air needed for combustion. You should check if it looks dirty, replace it if necessary.

Diesel generator struggling to start or failing to start is a common problem in summer. Find out the causes and you can fix the problem accordingly. If you have a problem with generator set starting or look for a new diesel generator, feel free to contact Dingbo Power and we will gladly help you.