Buy Diesel Generator If You Want To Save Yourself From Recurring Maintenance Costs

Maintenance for a diesel is pretty much limited to regular oil changes. If the engine is cleaned of the inevitable oily film on a regular basis (like at every other oil change), any leaks or other irregularities are easily spotted. Regular, timely oil changes (according to the manufacturer's recommendations) are essential, as is the use of oil rated for diesels. Diesels operate at a much higher combustion pressure than do gas engines, and regular motor oil won't stand up to the job. Lots of discount stores offer motor oil by the case for really good prices. Just look for one that's diesel rated.

In contrast, to keep a gas engine running in top form, maintenance includes not only oil changes, but periodic replacement of air-cleaner elements, spark-plugs, ignition points, rotors, distributor caps and plug wires, electronic ignition modules in machines so equipped, occasional carburetor adjustments and overhauls, and general tune-ups. Add all that up to the short life-span and the double-or-more fuel consumption of gas engines and the good old, dependable diesel really begins to shine.

So why don't we all use diesel engines? They cost more initially. Diesel engines are always priced considerably higher than similar-horsepower gas engines, and that price is of course reflected in the price of a diesel-powered genset. The bottom line? If you are building a permanent power system for your home and if a generator is going to be the prime power source, go for the diesel if you can afford the initial outlay.

There are some considerations that are particularly important when operating diesel generators. It is important with any engine, but especially so with a diesel, to avoid starting the generator just to run a tool for a few minutes and then shut it down.

Ideally, the engine should never be started unless it will be allowed to operate long enough to bring it to its full, normal operating temperature. Similarly, it should never be shut down right after producing a large amount of power. Let the engine run at a low (or no) load for at least a few minutes before shutting it down. Rapid and/or frequent temperature swings dramatically shorten the life of any internal-combustion engine, particularly a diesel.

Your fuel tank should be big enough to hold at least a six-month supply of diesel. Two reasons:

• If you buy fuel in large quantities, you can usually get it delivered and there will be no road tax applicable, and the tax is a significant portion of the fuel price.
• Second, your fuel is easier to manage with a large tank. Running your engine out of fuel can mean disassembling the entire fuel-delivery system to bleed it of any air. It's just a lot easier to avoid the problem in the first place.

If you live in a very cold climate (below freezing), manage your fuel to be able to use winter-grade fuel when the temperature drops. Summer-grade diesel will begin to gel when it gets down below freezing. When the fuel gels, the flow stops.

As with all mechanical equipment, follow the manufacturer's service recommendations. The importance of timely oil changes cannot be over-stressed. You can save money on oil, but not by buying Brand-X. Buy your major-name-brand product of the proper viscosity (it will say it's diesel-rated on the label) in case lots when it comes on sale.

Never operate your generator without a properly installed and serviced air cleaner. It doesn't take much abrasive dust to dramatically shorten the life of an engine.

Install your generator in a clean, well-ventilated shed, out of the weather and out of the paths of dust and moisture. The shed needs to be able to contain the engine's noise, and placed in such a way that your neighbors can't hear it at all. 

Be sure that your generator has come up to full speed before applying any load. Starting a generator with an electrical load on it is hard on both the generator and the equipment plugged into it. Remember to allow it to run at no load for a few minutes before shutting it down, especially after it has been working hard.

With intelligent and conservative use, well-chosen and properly-maintained Used Diesel Generators can become the heart of a dependable and cost-effective alternative energy system.