What Precautions Should Be Taken When Starting a Diesel Generator Set?

Before starting the diesel generator set, ensure all switches and corresponding conditions are ready. Do not start the generator set if any of the following nine conditions occur; instead, take necessary actions to maintain the generator in a ''healthy'' state to improve efficiency and prolong its lifespan. When starting a generator set, the following issues should be noted:

1. AVOID OPERATING WITHOUT COOLANT IN THE WATER TANK OR ADDING WATER AFTER STARTUP

Starting the diesel engine and then adding coolant could cause crucial components like the cylinder liner and cylinder head, which are at high temperatures, to crack or deform abruptly. Similarly, pouring 100°C boiling water into a cold engine body could lead to cracking or deformation of critical components. The correct method is to add coolant, approximately 60°C warm water, to the diesel engine before starting to preheat and then initiate startup.

2. AVOID IMPROPER FUEL SUPPLY

Do not start the diesel engine or supply fuel by only placing the decompression handle in the 'work' position before starting. Instead, place the throttle handle in the fuel supply position before starting the diesel engine. Incorrect fuel supply methods result in fuel wastage during engine startup by increasing the throttle valve's supply, causing excessive diesel to wash the cylinder walls, resulting in poor lubrication between pistons and piston rings, cylinder liner degradation, increased wear, and dilution of engine oil in the oil pan, reducing lubrication effectiveness, leading to excessive diesel, incomplete combustion, and carbon buildup in the cylinders. The correct method involves preheating the engine, supplying fuel through the throttle valve, and then initiating startup.

3. AVOID PULL-STARTING

Pull-starting a diesel engine in cold, viscous oil conditions will increase wear between moving parts, reducing the engine's lifespan.

4. AVOID IRREGULAR REPLENISHMENT OF LUBRICATING OIL AND FUEL

Different temperatures in summer and winter require different lubricating oils. In hot summer areas, not changing to high-temperature-resistant lubricating oil (such as 40, 50, 60, etc.) will decrease its oxidation stability. This leads to oil deterioration, accelerating its thermal decomposition, oxidation, and polymerization, making it prone to spoilage. Moreover, oil viscosity decreases with rising temperatures, causing excessive oil consumption. In winter, failure to replace low-viscosity lubricating oil and low-temperature diesel will result in engine resistance, making startup difficult and accelerating wear between moving parts.

5. AVOID OPEN FLAME HEATING

To prevent fires, when using an open flame or coal fire, it is necessary to heat the diesel engine oil pan at a certain distance (30cm away). Slowly rock the oil shaft to evenly distribute the heat, allowing the oil to uniformly warm. If the diesel engine's intake pipe catches fire during startup, it will cause ash and hard debris generated by the burning material to be drawn into the cylinder, resulting in the closure of intake and exhaust valves, accelerating cylinder wear.

6. AVOID PROLONGED USE OF POWER PLUGS

The flame preheater's heater is an electric heating wire with high power consumption and heat output. Prolonged usage can damage the battery due to rapid discharge and also burn out the heating wire. Therefore, the electric heating plug should not be continuously used for more than one minute each time, while the flame preheater should ideally be used for a maximum of twenty seconds continuously.

7. AVOID DIRECTLY ADDING OIL TO THE CYLINDER

Although adding oil to the cylinder can provide sealing, pressurization, and heating for easier cold starts of the diesel engine, the oil cannot fully combust, leading to carbon deposits. This causes a decrease in piston ring elasticity and cylinder sealing performance. Furthermore, it accelerates cylinder liner wear, reducing engine power and making starting more difficult. Hence, oil should not be directly added to the cylinder.

8. AVOID PROLONGED CONTINUOUS STARTUPS

The engine on a diesel machine operates under low voltage and high current conditions. Continuous use can damage the battery. Continuous startup time should not exceed 5 seconds; if the startup fails, wait for a 15-second interval before attempting again.

9. AVOID HIGH-SPEED OPERATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTUP

During cold starts of a diesel engine, the high viscosity of the oil and its increased flow resistance delay the oil's entry into the friction parts. This results in insufficient lubrication of the diesel engine's gears and bearings, causing damage. Additionally, it intensifies wear on the cylinder body and bearings and may lead to injector seizure in severe cases.