generator burning oil: signs, effects and solutions

Generator burning oil is a common but critical problem that often leaves equipment operators scratching their heads, confusing and worrying. We will examine the causes behind oil burning and its effects, and most importantly, BISON will provide you with effective solutions on how to effectively resolve the problem. Let's explore and find out together!

Why does a generator burn oil

During regular functioning, it's typical for generators to consume oil. The oil within your generator carries multiple significant responsibilities and is essential for optimal performance and extended lifespan of your equipment. Now, we will explore reasons behind generator's requirement for oil and the ways in which oil aids its working process.

Lubrication: The primary function of oil in generator is to serve as lubricating agent. It creates a thin protective layer among moving elements of engine, mitigating friction that could lead to detrimental wear and tear. If these moving engine components are not adequately lubricated, there's a high risk of substantial damage.

Cooling: When your generator persistently operates to keep your activities running, it produces heat. The oil takes in and disperses heat emanating from engine parts, assisting in the engine's cooling process and averting possible harm due to an excessive rise in temperature.

Cleaning: The oil collects and retains various contaminants and tiny debris that might otherwise accumulate in the engine. When you change your oil, these contaminants are effectively removed, helping your generator run cleaner and extend its life.

Sealing: Oil also plays a critical role in sealing the combustion area, which in turn enhances generator's effectiveness. Especially, piston rings inside cylinder contribute to optimizing combustion and impede "blow-by," which is the escape of uncombusted fuel and combustion fumes.

Prevents corrosion: Oil also serves as deterrent to corrosion. It establishes a blockade between engine's metallic components and factors that can trigger rust and corrosion.

These critical roles highlight the importance of oil for the efficient operation of generators. Should your generator start to use oil in an excessive manner, each of these vital tasks may hampered, highlighting the urgency of rectifying this condition swiftly and effectively. Excessive usage of oil often results in deficiencies in lubrication, cooling, cleaning, and sealant functions, frequently leading to pricy and extensive repairs or replacements.

Signs that the generator is burning oil

Before you seek to understand and solve your generator's oil burning problem, it's crucial to recognize the signs. These signs might strongly suggest that your generator could be utilizing an excess amount of oil, providing the opportunity for you to execute a timely and efficient response.

Excessive exhaust smoke (blue or gray): Distinctive symptom of oil burning is excessive emission of exhaust smoke, particularly if it's blue or gray. The creation of such smoke in the combustion chamber due to oil burning is a stark signal of an issue at hand.

Oil needs to be replenished frequently: Monitor the oil level diligently. If you find the need to replenish oil in your generator tank more frequently than the manufacturer's advice, it stands as an unequivocal sign that your generator is consuming more oil than necessary.

Spark plug fouling: The condition of your generator's spark plugs can provide important clues. Spark plug contamination, often characterized by oil or soot layering, is a prevalent consequence of oil combustion. Routine checks and cleaning of these spark plugs can facilitate early issue detection and avert the escalation to more significant damage.

Power loss: Fuel generators may not be as efficient as they should be. As a result, you may notice a drop in your generator's power output, making it difficult to power your intended load. This unexpected power outage may indicate that something is wrong, possibly a fuel combustion issue.

Difficulty starting: Should you find it progressively challenging to initiate your generator, it could give rise to issues like excessive oil consumption. This situation occurs as leftover oil gathers within the combustion chamber, thereby impeding the startup process.

Increased oil consumption: Despite generator's apparent smooth operation, an increased oil consumption rate compared to previous records, signal ongoing excessive oil consumption, and it would merit a deeper examination.

Reduced performance under load: If there's a notable decrease in your generator's production when bearing a load, it could be due to the fuel combustion process in the chamber inhibiting the engine's ability to reach its full power capacity.

Being able to recognize these signs can help diagnose and resolve generator oil burning problems. We will now start to explore the causes of oil burning and how to solve these problems, and unravel them one by one for you.

Reasons and solutions for generator burning oil

Using the wrong type and amount of oil: Employing an incorrect variety of oil or exceeding the suggested volume can lead to unwarranted combustion. It's imperative to always use the specific type of oil advised by the maker and to maintain the prescribed oil level. In this situation, surplus isn't advantageous.

Clogged air filter: Dirt and dust buildup may obstruct the air filter, leading to an irregularity in the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber and thereby triggering fuel combustion. Consistent checks and either cleansing or changing the air filter will ensure a smooth, clean operation of your generator and help avoid oil combustion.

Piston rings that are worn out, impaired, or not correctly aligned: Piston rings may become worn or damaged after prolonged use, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. Likewise, improperly aligned piston rings can cause oil to seep elsewhere. Keep a close watch for signs of deterioration and replace rings when needed.

Scratched or damaged cylinder walls: Just as with piston ring troubles, scuffed or impaired cylinder walls may let oil seep into the combustion chamber, triggering combustion. Check by a certified mechanic can assist in detecting the issue, which might call for procedures such as reboring, honing, or swapping the cylinder.

Damaged head gasket: Could permit oil to infiltrate either combustion chamber or coolant system. This problem requires immediate attention to prevent serious engine damage. Should seek advice of skilled mechanic for diagnosis and replacement of damaged head gasket.

Blocked crankcase ventilation pipe: The crankcase vent pipe is intended to dissipate pressure and gases within the engine. If it gets obstructed, the resulting overpressure can push oil into engine components where it's not meant to go, triggering combustion. Make sure to check this pipe regularly and keep it clear of obstructions.

Improper engine operation: Continuous operation of the generator at low speeds or overload conditions will accelerate wear and may lead to oil burning conditions. Make sure to follow manufacturer's recommendations for ideal generator operating load levels.

While you may be capable of addressing some of these problems independently, others might demand assistance of a professional. By staying vigilant about these potential complications, you can decrease chances of generator emitting smoke as a warning sign of more serious problem.

The problem of a generator burning oil may initially seem like a minor operational annoyance, but the effects of this condition are widespread and significant. Grasping these effects underscores significance of prompt and preventative measures.

Effects of generator burning oil

Environmental impact: Oil combustion increases emission of harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, all contributing significantly to air pollution, like acid rain, smog, and global warming.

Engine damage: As mentioned earlier, prolonged oil burning can cause severe internal engine damage. Due to a lack of proper lubrication, parts can become worn or scratched, resulting in shortened engine life. Piston rings and cylinders are particularly susceptible to damage and may even need to be replaced if the problem is not addressed promptly.

Decreased performance: A generator that is constantly burning oil will not be able to run efficiently. Lubrication, reduced heat, and compromised cleanliness can all lead to reduced output, reduced overall performance, or even complete engine failure in severe cases.

Potential fire hazard: Although less common, excessive burning of oil can cause a fire hazard. Oil that leaks onto hot parts of the engine can ignite. While generators are generally designed to prevent this from happening, in the case of severe oil burn or leaks, the risk may be elevated.

Higher operating costs: Continuous refilling of oil can significantly increase operating costs. Additionally, these costs can add up quickly if fuel combustion causes engine damage that requires repair or replacement.

Thus, the consequences of generator burning oil are severe, encompassing environmental risks, operational impairments, and significant safety dangers. Addressing this issue isn't merely about ensuring efficient operations, it is also a crucial step for sake of environmental conservation, equipment durability, safety, and profitability.

In the final part of the guide, we'll outline some important prevention tips that can help avoid generator burning oil:

Preventive tips for generators burning oil

Perform scheduled maintenance: The most basic step is to perform scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Use the right quality oil: Not just any oil will do. Make sure to use the oil recommended by the generator manufacturer.

Avoid generator overload: Ensure load demand aligns with your generator's specified capacity. 

Implement proper cooldown procedures: After utilizing generator, particularly for extended intervals or under significant load, permit it adequate time to cool down prior to completely turning it off.

Regular oil inspection and replacement: Monitor oil level and routinely change oil as per manufacturer's recommended schedule.

Maintain air filter appropriately: Regularly cleaning or switching your generator's air filter can prevent dust and debris from obstructing engine, thus minimising the risk of oil spills and combustion.

Check and correct fuel mixture: If possible, monitor and control fuel to air ratio.

With these prevention tips in hand, this is the end of our in-depth look at generator oil burning issues.

In summary, understanding and solving generator oil burning issues is about more than just avoiding potential equipment failure. It has a vital impact on the longevity of your generator, its operating efficiency and ultimately ensuring uninterrupted power when you need it most.

Now, as a generator owner or operator, safety and security should be your top priority. So, why not choose a generator that's built to last? At BISON, we are passionate about providing you with a service that combines safety, reliability and efficiency.

BISON generators are designed with users' needs in mind while always emphasizing their safety and durability to provide stable power supply. Not only does BISON serve you well, it's built to last and remain your trustworthy companion when you need it most.

So why wait? Embark on your journey to uninterrupted power, peace of mind and maximum safety with a BISON generator today. Choose BISON, where quality meets reliability.