While Alberta is no stranger to flurries, snow, and ice, it’s not as kind to industrial and residential generators. Like any appliance with an engine, generators experience a few common winter-specific issues. But what are these challenges, and how can you prevent them before needing a power generation engine repair?
Read on with us here at TRIC Power Products, as we explore a few of the most common reasons why your generator may be experiencing issues this winter season.
#1: Frozen Fuel Lines
To ensure your generator performs like the well-oiled machine it is, it’s essential to remember that diesel fuel behaves differently in frigid temperatures. Diesel is naturally thicker and more viscous compared to gasoline, thanks to its long-chain hydrocarbon molecules. This higher energy density makes it an efficient choice for industrial generators, but also means it struggles during Alberta’s frigid winters.
During these cold winter periods, it’s common for diesel to experience what’s known as gelling. This thickened fuel can eventually lead to frozen fuel lines if not remedied. If this step is forgotten, you may eventually run the risk of misfires, overheating injectors, and other issues, ultimately requiring a power generation engine repair. Fortunately, gelling is relatively simply to prevent. Simply switch to a winter-blended diesel fuel and use an anti-gel additive once temperatures begin to dip.
#2: Dead and Weak Batteries
Just like us in the dead of winter, batteries get cold. Did you know that, on average, batteries lose between 35% and 60% of their energy in the winter to compensate for cold power loss? Like any engine, generator engines require a strong engine crank to start up for consistent functionality.
This is one of the most common issues with generators in the winter, but fortunately, it is a very simple fix once brought to the attention of a generator technician. To ensure your generator’s battery stays warm, consider investing in a battery warmer. Also, ensure that your generator’s self-testing function is running properly at regular intervals.
#3: Cold Starts From Failing Block Heater
No one likes to wake up in the cold. Block heaters are like the alarm clock of the engine. Block heaters enable engines to stay warm effectively, making it easier to jump-start them in sub-zero temperatures. Diesel engines rely on compression ignition to heat the air inside their cylinders to extremely high temperatures. Sub-zero winter temperatures can make this challenging—and eventually lead to a cold start if the cylinders aren’t able to become hot enough.
This is where block heaters come in. Block heaters help warm the entire engine, including the cylinders in the engine block. When temperatures dip low, a block heater can turn on to ensure proper heating, preventing component wear. While a single cold start may not cause a generator to fail, repeated cold starts significantly escalate the risk. If this happens, you risk needing a power generation engine repair.
#4: Not Getting Your Winter Tune Up
The number one issue that we see during our power generation engine repairs is not keeping up on preventative maintenance. For many industries across Alberta, winter is the busiest time of the entire year. From drilling on the oil fields to truck yard heaters, it’s considered prime time. But during these periods, it’s all too common for maintenance tasks to slip through the cracks.
This is where TRIC, your power generation engine repair specialists, come in. We offer scheduled preventive maintenance plans, ensuring you have power when you need it—no surprises needed.
When Your Engine’s Tired, We Step In.
At TRIC Power Products, we understand that your generator is the lifeblood of your operation. Whether a reliable standby generator, a prime power generator source, a portable generator, or a different variety—we’re here to help ensure that your business stays up and running with little to no downtime. Reach out to us today to learn more about our power generation engine repair.