Generator Repairs

What can be done to repair generators?

Generators come in different shapes and sizes while running on a variety of fuel types, including Diesel, Gas, Biofuel and HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil). Without maintaining them correctly, they can fail when you least expect them and cause immeasurable amounts of business disruption. All manufacturers provide a specified maintenance regime with the equipment when you purchase it.

It is essential to carry out the specified maintenance by qualified personnel at specified intervals. Failure to comply with the recommended maintenance may cause a breakdown and invalidate any warranty the manufacturer provides. Our high-quality generator repair services cover a wide range of generators, including diesel generators and other power generation units.

Different generators require different levels of care

Depending on the type, make, and application, different generators require different levels of repair and maintenance. Below are some of the factors that can determine the maintenance intervals:

Engine run hours
Poor performance
Equipment application
Operating environment
Load profiles
Fluid sampling results
Previous service history
Manufacturer recommendations

Not all equipment requires the same level of attention. However, undergoing maintenance will prevent failure and extend the life of the equipment.

What can cause generator failure

Generator failure never happens when it’s convenient and often causes interruptions to your day-to-day operations. In the most critical of operations, such as hospitals, generators will operate in N+1 or N+2 Configurations with UPS support. In this case, when power failure or generator failure occurs, the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) will support the load. Meanwhile, the second generator starts up and takes over.

Unfortunately, applications not supported by UPS or N+1 systems are often the case in power-dense sites. These rely on a single source of generation. When this generator fails or malfunctions, disruptions will occur. This does not prevent systems with extended protection or complex protection from failing, but it reduces the likelihood and increases resilience.

The common causes of generator failures

The reasons for generator failures are vast. For instance, you might encounter a generator that has a battery failure. Battery failures are a common cause of failure for a generator. Should this happen, we recommend that you call us immediately and our team will help.

A fairly common reason why your generator might fail is that it has simply been overused. It is no secret that if you use something too much, the likelihood of it breaking drastically increases. The same applies to generators. We recommend that you book an inspection of your generator(s) every 6 months, or after 500 hours of usage.

A lack of servicing can also be the reason for your generator failing. This is why regularly booking generator servicing is vital to the condition of your generator(s). Another reason could be a blocked fuel filter. A blocked fuel filter can be dangerous, as it can damage your generator.

Not only this, but the blockage can lead to your fuel becoming contaminated, which will cause your generator to break down completely.

Other generator failures include the following:

Cranking Battery Failure
Low Fluid Levels
External Fluid Hoses Failure
Engine Pre-Heating Failure
Battery Charger Failure
Automatic Voltage Regulator Failure
Catastrophic Alternator Winding Failure
Sensor Malfunction or Failure
Controller Malfunction or complete Failure

Replace vs Repair: what's right for you?

Every generator has a predicted lifespan, with some lasting longer than others. However, this will all come down to how well the equipment has been maintained during its working life. When the time comes for repair, you will also have to consider the cost of a replacement.

Key aspects:

Reliability: Generators, especially for critical standby applications, are essential and need to be reliable. On-going maintenance can help with this, but it may come to the stage where small items are degrading and letting the system down. Refurbishment can cover all small items; however, the cost should be closely weighed to see if a new unit would be worth it.

Efficiency: While the fundamental mechanics have remained the same, there have been some big improvements in fuel technology. Engines are now more efficient with lower fuel consumption, which has a major impact on the running costs of your generator (this is often the main expense when owning a generator).

Environmental Impact: Modern generators can be equipped with low-emission engines, which are much less harmful to the environment. Stage IIIa or Stage V generators are available for use in sensitive areas, such as the London Ultra Low Emission Zone or under the NNRM (Non-road Mobile Machinery) Directive.

Fuel System Installation: Many older installations never considered the impact of a major diesel leak on the local environment. The regulations are now strict on the installation of diesel tanks needing to be bunded (double-skinned) and tanks being fire-protected in certain circumstances. It may be that your generator installation is not in line with the current regulations and needs an upgrade. You could be facing serious implications if your system develops a fault.

Replacing:

Generators of all sizes are expensive and replacing them is a major consideration and investment for any business. The fundamental design of generators has not changed for many years so there could still be many years of service left in your current unit. If your generator is used for standby applications, then a generator repair or refurbishment may be the best option.

If it is used as a prime source of power, then the replacement of an older unit often makes sense. This, of course, depends on the nature of the faults and the cost of repair.

Pleavin Power can provide quotations for both so you can see the best way of proceeding. The first thing we would suggest is a full generator/installation health check and report. We can undertake generator repairs, refurbishment, or a quote for a replacement unit and installation.

How much should maintenance cost you?

Generator repair services are often competitively priced. Many different companies are offering different levels of generator servicing and maintenance throughout the UK. However, servicing generators is a mindful process and requires exceptional service. If all you are looking to have done is have the engine filters changed, then you might as well consider doing this yourself.

Alternatively, you can browse our various generators for sale, as these will remain operational for a long period.

A common misconception in the generator industry is about what should and should not be done during a visit. The truth is, nearly all manufacturers recommend the following as a minimum:

Fluid levels were checked and sampled.
Fluids are replaced every 500 hours of operation or every three years, whichever occurs first.
Engine Valve Lash Adjustment occurs at an initial 250 hours of operation and then every 500 hours.
Replacement Fuel, Oil, Air and auxiliary system filters at least every six months.
Adjustment or Replacement of Drive, Auxiliary and Fan Belts every three years.
Replacement of engine Thermostats and seals every three years.
Testing of battery CCA, Charge rate, and capacity.
Integrity Check of the auxiliary fuel system, storage, and operation.
Integrity check of Engine and alternator heaters.
Control system inspection, connection check, and functional operation.
Connection Torque Check the generator terminal box and the generator output breaker.
Mechanical guards, fixings, and systems are checked.
Load-bank test to achieve at least 80% of the rated load for four hours.

In addition to manufacturers’ minimum maintenance servicing, we also complete the following:

Megger tests of windings are used to measure insulation resistance and track deterioration.
Regular fluid sampling provides you with a clear image of system health and fuel quality.
Firmware updates and software updates for primary and auxiliary control systems.
Tripping battery testing and switchgear maintenance.
System functionality testing to ensure correct operation, not just an offload test.
Black-building simulation, Supply isolation or Emergency Situation Simulation.