Is It Better to Let a Perkins Diesel Generator Set Idle

Author: CC

Aug. 11, 2025

Is It Better to Let a Perkins Diesel Generator Set Idle

In generally, it is no problem to let diesel generator set idle no more than 10 minutes. If idling for a long time, will cause diesel engine damage. In this article, we mainly talk about idling of Perkins generator.

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1.What is diesel generator set idling?

Idle state, that means diesel generator set work without any load. That is to say, under this working condition, the generating set does not need to bear load, as long as it keeps the low speed required for smooth operation.

2. Why can not let Perkins diesel generator set idle for a long time?

A. If Perkins diesel generator set idles for a long time, it will also reduce the quality of fuel injection atomization, accelerate early wear of cylinder wall. Because the quality of atomization is directly related to the injection pressure, injector aperture and camshaft speed of Perkins diesel generator set. Because the injector aperture remains unchanged, the quality of fuel atomization depends on the injection pressure and camshaft speed. The slower the camshaft speed is, the longer the injection pressure increases, and the worse the fuel atomization quality. The camshaft speed changes with the change of diesel engine speed. Idling for a long time can lead to low combustion temperature and incomplete combustion of diesel engine, which may cause carbon deposit to block injector nozzle, piston ring or valve jam;

B. If coolant liquid temperature of Perkins diesel generator set is too low, those unburned diesel oil will wash away the oil film on the cylinder wall and dilute the oil. The motion parts of Perkins diesel generator set will not get the proper lubrication effect, and the parts will wear out prematurely;

C. Operating a diesel generator set at idling causes twice damage on internal parts compared to operating at regular speeds. Such damage can increase maintenance costs and shorten the life of the diesel generator;

D. Severe damage to the engine oil. Excessive idling shortens the life of the engine oil at a min. And may make the oil detrimental to the engine;

E. Unnecessary idling causes pollution. Idling a generator set can emit significant amounts of pollution, including carbon dioxide, which contributes to global climate change; nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, both of which contribute to the formation of ozone smog;poisonous carbon monoxide; and particulate matter.

Therefore, in the process of running Perkins diesel generator set, users must avoid excessive idle operation, and pay attention to the temperature of coolant liquid to ensure that the coolant liquid is in the normal temperature range, so as to avoid unnecessary damage to Perkins diesel generator set caused by these inappropriate operations.

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3. When we use diesel generator sets, there will inevitably be some faults, for example, the idle speed of diesel generators is unstable. How to deal with it?

A. First of all, we should check whether the oil supply of low-pressure oil circuit is smooth, whether the injected diesel oil meets the requirements, and whether the maintenance of generating units is timely, otherwise we should clean up, maintain and replace it;

B. If the generator set is not used for a long time or the fuel tank is not replenished in time, a small amount of air seeps into the oil pipeline, we should carry out the exhaust treatment;

C. If the generator set has been used for a long time, the fuel injection pump has been debugged many times, while without checking the wear situation of the governor, when debugging, should pay attention to check whether there is excessive wear at the connection of the governor element and the throttle rod. Otherwise, it should be replaced or welded. When welding and repairing rotating parts, should pay attention to the symmetry of quality to ensure balance;

D. Idle speed is unstable and accompanied by vibration, which is caused by uneven fuel supply of fuel injection pump. It can be checked by cylinder-by-cylinder oil cut-off method. If the broken cylinder does not cause the change of rotational speed, it indicates that the cylinder is insufficient in fuel supply or that the atomization of the injector is not good. The injector should be checked first, then check the injection pump;

E. If the idle stabilization device is not adjusted properly, it should be repaired on the test bed.

It is not better to lat a Perkins diesel generator set idle for a long time, so hope users when using generator set pay attention this problem.

How to Start and Operate Perkins Generator?

How to Start and Operate Perkins Generator?

Start the diesel generator set

  1. Do not start Perkins diesel generator with load
  2. Press the start button. If the start is unsuccessful, wait for about 20 seconds before trying again. If the start is unsuccessful for 3 consecutive times, stop the start and remove the fault factors such as battery voltage or oil circuit before starting. Note that continuous start-up in a system that is not working properly will cause unburned gas to accumulate in the exhaust system, posing a potential explosion hazard.
  3. For the mechanical speed regulating unit after the start of idle speed for about 1 minute, then the throttle is gradually raised to r / min; electronic speed regulating unit, no need to adjust.
  4. To start the diesel genset in a cold environment, preparation must be done. Use winter fuel suitable for local temperature (qualified brand). This can reduce the risk of waxy deposits in the fuel injection system. In the case of extremely low ambient temperature, it is recommended to install a preheating system (water jacket preheating, oil heating, fuel heating) and ensure that the cooling system is filled with antifreeze.
  5. The battery must be in good condition. Low temperature will reduce the capacity of the battery. Depending on the actual situation, it may be necessary to increase the capacity of the battery.
  6. Manual, automatic, three-remote control cabinets and ATS cabinet in non-standard units, please refer to the corresponding random data for the use of the cabinet.

Diesel generating set is in operation

  1. Check the oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, frequency, etc. of the control module. If there is any abnormality, stop the machine immediately for inspection. After the fault is removed, the unit can be started again.
  2. Check the oil circuit, waterway, gas circuit and smoke exhaust system of the unit for leaks. Check the connection of the unit for looseness and severe vibration. Check whether the various protection and monitoring devices of the unit are normal.
  3. When the rotation speed reaches r/min and the no-load operation is stable, the switch can only be closed to supply power to the load. The unit is not allowed to have continuous idle load of more than half an hour or less than 30% load operation. The gen set needs to be guarded when it is running. Overloading is strictly prohibited.
  4. Do not short circuit when the unit is in operation, otherwise it will cause serious damage to the equipment. It is strictly forbidden to disassemble any parts of the generator set while it is running!
  5. Do not reach under the fan shield and any other parts that have relative motion!
  6. Do not try to touch the exhaust pipe, turbocharger, high temperature coolant, heater and other high temperature surfaces by hand, there is a danger of being burned!
  7. Check the output voltage and frequency from the control panel. The output voltage of the unit has been adjusted at the factory, so it should be indicated within the normal range. For units with mechanical speed regulation, the frequency should be close to 52 Hz under no-load conditions; for units with electronic speed regulation or EFI speed regulation, the frequency is close to 50 Hz under no-load conditions.
  8. Keep the load on the diesel generator set not exceeding the rated value. Some models can run 110% rated power continuously for 1 hour when necessary, but only after 1 hour of rated power operation.

Published by dieselgeneratortech

We are diesel generator manufacturer. Providing Cummins, Perkins, Volvo, Deutz, Yuchai, Shangchai, Weichai and Wuxi diesel genset. : View all posts by dieselgeneratortech

For more information, please visit PERKINS Generator.

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