Have you noticed your generator vibrating as you use it? This vibration could be pointing towards an issue within the generator, which might be cause for concern. In the long run, a vibrating generator could be harmful to the overall health of your generator. Not only that, it also impacts how it will function. So what can be done about this?
In order to see if the vibration your generator is facing is harmful, you need to check some of the aspects of the engine and the machinery of the generator. For example, check that the Engine RPM is steady or the load is enough; you can even try to tighten up the mounts or check the oil level in the engine.
So, how can you find out what is causing vibration in your generator, and how can you correct the issue? Keep reading as we look into each cause in-depth and learn what you can do to reduce the problem of vibration.
What Causes Vibration In Generators?
In order to fix the issue of vibration, you need to understand what is causing it in the first place. This is because there can be multiple reasons why your generator is vibrating. It is essential that you know what exactly is causing the vibration, so you can then move ahead to fix the problem.
Low Engine RPM
The RPM (rotations per minute) measures how fast your engine is moving. If the RPM is too low, that means the machine is moving slowly too, and this can create a vibration issue. You can resolve this issue by resetting your engine to the correct speed. Running at low speed is also dangerous for the engine in the long term.
High System Load
Another reason you may be facing a vibration issue is because your generator is stressed. This may be because the amount of load on your generator is far too much for the generator to handle. Alternatively, the voltage regulation can also be off, putting even more stress on the gnerator.
The way to fix this depends on how you want to address this issue. You can consider taking off some of the demands that your generator is dealing with to lessen its load. Another option is to assess your needs from a generator and get a generator that can handle a bigger electrical load instead.
Loose Or Incorrect Mounting
Whenever you ground and attach a generator, one crucial factor that helps in stability is mounting. If you haven’t mounted the generator correctly or the mounts are too loose, it may wobble and vibrate as it does its job. The instability of loose or incorrect mounts will affect the longevity and health of the generator.
Tightening the mounts is crucial, as it helps your generator stay stable. You can tighten the mounts to ensure that the generator remains in place. If the ground level or the weather affects the stability, you may have to choose another spot to mount your generator to prevent issues.
Low Oil Level
Maintaining the oil level of the generator is paramount; it helps to ensure the engine is lubricated enough to run smoothly. With the absence of oil in the engine, the parts create friction, which causes the vibration or wobble you see. Commonly, a mistake that new generator owners will make is that they do not make sure the oil level is maintained.
Using oil is one of the easiest ways you can try and fix the vibrating issue. If you notice there is more of a vibration than an average or loud sound at any point, you can use oil. Stop the generator completely and lubricate the machinery, especially around the motor, to reduce the friction.
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Maintenance Tips To Avoid Vibration
Now, we all know vibration is something to avoid in a generator. But how can you prevent vibration from occurring at all? There are, in fact, some ways you can avoid this issue by keeping an eye on the generator on an everyday basis.
Routinely Maintain Your Generator
One of the best ways to keep up your generator’s quality is regular maintenance. While some generator owners may feel this is extensive and that generators are durable, it is, in fact, necessary. Having someone check your generator now and then can alert you to possible issues long before they become troublesome.
Keep An Eye Out For Loose Machinery
Why does vibration happen in the first place? In most cases, this can occur due to loose parts rattling about in the engine. The way to address this is to always keep an eye out for clanging sounds. This noise warrants you shutting down the generator and immediately repairing what is loose. Do this pre-emptively before the sounds become even more of a worry.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Like any other machine with moving parts, you need to keep your generator lubricated. This means that if you hear sounds from the device, they could be a result of friction due to inadequate lubrication.
Ensure Proper Mounting
Depending on the environment around you, mounting can be a huge factor when it comes to vibrating sounds. If you live in a windy area where the generator will face a lot of resistance, mount it so that it is entirely stable. Putting thought and effort into where a generator is mounted can save you from a lot of expensive repairs further down the line.
Create A Sound Base
One of the ways to provide stability to your generator is to use a condenser pad or base. This base will not only help to support it and double the impact of mounting but will also cool it down. Alternatively, you could opt for a platform that raises the generator so the vibrations to the ground don’t escalate the problems.
Use Shock Absorbing Materials
If you are concerned about vibrations being amplified within the generator, there is another way to handle this problem. Use equipment built-in with vibration dampening. For example, you can use shock-absorbing mounts to place the generator in its correct position.
Conclusion
While a vibrating generator can be a source of worry for the owner, you can do a lot to reduce sound and wobbling. However, if you cannot reduce the vibration, please get in touch with a professional to help you resolve the sound.