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Posted by Bill on March 01, 2004 at 19:52:13:
In Reply to: generators cold starting posted by kraig on January 15, 2004 at 05:57:08:
First; don't start it every four hours. This will probably lead to excess wear, water condensation in the crankcase, and condensation in the exhaust system, and the resulting accelerated corrosion.
Is it the type that you must close the throttle to stop it and open the throttle when starting it? If so, start at part throttle and advance the throttle as fast as you can, without "Banging". Some voltage regulators will burn out quickly if operated at less than rated frequency or speed. If there is a voltage regulator switch, leave it of until the unit is up to speed. I repeat, as soon as the motor starts, open the throttle as fast as possible without banging.
If the unit is one with an automatic start circuit, where you just flip a switch and the motor starts automatically, there is not much you can do. Generators typically start, "Full Throttle" and the full shot of fuel,in some engines causes a "Fuel" knock. In cold weather, the engine should be warm, the whole block.
Try to contact a diesel mechanic experienced with your type of engine. You may have a problem with over fueling, you may have a problem with timing, or the knocking may be normal for your engine.
Knocking tends to be greater on turbo-ed engines. At start up, before the turbo comes up to speed, the engines typically over-fuel. Evidence the cloud of black smoke when a turbo-ed generator starts. Black smoke on starting acceleration, or when hit with a heavy load is often an indication that the injectors are over fueling on non turbo engines. However, some black smoke on starting and block loading is common with older turdo-ed engines. With the ever stricter EPA standards, the newer turbo-ed engines make much less smoke at start-up than the older models.
You may consider adding another block heater, or better, a circulating heater.
Information on;
size, type of engine, does it hammer when it starts on a warm day?
will help us help you.
Yours
Bill
: We have a generator(diesel) that sits outside and has a tank heater on it, it bangs hard when it starts, is it a good idea to start it every 4 hours or so? Thanks.