Tips on Diesel Generator Lubricating Oil Selection and Replacement

As essential backup or primary power sources, diesel generators’ stability and reliability directly impact continuous and safe electricity supply. Among regular generator maintenance practices, proper engine oil selection and timely replacement are vital. Today, Dingbo Power provides a guide to diesel generator oil selection criteria, performance metrics, replacement intervals, and best practices to ensure optimal engine health.

How to choose the best engine oil for your diesel generator?

Oil in a diesel generator plays an important role in ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of the engine. The oil lubricates all the moving parts of engine when running, reducing wear and friction. Additionally, it also helps in heat dissipation and may help to inhibit corrosion when unused for short periods. Thus, using the correct oil is essential for your generator’s health.

The oil types required by different diesel generators may vary. For instance, Cummins diesel generator sets demand proprietary oils to ensure peak lubrication and compatibility. Thus, check your manufacturer’s manual for the oil your diesel generator needs. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The use environment and working conditions of diesel generator sets are also important factors to be considered when selecting lubricating oil. In cold climates, you can use multi-grade oils with superior low-temperature fluidity for quick cold starts of your generators. You can opt for oils with high thermal stability and strong wear resistance.

Several key diesel generator oil performance metrics

Generator lubricating oil performance indicators mainly include viscosity, flash point, wear resistance, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and cleanliness.

Viscosity is one of the most important performance indexes of lubricating oil. The right oil viscosity can form a stable oil film while the engine is running. This can reduce direct contact between metal components, reducing friction and wear. However, improper oil viscosity can adversely affect engine performance. Too high oil viscosity leads to generator start-up difficulties, poor cooling and heat dissipation, and increased energy consumption. Too low engine oil viscosity won’t be able to form enough oil film to effectively protect the engine.

Flash point is a safety index of lubricating oil storage, transportation and use. It’s also an important basis for controlling the fraction and volatility of engine oil. The flash point of engine oil should exceed the operating temperature of diesel generator by at least 50%.

Wear resistance of oil reduces friction between engine components, extending the diesel genset's lifespan. Oxidation resistance of engine oil prevents oil degradation under high temperatures. The oil corrosion resistance protects metal surfaces from acidic byproducts. Oil cleanliness keeps engines clean by preventing sludge and carbon deposits.

Diesel generator oil change intervals and oil replacement guide

How often should you change the engine oil for diesel generator? Check the generator oil change frequency recommended in your manual. Typically, replace the oil after first 50 hours' post-commissioning or major overhaul. A standby diesel generator used during power outages usually needs fewer oil changes than one used regularly. If the generator is used in harsh environments, such as dust and humidity, it may need more oil changes.

Position the generator on a level surface. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes to improve oil flow. To draining old oil, place a containment vessel beneath the drain plug, remove plug and allow complete drainage (15-20 mins). Install a new oil filter. Add fresh oil to the specified level via the filler neck. Run the engine briefly, then recheck levels.

Proper engine oil management is non-negotiable for diesel generator longevity. At Dingbo Power, we offer a wide range of high-quality generator sets, which can meet your specific needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the products & services we provide.