Hints On Diesel

Maintenance

Many Islands estate managers have stationary diesel engines for generating electricity or for pumping water. Here are some tips on how to look after these engines.

The general stationary diesel generating set of, for example, kva is a very useful piece of equip ment. It has a fairly long life, it will stand a light overload and it will give sufficient electrical output for the “comfortable” use of electricity.

Of course, time and care must be spent installing such a stationary diesel. It can be mounted on two wooden bearers of 4 in. by 4 in. or 4 in. by 3 in. on which are laid strips of industrial felt, usually about I in. thick.

Prevents noise

This prevents noise transmission through the base. An alternative silencing method is to mount the set on “Silent Bloks”.

With these generating sets, oil should be changed once every 100 hours of engine use, and the filter at least once every 200 hours. If the diesel is water-cooled, use rain water and, for good measure, “dope” the radiator water with sodium silicate— this will lengthen the life of the water jackets. It is important also to remember to flush out the radiator and water jackets occasionally.

Important

Fuel cleanliness is important with a diesel generating set, and particular attention should be paid to the governor—the efficiency of the alternator or generator depends upon it.

The makers of the engine will let you have full details of general maintenance of the generator or alternator (i.e. bearing lubrication, brush attention and care of fuses, etc.). One tip: sprays such as WD 40 are excellent in warding off the troubles caused by dampness and condensation.

Once in a while it is a good idea to clean out the silencer since restric tion due to choking by soot can cause a slow, almost imperceptible, drop in power—and this will con tinue if not checked.

A diesel used for pumping water needs the same attention as a generating set—though in some cases the water cooling is direct instead of by radiator.

Pumps, like generators, need regular attention, and the normal centrifugal pump requires regular inspection of the gland. Make a practice of changing the packing regularly as it tends to harden and wear the pump shaft.

In the case of the plunger-type pumps, try to avoid sandy water and do not over-tighten the gland packing. Pump valves need frequent checking—worn seats and weak springs lower pump output.

Timetable

Where deep well pumps are con cerned it is best to contact the maker for a maintenance schedule since there are so many types.

For readers with diesel engines, here is a timetable for engine over haul; • 10 hours (less if engine worn), check oil level and replenish. • 25 hours, check radiator and cooling water. • 100 hours, change lubricating oil and renew filter element. (If engine not running on full load, extend to 150 hours). • 250 hours, check injectors. (If engine is running smoothly and with clean exhaust, defer check). • 750/800 hours, arrange top overhaul and have injectors cleaned and re-set; renew cylinder head gasket; wash out cylinder water jackets. • 1,500 hours, repeat as above. • 2,200 hours, if the engine has been working consistently the matter of a general overhaul should be con sidered; check bearings and piston rings, also liners for wear.