Understanding The Reason Why the Generator Fails to Start – HomeCares

The standby generators are operated less frequently. With the complex standby generators that are available in the market now, it is vital to understand the basics of the system that is installed at your place. It will help you from unnecessary wastage of time and energy than it consumes for sorting the starting issue by the generator. The reasons for generator starting issues could be because of inaccurate settings, neglected maintenance, servicing or monthly tests. Let us check some of the major reasons that cause the generator to stop from starting –

It is one of the common reason why the generator will not start – either due to loose connection or sulphate build up in the form of crystals on the plates of lead-acid batteries. When the sulphate molecules in the battery start to discharge, it causes a build-up that covers the plate. It leads the battery to not provide the current that is enough to start the generator.

Also, check for the open charger breaker that makes the batter inoperable. Reason for this could because of fault in the battery charger unit or AC supply disconnected by a tripped circuit breaker. The battery failures also may occur due to a dirty or loose connection that should be checked regularly. Clean and tighten the connections to prevent any potential failure.

The best solution to have the battery in the best condition is to service the batteries every three years.

Another major reason for the failed start of the generator could be because of the bad fuel mix.

• Fuel runs out the engine receives air but no fuel
• Air intake gets clogged with fuel but no air
• Supply of too much or too little fuel to mix result in combustions not occurring properly within the engine
• Impurities in the fuel which causes the fuel not to burn.

The solution to bad fuel mix is to check the standby generator regularly and get it tested to ensure it is not causing any fault in the generator.

Lower coolant level in the radiator would cause the engine to overheat. It leads to mechanical breakdown and engine failure. Check the coolant level regularly for any puddles. The colour of the coolant is generally red but varies depending o the manufacturer.

Check for the internal plugged radiator corers that lead to low coolant level shutdowns. Never operate the generator under load. When the engine reaches the optimum operating temperature, it causes the thermostat to open completely. This causes the radiator to not allow the proper amount of flow through the core. This results in coolant to escape through the overflow line.

Alternatively, when the engine cools down, it causes the thermostat to close and it activates a low coolant level shutdown in the generator. It is best to test your generator with an external load bank for the right load that can be exerted in it. It helps in understanding the right temperature value that is needed to open the thermostat and use the system accordingly.

Tyne Technical Services Ltd can repair or upgrade your existing generator equipment. We try to fix the simple repairs your site, but more complex works will be carried out at our workshop facilities.

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