Common Tier 4 Generator Problems To Know

Tier 4 regulations have been in force for a while. And, while most operators have upgraded their generators to be compliant, many have discovered some new problems they have to contend with. Fortunately, keeping a close eye on your systems and staying on top of regular maintenance is all that’s needed to keep a Tier 4 generator in tip-top condition.

Common Tier 4 Generator Problems

  1. Using the Wrong Fuel. This happens more often than you might think. If it’s caught right away, whether you’re running DEF instead of diesel, or vice versa, all you need to do is flush the system and examine the engine for damage. However, if the engine runs the wrong fuel for any period of time, it’s likely going to result in a hefty repair bill.
  2. Using Bad Fuel. This is an age-old problem, and using bad fuel can introduce water, contaminants, particulates, and all sorts of foreign objects that can damage the engine. Contaminated fuel is a leading cause of engine damage, which is why we strongly recommend fuel cleaning, fuel polishing, and above all, buying higher quality fuel to protect your diesel generator.
  3. Not Cleaning the Filter. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a vital component that requires regular cleaning. If it gets dirty, it’s impossible to burn away deposits adequately. As soot builds up, the system will lose efficiency, it increases wear and tear on the system, and can result in sudden failure.
  4. Incorrect Control Settings. Whether it’s bumped, not properly adjusted as operations evolve, or an electrical fault, control setting errors can lead to a sudden failure.
  5. Battery Failure. Battery failure remains a leading cause of generator failure. Loose connections, sulfation buildup, and failure to replace a damaged battery are all common reasons generator batteries fail.

Regular Maintenance Prevents Problems That Lead To Failure

Regular maintenance of your Tier 4 generator is critical for your operations and preserving the efficiency and effectiveness of your system. In addition, adhering to a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent the most common causes of generator failure, which include:

  • Dead batteries
  • Jacket water heater malfunction
  • Fuel contamination
  • Coolant hose destruction
  • Insufficient coolant
  • Fuel leaks
  • Fuel bleed back
  • Oil leaks
  • Engine belt damage
  • ATS failure
  • Improper control settings
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Wet stacking
  • Exhaust slobber
  • Clogged radiator core
  • Malfunctioning emergency stop switch

At Gen-Tech, we help our clients stay on top of generator maintenance. We perform thorough inspections of your system and tailor the maintenance regimen to address your specific needs. Further, our thorough record-keeping process allows us to track problem issues and adjust the maintenance regimen as your system ages. This approach helps protect your system from damage and prolongs the generator’s operational lifespan.

We encourage you to contact the Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists team at (800) 625-8324 to learn more about Tier 4 regulations and the maintenance services we offer that will keep your systems in prime condition!

Posted Under: Tier 4 Regulations