Have you ever had a blackout in the middle of the sea? This is an undesirable occurrence that every boater would prefer to stay away from. If proper marine generator maintenance is not conducted or done incorrectly, then you might experience frequent breakdown of the generator.
Your marine generator is responsible for running all the lights and appliances you may have on board, as well as, safety gadgets. It is important to service it correctly and keep it in good working order, but mistakes might happen, which results in costly damages or even a total failure of the machine. Here is a list of the major mistakes that can be made while servicing your marine generator and some guidelines on keeping your generator up and running.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
Marine generators are subjected to more difficult operating environments than most engines. They are subjected to the effects of seawater, high humidity, and steady vibrations. These make the generators more vulnerable to wear and corrosion. Therefore, their servicing should be done more frequently. Generator maintenance means your generator will perform optimally, and you are assured that you will not be inconvenienced by a lack of power supply. With that in mind, you should consider the most frequent pitfalls of marine generator servicing and how to avoid them.
Mistakes To Avoid When Servicing Your Marine Generator
- Skipping Routine Oil Changes: Marine generators, like any other engine, require oil as the basic lubricant, coolant, and protective layer. At some point, it degrades, gathers debris, and is no longer able to provide the necessary protective and sliding layer to the engine’s working components. If you want to service this generator, the right way is to ensure the oil is changed every 100 operating hours or 6 months, whichever is first. It’s always important to use quality oil that is recommended for marine engines, since they are designed to work under very extreme conditions. New oil helps to cool down the engine and decreases wear, so do not neglect your oil change, which could put extra pressure on your generator.
- Using Improper Replacement Parts: Using substandard or wrong parts, will make the generator underperform or get damaged altogether. Marine engines are built to deliver power and efficiency in marine environments. If you use parts that are not appropriate for marine use, then you will find yourself needing frequent repairs, which will cost you a lot of money. Ensure that you are always using marine-grade parts and the specific parts for your generator model. Look at the generator’s manual for the right part numbers and sizes. Do not use standard parts that can easily corrode due to the marine environment. If you are in doubt as to which part is suitable for your marine generator, seek advice from a specialist in that field.
- Neglecting the Fuel System: Among all factors, fuel issues are considered to be one of the most common reasons for generator failure. Marine fuel systems are especially prone to water, dirt, and algae. These tend to accumulate in the filters and injectors, which causes the generator to cut off or stop working in the middle of a journey. Ensure the fuel filters are checked and replaced frequently, so the system is clean. You should also use a fuel stabilizer if you are not frequently using the generator, as it will prevent alga, and other particle accumulation from affecting the fuel system. It is necessary to siphon off any water from the fuel/water separator and look for signs of leakage in the fuel transfer line, so that no contaminants are allowed to enter the fuel system of the engine.
Other mistakes that marine generator owners make are neglecting the cooling system, failing to run the generator routinely if it will not be in use for a long time, and forgetting to prepare it for off-season storage.
Get Expert Marine Generator Servicing from Leddy Power Systems
At Leddy Power Systems, we are the most dependable shop when it comes to servicing and repairing marine generators. We have a team of well-equipped and experienced professionals, to offer you expert tips on how to maintain your generator, the right high-quality parts that you require, and excellent servicing. Aside from marine generators, we also service residential and commercial generators.
We are proud to be the go-to place for people from all over Santa Barbara County, LA County, and Ventura County. By maintaining your marine generator, you are sure that your boat will have adequate power, regardless of the destination you choose. Don’t wait until the storm hits to find out that your generator needs a tune-up, contact Leddy Power Systems today to set up a maintenance visit!
