A timely oil change is crucial for helping your diesel generator operate efficiently and extend its life. Diesel generators are designed to operate using oil as a lubricant. The oil prevents generator parts from overheating and supports optimal performance. Operating a generator without adequate oil can cause severe damage to your equipment.
Below is a step-by-step guide to teach you how to change your generator’s oil. As a reminder, professional maintenance is always the best and easiest option.
Here are a few ways oil supports the operation of your diesel generator:
The frequency of your generator oil change will depend on your manufacturer’s manual recommendations, weather conditions, and usage. A routine maintenance plan will prevent damage. It will also extend your equipment’s life.
Check your manufacturer’s manual for the oil your diesel generator needs. The wrong oil for your generator can cause severe damage and reduce the life span.
Oil viscosity is a key factor when choosing oil for your equipment. The right viscosity will depend on the temperature range your generator will operate at. Weather is an important consideration and can affect the viscosity needed — the lower the temperature, the lower the oil viscosity should be.
The following are key factors impacting how long oil lasts in a generator:
Now that you know how vital oil is to your equipment, let’s look at how to change the generator oil. Before you start, read your manufacturer’s manual. To change the oil in your diesel generator, you need the right filter and type. The manual will also tell you how much oil your generator requires.
Safety is paramount when working with commercial equipment like diesel generators. Before checking or changing the oil, wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Wearing safety equipment prevents 37.6% of accidents, and 12% to 14% of injuries are caused by not wearing PPE.
When changing the oil on your diesel generator, check the manufacturer’s guide. This applies to any maintenance or repair work. Here, you’ll find the best information on oil changes. It typically covers their frequency, the oil type and more. That includes warm up time, viscosity, and oil levels.
When a maintenance service comes, give them the manufacturer’s guidelines. This will ensure they care for your investment. Thompsons Power Systems has specialized, factory-trained technicians. They can service Olympian, Taylor, Cummins, Kohler, and Generac generators.
Clean dirt and debris from the surrounding areas at the generator’s site. Small particles and pollutants can quickly enter the generator engine. They can harm its performance and shorten the equipment’s life.
To check the oil on your generator, remove the dipstick, clean it, and reinsert it. Take the stick out and look at the oil mark. Assess the level on the dipstick.
The oil can be sticky and cold when your diesel generator has been out of operation for a long time. Warming the engine will help drain dirt, debris, and other pollutants.
Get a container similar in size to your generator’s oil capacity. It should be suitable for oil disposal. Place it below the generator’s drain plug. Using a damp cloth, remove the plug. After you remove the plug, the oil will start to drain. Ensure the oil drains into the container to support proper disposal.
Do generators have oil filters? Yes, they do, and many people forget to change them. This step is crucial for the optimal performance of your generator.
After removing the generator’s drain plug, you’ll see the filter. Remove the filter with a wrench, twisting it until it loosens. Remove any debris or residue from the filter area and replace it with a new one. Replacing the filter at the same time as the oil is essential to keeping your generator in top condition.
After checking the manual and getting the recommended oil, change the filter. Then, reinsert the generator’s plug. Use a funnel to add the new oil and avoid spilling on other parts and the surroundings. Check the oil levels. They should be between the minimum and maximum levels.
Run the generator for a few minutes. This will warm up the oil and lubricate the moving parts. Then, check the oil levels. After a few minutes, stop the generator. Then, check the oil. It should be between the minimum and maximum levels.
Proper oil disposal will prevent oil from polluting soil and water bodies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific management standards to help businesses handle oil.
Filter and oil state regulations might differ from federal regulations. Always check with local authorities for options for safe oil disposal.
Thompson Power Systems maintenance service will assure that your generator operates when needed. We design flexible, customized maintenance plans that fit your factory recommendations and budget.
You can expect professional assessment from our trained technicians. They will identify early signs of problems or repair needs. Our service plans will boost your generator’s performance and uptime Our job is to keep your generator up and running when you need it the most. Contact us to learn more today!
