Product overview for diesel generators. Recommendations for the choice of fuel and oil for diesel generators

08.04.2019

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25.03.2019

Planning to buy a generator for your home or business? Then you know that to ensure its operation, you need to take care of the fuel and oil for the generator.

In order for the generator to start up and work properly in any operating conditions, you need to seriously approach the issue of choosing fuels and lubricants.

Depending on the type installed engine, diesel fuel or gasoline can be used as fuel. The quality of the compositions directly affects the serviceability of the parts, as well as the level of their wear. Do not use leaded fuel, as its use generates particulate matter as a result of combustion, which will lead to engine failure.

Generator manufacturers make the following recommendations:

For diesel power plants domestic diesel fuel of the first and highest grade is suitable: summer L-0.2-40, L-0.2-62 and winter 3-0.2 minus 35, 3-0.2 minus 45;
for gasoline generators, gasoline recommended by the manufacturer in the instructions is used. Four stroke engines run on pure gasoline (without oil), and two-stroke - on a mixture of gasoline and oil. For side valve engines, use gasoline with octane rating not less than 77 (A-80, AI-92, AI-95, AI-98). If the generator engine has an overhead valve arrangement (OHV marking), the fuel must have an octane rating of at least 85 (AI-92, AI-95, AI-98).

Professional advice: so that the fuel does not run out at the most inopportune moment, and the object is not left without electricity, you need to take care of a sufficient supply. You need to proceed from the frequency of using the generator, as well as from the number of liters consumed per hour. For example, portable units can consume about 1-2 liters per hour, and powerful stationary units - more than 10 liters per hour.

Oil for gasoline generator and diesel generator

Oil is an essential consumable for a power plant. It serves to lubricate the friction parts of the gearbox and engine, reducing their wear.

During operation of the equipment, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient level of oil in the crankcase to avoid engine shutdown and serious damage.

In addition, the spent composition requires replacement after running-in (after the first 5 hours of operation), also every 20 to 50 hours of operation and during seasonal maintenance of the generator.

But mindlessly pour the first one that comes across generator oil it is impossible, because a specific composition is intended for each type of engine and operating conditions. A knowledgeable person can easily determine this by reading the information on the package. To make it easy for you, we will tell you more about how the marking is read.

By API system(American Petroleum Institute) compounds are marked with two letters. The first letter determines the type of fuel used: S - for gasoline, C - for diesel. The second letter in the marking indicates quality characteristics oils, depending on the use of special additives. For example, oils labeled A, B and C are of a low class.

For diesel generators, it is recommended to use high-quality oils marked CD, CE or CF-4, for gasoline generators - SJ, SL. In addition, for 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, different oils(information about this is indicated on the packaging).

The composition distinguishes between mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. They contain special additives that impart such qualitative characteristics as viscosity and fluidity. Note that under different temperature conditions, these properties can change, therefore, each composition has its own temperature range of operation.

For example, mineral oil is great for use at above zero temperatures, but as soon as the temperature drops below zero, it can crystallize and the generator engine will not start. That is why it is important to distinguish between oils according to the season of use. There is an SAE standard for this.

So that you do not get confused in complex index values, we will present all the information in a table:

The recommendations presented in the table are approximate, since for each brand of engine internal combustion each manufacturer lists the most suitable oils and additives. It all depends on the degree of forcing, the heat stress of the engine and other individual characteristics. You will find information about the compositions for your generator in the instructions.

Professional advice: Using all-weather (or as they are also called multi-temperature) oils of the SAE10W30 type at air temperatures above +4 ° C, be prepared for their overspending compared with summer oils. In this regard, you will have to check the oil level and add it more often than usual to prevent wear on the rubbing parts of the engine.

When changing mineral oil on synthetic (and vice versa), it is recommended to completely drain the old and fill in the new to avoid incompatibility of additives when mixing. So you can avoid serious problems in the operation of the engine and related repairs.

What kind of oil to pour into the generator?

So, with the choice of basic Supplies we figured it out. Now let's move on to the question of what else is useful when working. Unfortunately, not all buyers pay attention to such trifles, but in vain. Lack of important accessories such as an extension cord can cause downtime.

In order for you to be able to work at a considerable distance from the power source, we recommend purchasing an extension cord. It is useful at a construction site, in a workshop, in everyday life for connecting power tools, a pump and other equipment to a generator. Wire length y different devices can range from 10 to 50 meters.

In the case when the power plant will be used permanently at an enterprise or in a residential building, and will also be used as a backup power source for lighting and household appliances, you need to purchase a conductive wire to connect all consumers to the generator.

In this case, the number of cores should be taken into account: a two-core cable is suitable for an installation that produces a current with a voltage of 220 V, a three-core cable for equipment that produces 380 V.

All plastic parts resistant to high temperatures, which eliminates fire, and most products have grounding contacts. By purchasing such devices, you can be sure of the safety of the entire electrical system. To prevent fluctuations in the voltage generated by the generator from causing damage to such highly sensitive equipment as computers, medical equipment and alarm systems, we recommend purchasing a stabilizer.

When servicing the generator, it is recommended to wear gloves on your hands so as not to burn yourself on hot parts, and also not to get dirty when pouring fuel and oil into the tanks. Don't forget the oil and fuel canisters as well. These containers are very convenient for both storage and transportation. They have convenient handles, and the neck is tightly twisted with a lid so that the liquid does not spill.

The most convenient are double canisters, in which one compartment is designed for oil, and the other (larger volume) for gasoline. These canisters are in the range of Husqvarna, Champion, Stihl. Depending on the volume of the tank of your generator, as well as on the average fuel consumption, you can choose a tank with a volume of 1 to 6 liters.

The main type of fuel for diesel engines is crude oil distillation products (diesel fuel, fuel oil, etc.). Their advantages are high calorific value, no tendency to spontaneous combustion, convenience of storing liquid fuel in storage tanks and its supply (pumping) from tanks to service tanks.

The disadvantages of diesel fuels include the presence in their composition of light fractions that evaporate at a relatively low temperatures, the impossibility of extinguishing with a jet of water and the relatively high cost.

Diesel fuels must provide:

easy and reliable engine start;
good fuel atomization quality;
minimum ignition delay period and a smooth increase in pressure during the combustion of the working mixture;
absence of abnormal deposits and coke deposits in the cavity of the combustion chamber and exhaust tract, tar and varnish deposits on parts fuel equipment and cylinder-piston group.

GOST 305 “Diesel fuel. Specifications". In accordance with this standard, depending on the conditions of use, three grades are established diesel fuel:

L (summer), for operation at an ambient temperature of 0 ° C and above;
3 (winter) manufactured for operation at an ambient temperature of -20°С and higher (fuel pour point not higher than -35°С) and -30°С and higher (fuel pour point not higher than -45°С);
A (Arctic), for operation at an ambient temperature of -50°C and above.

All listed diesel fuels are divided into two types according to the sulfur content:
I - mass fraction of sulfur is not more than 0.2%;
II - mass fraction of sulfur for fuel grades L and 3 is not more than 0.5%, for grade A - not more than 0.4%.

In terms of physical and chemical parameters, diesel fuels produced according to this standard are close to those produced according to British Standard specifications BS2869, which allows the use of fuels in accordance with GOST 305, in particular, on FG Wilson diesel generators.

L - 0.2 - 40, the highest grade GOST 305
L - 0.2 - 40, first grade GOST 305
L - 0.2 - 62, the highest grade GOST 305
L - 0.2 - 62, first grade GOST 305
3 - 0.2 minus 35, the highest grade GOST 305
3 - 0.2 minus 35, first grade GOST 305
3 - 0.2 minus 45, the highest grade GOST 305
3 - 0.2 minus 45, first grade GOST 305
A - 0.2, the highest grade GOST 305
A - 0.2, first grade GOST 305

The main physical and chemical parameters and standards of fuels according to GOST 305 and BS 2869 are given in the table. The use of the following grades of diesel fuels on FG Wilson diesel generators is undesirable:

L - 0.5 - 40, GOST 305
L - 0.5 - 62, GOST 305
3 - 0.5 minus 35, GOST
305 3 - 0.5 minus 45, GOST 305
A - 0.4, GOST 305

It is possible, although undesirable, to use top grade diesel fuel and first grade diesel fuel, GOST 1667 “Motor fuel for medium-speed and low-speed diesel engines. Specifications".

Storage and transportation of diesel fuel must be carried out in accordance with G0ST1510 “Oil and oil products. Marking, packaging, transportation and storage.

Basic requirements for diesel fuel according to GOST 305 and BS 2869

Name of indicator	Norm for the brand according to GOST 305	Fuel class no BS 2869		Note
		A1 (high quality)	A2 (main)
1. Cetane number, not less than
2. Fractional composition:
50% distilled at temperature, °C, not higher
96% distilled at temperature (end of distillation) °С, not higher
Distillation 85% at a temperature of °C, not less than
3. Kinematic viscosity at 20°C, cSt
4. Pour point, °С, not higher for the climatic zone:
moderate				2) summer (March - September)
cold				» in winter (October - February)
5. Flash point, determined in a closed crucible, °С, not lower				» for locomotive and marine diesels »for general purpose diesels
6. Mass fraction of sulfur, %, not more than in type I fuel
in type II fuel
	absence
8. Ash content, %, no more
9. Coking capacity of 10% residue, %, no more

The main condition for ensuring the declared engine life of a diesel engine is the use of engine oils recommended by its manufacturer. The latter is caused by the need to ensure the optimum oil viscosity for a particular diesel engine and the composition of additives added to modern oils. The quality of lubricating motor oils and their scope are usually determined by international API classifications developed by the American Petroleum Institute.

According to API, the field of application of the oil is determined by the first letter of the classification - S or C, where S refers to gasoline internal combustion engines, and C refers to diesel engines. Each next letter of the English alphabet (after the letter "C") reflects the improvement in consumer properties engine oil, caused by the improvement of the nomenclature and the amount of added additives.

Therefore, oils classified as CA, CB and CC are the lowest quality and their use is not recommended. The number "11" after the letter CD means that the oil is intended for two-stroke diesels, and the number 4 after the letter CF is for four-stroke.

Given that all Perkins diesel engines used on FG Wilson diesel generators are four-stroke, the recommended engine oils for them according to API classification are CD, CE, CF-4. In cases where the same oil can be used on both gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, this is reflected in its designation, for example, API SG\CD.

In the absence of special additives in engine oil and a change in temperature, its viscosity varies over a wide range. The latter leads to the necessity of separating oils into winter and summer ones and their timely replacement in operation. Otherwise, in winter difficult to start diesel due to high viscosity oil and, as a result, a reduced shaft speed, and in summer, in hot weather, the quality of the lubricant deteriorates due to its low viscosity.

By introducing special additives, it is possible to maintain the required viscosity of engine oil when the ambient temperature changes within a relatively wide range. The latter in some cases allows the use of all-weather oils.

Ranges of applicability of oils according to SAE at various temperatures ambient air.

The international classification of motor oils by viscosity is SAE classification(societies automotive engineers). The ranges of applicability of oils according to SAE at various ambient temperatures are shown in fig. 62 (the letter W means that the engine oil is winter).

The company "Diesel Market - Erimex" carries out repairs and

ENERGOSYSTEMS offers industrial and industrial oils and lubricants, as well as oils for construction equipment, Agriculture, special equipment, diesel and gas piston power plants, industrial compressors. We work closely with manufacturers of such equipment. Employees of our company will provide you with full comprehensive information on oil and select you required type oils.

Industrial and industrial oils and greases help reduce waste by reducing downtime associated with repairs and preventive maintenance industrial equipment. Ultimately, the regular use of properly selected lubricants, increases the service life of industrial equipment, significantly increases its energy efficiency, and therefore increases the profitability of the enterprise itself.

Modern engine oils are made up of base oils and a set of additives. The base oils are oil fractions obtained during oil refining, or artificially synthesized organic compounds.

Motor oils are divided into:

mineral (mineral);
partially synthetic or semi-synthetic (semi-synthetic, tail synthetic);
synthetic (synthetic, full synthetic).

When choosing engine oil, you should be guided by the recommendations of the engine manufacturer, set out in the operating instructions, and also take into account the following points:

Follow the list of brands of oils approved for use in your engine. Some brands of oils lose their approval for use, they are replaced by new, high-quality oils; Consider the temperature range of use indicated on the label;
Change oil more frequently difficult conditions engine operation in 1.5-2. The same recommendations apply to engines with already long running times;
The rapid darkening of the oil does not necessarily indicate loss of it. operational properties. This may be evidence correct operation his detergent additives: oil washes away various deposits in the engine and accumulates products of incomplete combustion of fuel;
Do not mix oils with different base structures (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic) due to different solubility of additives in synthetic and mineral bases. The result of mixing may be the precipitation of additives in an insoluble precipitate. In the event of such a case, it is recommended to immediately replace the oil with the appropriate one;
When changing the oil, if you do not know which oil was previously used, flush the lubrication system. In some cases fresh high quality oil can wash away a large number of deposits, leading to clogging oil filter;
Do not add third-party additives to the oil, this will help improve some of its qualities and significantly worsen others. IN quality oil the additive package is balanced and the addition of others can unbalance it.

In order to maintain the performance of the engine and its durability, it is necessary:
a) use high-quality motor oils
b) timely change the oil and oil filters.

It should be noted that oils of lower quality (index CD / SF, CC and CD) are permissible only in cases where it is impossible to purchase high-quality oil. However, the period until the next oil change should be halved, relative to what is indicated in the technical documentation for the diesel.

To provide economical consumption oil, in order to exclude the formation of carbon deposits on valves and pistons, the mass fraction of sulfate ash content should be in the range of 1% - 1.85%.

Oil viscosity

Different engine operating experience speaks for the use of multigrade motor oils. After all, they can be used in a wide temperature range. In these varieties of oils, more liquid oil special temperature thickeners are added. At low temperatures, this additive behaves neutrally and makes it easy to crank the crankshaft in critical minutes of starting. And as the engine warms up, the additive increases the viscosity of the oil accordingly.

Various types of oils are different viscosity bases, as well as the intensity of the thickener. For temperate climate suitable oil with SAE viscosity 15W-40. For climates with severe winters - SAE 10W-30.

Viscometer - a device for determining the viscosity of oil

We must remember! Low viscosity oils (10W-30) are used in areas with severe winters where temperatures do not rise above -5° Celsius. But the use of low viscosity oils on an ongoing basis can reduce engine life.

Operation in arctic cold conditions

In exceptional cases, for example, if the engine must operate continuously, in an environment with a temperature of minus 25 ° C, without additional heating and in an unheated room, synthetic engine oils CC, CE API quality, with the necessary viscosity range for use in low temperatures such as SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30.

Be sure to ensure that the oil used in the engine meets the quality specifications specified by the supplier in the quality certificate.

Comment. If you use synthetic motor oil, this does not mean that you have sufficient reasons to increase the period of its replacement in the crankcase. The service life of the oil, which is recommended in the technical documentation, must be strictly observed. An increase in this period leads to a reduction in engine life due to corrosion of parts, wear and the formation of soot.

Important: ash content!

The sulfate ash content of engine oil should be no more than 1.85 percent. This limit is set for all types of engine oils that are recommended for use in Cummins engines. . Oils with a higher ash content can damage valves, pistons, and cause excessive oil consumption.

Ignoring this recommendation can lead to sticking of the valve stem, which seriously threatens to hang it in the open position. And this last will cause power loss. Can lead to valve burnout, valve seat burnout, valve impact on the piston bottom. Even - doom to the destruction of the head and piston. May lead to coking piston rings, and consequently, to their further jamming in the piston grooves, to increased smoke, an increase in oil and fuel consumption. However, all these and many other troubles and problems can be avoided if you follow these recommendations.

For engines that run on natural gas, sulfate ash content used engine oil should be in the range of 0.03 - 0.85%. The use of ashless motor oils in engines of this type should be categorically avoided.

Very important: avoid mixing diesel fuel with gasoline or alcohol, as such a mixture is explosive!

Comment. The fuel must not contain water and mechanical impurities. Unclean fuel significantly reduces the service life of the fuel equipment, especially in winter, leads to damage to the filter elements and the loss of their ability to function correctly. And this, in turn, leads to the fact that pollution harms others. important details fuel equipment. First of all, you need to monitor the cleanliness of refueling the tank. It is recommended to refuel with previously settled fuel. IN winter time it is recommended to keep the tank as full as possible. Why do you need to top up the tank more often? What allows you to avoid high content water in the fuel that can condense on the walls half empty tank and constantly drain into diesel fuel.

Fuel use in different climatic conditions

Cummins recommends the following diesel fuel for use in its engines: No.2-D, which complies with D-975 (USA, ASTM Society of Materials). According to this standard for diesel fuel No.2-D, the minimum cetane number equals 40.

To facilitate starting the engine in the winter season, as well as to prevent detonation and reduce the smoke of exhaust gases when operating in high altitude conditions, it is recommended to use fuel with a cetane number of more than forty.

In cases where the engine is constantly operated at negative air temperatures, it is recommended to use a mixture of diesel fuel No. 1-D and diesel fuel No. 2-D, this mixture is more suitable for winter conditions engine operation.

Comment: You can use diesel fuel No. 1-D. However, you should be aware that this reduces the economy.

In winter, it is strongly recommended to use a fuel with a pour point ten degrees below the predicted minimum temperature. environment. The pour point is the temperature at which paraffin crystallization begins in a given fuel.

The viscosity of diesel fuel must not fall below 1.3 centistokes, i.e.: 1.3 mm/s at 40 degrees Celsius. This will ensure the lubrication of fuel equipment parts at the proper level.

Comment. Domestic diesel fuels, which are produced in accordance with GOST 305-82, fully meet the requirements that were outlined above. and perfectly suitable for use in Cummins engines.

Fuel storage

Many types of fuel from long-term storage, several months or more, deteriorate their properties. If the generator is running in standby mode, then it is best to store exactly the amount of fuel that would be confidently enough to maintain permanent job generator for a sufficient amount of time. It is desirable that within a year and a half, engine testing is normally carried out with a full tank.

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And its service life largely depends on the quality of the fuel and lubricants used. They need to be taken into account Chemical properties and seasonality.

Choice of fuel for a gasoline generator

The gasoline generator will last a long time if you use fresh (less than 30 days old) unleaded fuel. Gasoline that does not contain ethyl liquid has a high octane number, obtained by a complex technological method. For 4-stroke engines with overhead valves (OHV technology), gasoline with an octane rating of more than 85 (AI-92, AI-95, AI-98) is required. For two-stroke engines(with a side valve) - above 77 (A-80, AI-92, AI-95, AI-98).

Diesel generator fuel selection

The main characteristic of diesel fuel is the cetane number, which depends on the seasonality of the fuel. At summer fuel, which is used under conditions high temperatures, this value does not exceed 45. In winter period at temperatures up to -35 ° C, fuel with cetane number above 45. There is also arctic fuel for use in difficult temperature conditions (up to -50 ° C).

Choice of fuel for a gas generator

The gas generator can work at the main or liquefied gas. It is impossible to check the quality and properties of the main gas on your own, for this you need to contact the gas supply organization. According to the norms, the gas must be purified from natural gasoline, oil and mechanical impurities. The formula for quality natural gas looks like this: methane (more than 90%) + ethane (up to 4%) + propane (less than 1%).

The quality of liquefied gas in cylinders can be checked with the supplier. If the fuel is manufactured in compliance with all standards, the proportion of propane in it will be more than 65%, butane - less than 35%.

Engine oil for generator

Oil is necessary for the engine to maintain normal performance. Regardless of how it is used (added to fuel or a separate tank), it is necessary to pay attention to its labeling (API) and viscosity (SAE).

1. Marking

May have the following form: CB, CA, CD, CC, CD-11, SJ, SH, SG, SL, etc. The first letter indicates the scope: C - diesel engines, S gasoline engines. The second letter identifies the type of additive used to improve the fuel. The highest quality ones are marked with the letters J and L. Some oils are marked with the CD / SG mark. They are suitable for all types of engines.

2. Viscosity

Selected according to the time of year:

(SAE) 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W50, 3W-30, SW20, etc. are suitable for year-round use.
(SAE) 20, 40, 30, 50, 60, etc. - oils for use in summer period. The numbers indicate the ambient temperature.
(SAE) 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, etc. - oils for use at temperatures up to -30 °C.