In some parts of the United States, winters are harsher than one would like. As if to make the situation worse, there are times when extended power outages become the norm during winters. It is at such times that your commercial generator proves to be a savior by offering you a reliable backup power source. 

When it comes to backup power, things don’t get much better than with a diesel generator. Known for their powerful, efficient, and effective functioning, these generators ensure that your business functions seamlessly, even in the face of adverse power settings.

All said and done, it is crucial that your diesel generator is winter ready. What do we mean by that? Well, as with many pieces of equipment that are fuel based, even diesel generators require some maneuvering to ensure peak performance during the rather unforgiving winters. This is done by winterizing the generators. 

Winterizing is essential for both – portable generators as well as standby generators. It ensures that the performance of the generator remains unaffected even in the face of chilly breeze and snowfall, two of the most harrowing aspects of the season. 

Steps to Winterize Commercial Generator

Thorough Inspection

In order for the generator to perform optimally, it is essential that you conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment. This will help you get a better look at the wear and tear of the engine, which can often lead to a loss in efficiency. When inspecting the generator, it is crucial that you look for signs that warrant the repair or replacement of certain parts. Moreover, you must be on the lookout for any loose wires and/or leaks that may get in the way of the smooth operation of the generator and get them rectified immediately. 

Checking the Oil Filter

One of the most essential components of the diesel engine generator is the oil filter, which ensures that no dirt, debris, or impurity enters the engine. Hence, it is important that the filter is in good condition at all times. This can be ensured by keeping the oil filter clean, and if necessary, replacing it with a new oil filter. This seemingly small measure can help you enjoy the optimal performance of the generator, while also making sure that you do not incur heavy costs in future overhauls. 

Changing the Oil

For the smooth functioning of the diesel generator, it is extremely important that the engine oil is changed regularly. Since the engine oil is tasked with the responsibility of lubricating all parts so that they work in coherence, it becomes fairly important that the oil is changed before it loses its effectiveness and results in a decline in the performance of the generator. A good winterizing practice would be to change the oil right before the onset of the new season. 

Upkeeping the Diesel Fuel System

To ensure the seamless operation of your generator, make sure to fill the fuel tank before the start of the season. Yet another aspect that needs your attention during this time is the fuel system stabilizer. The stabilizer helps keep 

Before you store your diesel marine generator for winter, make sure you fill-up the fuel tank and keep a fuel system stabilizer handy. The stabilizer enables the preservation of the quality of the fuel, while also reducing unwanted evaporation when the generator is sitting idle. In order to make sure that the stabilizer reaches the entire fuel system, do run the engine for at least 5-10 minutes, when you add the stabilizer.  

Test the Generator

Before the generator is put to use for the winter, make sure to conduct a test run. All you need to do for this is run the generator on full load for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, closely monitor the performance of the generator. At this time, make sure that there are no leakages, loose wires, or joints that might hamper the functioning of the generator. If you notice any aspects that need repair or maintenance, make sure to get them taken care of immediately. This will ensure that you are well-prepared for the difficult season ahead. 

Involve an Expert

In most cases, generator owners and operators are not equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to winterize the generator. Hence, it is highly recommended to get in touch with an expert who can conduct the inspection thoroughly, run the load test, and suggest the necessary maintenance and upkeep measures. Moreover, a trained professional is much more likely to be able to spot minute errors which might go amiss otherwise. It becomes easier to get these faults rectified well within time, thereby saving unwanted downtime and expensive overhauls in the near future. 

Not only will this simple step ensure that your generator offers optimal performance during the winter, but it will also help elongate the overall lifespan of your equipment! Now, that is what we call a win-win situation. 

Maintaining the Cooling System 

The coolant in the generator plays an important role in absorbing heat during operation so that overheating of the generator can be averted. We hope that you are aware that overheating the generator could be a serious issue, and more so during the time of winter when the generator needs to function more relentlessly to fulfill the backup power needs. 

Hence, it is crucial that you replace the coolant before the onset of the winter season. As is the case with engine oil, even the coolant deteriorates in quality over the course of time. This makes it rather important to check the quality of the coolant from time to time and replace it when the need arises. 

We understand that all of these winterizing practices can seem overwhelming. If that is the case, you need not worry as we at PowerGen Enterprises have your back. All you need to do is get in touch with us, and we will assign an experienced professional to assist you with this taxing but important job. And before you know it, your business and your diesel engine generator will be up and ready for the winters!

Frequently Asked Questions About Winterizing Diesel Engine Generators

How to Store a Generator in Winters?

In order to store a generator during the winters, you must accomplish the following steps -

  • Check and replace fuel supplements
  • Add in water-absorbing filters 
  • Drain the water separator
  • Ensure that the anti-freeze coolant is at the optimal level
  • Check the battery
  • Clean and grease the generator's surface
  • Store the generator in a clean and dry space

What are the necessary safety measures while winterizing a generator?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most pressing hazards of using a generator. Hence, it is strongly advised to place the generator in a well-ventilated area. Moreover, it is also recommended to get a carbon monoxide alarm installed in the area so that you can be aware when this odorless gas is being produced by the generator, and take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and others from the same. It is also important to store the generator in a space where it stays unaffected by the snow and water.