There is a very popular theory that all engines, especially diesel engines, have a hard time starting in the cold. However, this is not always true. The fact is that frost can negatively affect the engine's ability to start. But this is not caused by the very fact that there is a negative temperature, but largely by the user's negligence in operating and servicing the engine.

 

Causes of difficulty in starting a generator in winter

The basic issue is a  too small battery. However, it is worth noting that in newer designs the injection system works only when the engine achieves the right rotational speed. So when the starter isn’t rotating fast enough, the fuel system doesn't feed diesel into the cylinders. This happens where the battery is efficient enough to spin the starter, but too weak to generate the right speed. The battery should be tested with a simple meter to confirm the fault.

 

Another, most serious electrical defect is a  fault in the starter itself. As we know, the starter itself has moving parts that are subject to wear. Unfortunately, faults usually occur in winter. Worn elements put too much resistance and the starter will not run the engine despite the right voltage.

Another system that can fail during frost is the fuel system. Here, the fault usually lies with the user, as the most common cause is a dirty fuel filter. When not replaced for years, it can even cause the formation of an ice plug, effectively preventing the engine from starting. Under our conditions, this filter should be changed at least once a year. In modern diesel engines, fuel filters have water separators with a drain plug, which must be emptied in autumn. Otherwise, failure is guaranteed during greater frost.

Finally, we should say something about the  fuelitself. Fortunately, renowned fuel stations already offer good quality products, and many failures can be avoided by filling a good fuel. In winter, you can use special fuels dedicated to work at low temperatures, or consider adding a specially prepared agent to the fuel to lower the freezing point. These agents are called conditioners.

Another failure that may occur is the lack of engine heating, which is related to a fault of glow plugs or engine block heater. In the case of glow plugs, it is difficult to find out if they are malfunctioning. In addition, unscrewing them poses a problem due to the risk of breakage, so users are reluctant to check them. The problem with their diagnosis is also caused by the fact that even if some of plugs are working, e.g. 2 out of 4, the engine is still able to start, so we cannot detect the fault. Most generator manufacturers, however, are moving away from glow plugs and replace them with engine block heaters. They fulfil the same function, increasing the temperature of the engine block and facilitating start even at temperatures of -35oC. Failures of the heater itself are easier to diagnose.

To sum up, the most important thing is to take care and control power generators in accordance with the guidelines in the manual. If we follow all recommendations and perform regular inspections, we can basically be sure that the machine will run without failures, and will start in winter as expected.


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