How to Heat Start a Diesel Generator in Winter

How to Heat Start a Diesel Generator in Winter

During the harsh winter, starting diesel generators can often be challenging due to the extreme cold. Zhang Jialiang from Dazai Power teaches everyone how to start diesel generators in winter.

Due to lower environmental temperatures, starting diesel engines becomes more challenging, as the intake temperature, coolant temperature, lubricating oil temperature, fuel temperature, and electrolyte temperature in the battery all decrease accordingly. If the diesel engine is not operated correctly during this time, it can lead to difficulties in starting, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and even failure to operate normally. Therefore, when using diesel engines in winter, the following five points should be noted:

Under low-temperature conditions, diesel fuel has a high viscosity index and poor flowability, resulting in poor atomization, unfavorable ignition conditions, unstable operation of diesel engines, and even fuel supply interruption. Therefore, during winter, it is advisable to choose diesel fuel that is compatible with the ambient temperature, such as -35, -20, and -10 grades.

2. At lower temperatures, the Dazai Power Generator increases the resistance for the crankshaft to rotate. Under constant battery voltage, the diesel engine can be started by increasing the electrical charge. Under permissible conditions, winter lubricating oil can be used instead.

When the ambient temperature for the diesel engine is around -35°C, after the engine is electrically started, adding cold water to the water heater will cause the cold water to immediately freeze in the radiator due to the low temperature. Therefore, in areas with lower ambient temperatures, it is necessary to add antifreeze that matches the ambient temperature to the water radiator to prevent the engine block, radiator, and water pump from cracking due to freezing.

4. When starting diesel engines in winter, it is imperative to fill the water radiator with hot water. Under no circumstances should methods such as using a blowtorch or open flame to heat lubricating oil be employed to lower the viscosity or reduce resistance. This practice can lead to oil deterioration, the formation of lubricant gel in the combustion area, and an increased risk of the oil pan gasket aging and deteriorating.