5 Ways Generator Fuel Impacts Maintenance Costs and Performance

Generators can be lifesavers for your business or facility. When there is a power outage and traditional utility lines are no longer reliable, all you’ll have left to depend on is your generator. Otherwise, your facility will lose business and productivity.

You must fill your generator with high-quality fuel that maximizes efficiency and performance. Using poor-quality fuel will put more stress on your generator and diminish its overall efficiency and performance. Worst of all, your generator will have a much shorter lifespan.

Below are five ways fuel impacts your generator’s maintenance costs and performance.

 1) Fuel Filter

Generators need a steady fuel flow to maintain a strong, consistent performance. Unfortunately, the fuel filters will get clogged with debris if not cleaned or maintained regularly. That will significantly restrict the fuel flow and diminish the generator’s performance. It could lead to stalling, low power, and possibly engine failure.

Maintain and replace your fuel filters often to avoid this problem. It is much cheaper to replace a fuel filter than an entire engine or other vital component. So, make sure you do it.

2) Fuel Additives 

Fuel additives help preserve fuel quality and prevent fuel degradation. They also improve engine health by reducing deposits, strengthening the combustion process, and cleaning out the fuel systems.

Your generator will last much longer if its fuel has additives included in it. Since you depend on your generator during an emergency, you’ll want those additives in the fuel to make your generator as performative and resilient as possible.

3) Clean Fuel

Old, contaminated fuel can increase carbon accumulation and clog the fuel injectors, resulting in weak internal combustion. If you have left unmaintained fuel in your on-site storage tanks for too long, it will accumulate dirt and microbial growth over time. Maintenance costs will be much higher if you wait too long to clean your fuel tank.

You must only add clean, uncontaminated fuel to your generators to ensure they perform at their peak. You can keep the fuel clean by cleaning the storage tank regularly, adding fuel additives, and requesting a fuel delivery to replace older fuel.

4) Fuel Type 

The fuel type used in your generator will say a lot about its performance and efficiency. For example, diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gasoline, which can generate more power per gallon. That is why diesel generators are more energy efficient with minimal maintenance costs.

The fuel type is everything for a generator. If you use the wrong fuel, it could result in more carbon buildup and increased maintenance duties.  

5) Fuel Temperature

Did you know that diesel fuel can start to gel up when exposed to cold temperatures? This gel can block fuel lines and make it more difficult for you to start your generator.

For this reason, it is wise to add winter-grade diesel and winter-formulated fuel additives to your generator to prepare it for the freezing winter season.

Request a Generator Fuel Delivery 

Would you like to request a generator fuel delivery to your commercial or industrial facility? Contact Atlas Fuel Services at (866) 787-5306 for more information.