Is That Diesel Generator Smoke a Common Problem… or Something Bigger?
Yes, the image might be a little dramatic — but it definitely gets your attention!
And chances are, it will also get everyone’s attention on-site if your generator starts pumping out excessive smoke.
One of the most common causes of this is diesel engine glazing. This usually happens when a generator runs on little to no load for long periods of time. Think of it like owning a V8 car but never putting your foot down. Eventually, things can start to clog up. Generators work in a very similar way.
Not All Generators Behave the Same
Different engine manufacturers — and even different models from the same manufacturer — can perform very differently under light load. For example, some generators in our hire fleet handle light loads without any trouble, while others really struggle. Over time, we’ve learnt which generators are best suited for lighter jobs and which ones should be avoided in those situations. Unfortunately, not everyone has that flexibility.
Why Light Loads Can be a Problem
Running a generator continuously under very light load simply isn’t good for a diesel engine. When this happens, the engine doesn’t get hot enough to burn fuel efficiently, which can lead to excessive smoke and carbon buildup.
What Exactly Is Engine Glazing?
In simple terms, glazing is the build-up of carbon in the exhaust system. Because the engine isn’t running hot enough, the exhaust gases don’t burn off properly, which causes carbon to accumulate over time.
So What Can You Do?
Along with regular generator maintenance, it’s important to occasionally run your generator under a higher load — ideally up to 100% capacity when possible. This helps burn off excess carbon and keeps the engine running cleanly.
If your setup can’t provide that load, dummy load banks are a great solution. They allow you to safely apply the load needed to clear out the system.
Important: This process should always be carried out by qualified technicians. If the exhaust system has significant carbon buildup, it can sometimes cause flames to emit from the exhaust during the burn-off process.
At Generator Hire Sales and Service, we offer a wide range of dummy load banks for hire, from 30kW up to 3000kW. We also provide tailored maintenance plans designed to keep your generator running reliably for years to come.
