Recently, many customers who purchase diesel generators often ask a question: How can we better extend the service life of diesel generator sets? In fact, a very crucial point is maintenance. The service life is determined by our maintenance of it. If the maintenance is done well, its service life will be longer. The usage method of the engine coolant also plays a certain protective role in the service life of the diesel generator set.
In addition to its cooling function, the engine coolant of modern diesel generator sets must also address four major issues: cavitation, chemical corrosion, electrochemical corrosion and scale formation. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze. The composition and cleanliness of water vary due to different sources. Therefore, when adding coolant, the following aspects should be noted.
1. Do not add well water or sewage.
Water can be classified into two types based on whether it contains dissolved minerals: hard water and soft water. Hard water contains ions such as iron, calcium and magnesium. Untreated well water and spring water are considered hard water. If such hard water is added to the engine, after being heated and evaporated by the engine, compounds such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate will be produced, which will precipitate and form scale. Scale, on the one hand, is a poor conductor of heat. On the other hand, when scale increases to a certain extent, it will narrow the pipeline, reduce the water flow, and affect the engine’s heat dissipation, causing the engine to overheat. The sewage contains silt and decaying organic matter, which can easily corrode the water tank and the water jacket of the tank body, affecting their service life.
2. Don’t just ignore it.
Some engines are filled with long-lasting coolant. After working for a period of time, the radiator cap should be opened for inspection. When water dirt, rust and sediment appear in the radiator, the coolant should be replaced in time.
3. Do not operate without water. When driving in hot weather, the coolant in the radiator evaporates faster. Always pay attention to checking the coolant level and keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge.
If the water tank is not fully filled, there will be problems with the circulation of coolant in the water jacket, and the water temperature is likely to rise, causing the water to boil over. For some models, it is not easy to fill up the water tank. The radiator is located lower than the engine. When filling up, the water tank filling port shows that it is full, but in fact, there is a lack of water in the engine water jacket. If you drive rashly, the radiator is likely to “boil over”. For this type of vehicle, the correct approach is: after the water filling port indicates that it is full, start the engine to run. When the engine temperature rises to the point where the thermostat opens, the air in the water jacket will be discharged and the water level will drop. At this point, simply fill the radiator. For cars, the coolant level should be between the “high” line and the “low” line on the outer surface of the compensation bucket.
4. Do not open the lid rashly when the water tank is boiling over.
When the water boils, the temperature inside the water tank is very high (at least 100℃) and the pressure is great. If the water tank cover is suddenly opened, the boiling water and steam will spray out rapidly, which can easily scald the person adding water. When “boiling over” occurs, the engine should generally be idled. Wait until the engine temperature drops before opening the hood and adding coolant. If time is tight, you can first cover the water tank cap with a damp cloth, then wrap your hands with a wet towel, and then slowly open the water tank cap. In addition, the speed of adding coolant should not be too fast; it should be added slowly.
When adding water, do not spill it onto the engine.
When adding water, if it is spilled onto the spark plug socket, high-voltage wire socket or distributor of the engine, it may have an impact on the spark. Water splashing onto the drive belt may also cause it to slip. Sprinkling it onto the machine body may also cause deformation or even cracking of the machine body.
6. Don’t forget to add antifreeze to the coolant.
Some drivers believe that antifreeze does not need to be added to the coolant in summer. This idea is wrong. Because antifreeze can prevent the coolant from boiling too early, it raises the boiling point of the coolant and can prevent the radiator from “boiling over” too early. In addition, antifreeze also contains rust inhibitors and foam suppressants. Rust inhibitors can delay or prevent the rusting and corrosion of the engine water jacket walls and radiators. The air in the coolant will generate a lot of foam under the agitation of the water pump impeller, and these foams will hinder the heat dissipation of the water jacket wall. Foam inhibitors can effectively suppress the formation of foam.
7. The human body should not come into contact with antifreeze.
Antifreeze and its additives are all toxic substances. Do not touch them and keep them in a safe place. The discharged coolant should not be reused. The discarded coolant should be disposed of strictly in accordance with relevant regulations.
8. Do not mix antifreeze of different models.
Otherwise, it is prone to cause chemical reactions, generating precipitates or bubbles, and reducing the usage effect. When changing the coolant, the cooling system should first be thoroughly rinsed with clean water, and then new antifreeze and water should be added. The remaining antifreeze should be labeled with its name on the container to avoid confusion.
For more questions about the generator set, please call the Beidou Power team. More than ten years of professional production and sales of power generation equipment experience, more professional engineer team to serve you, choose Beidou power is to choose rest assured, welcome on-site factory inspection.
Post time: Nov-10-2025