Diesel Generator Advice

[Astro_Guy]

I work with a museum in Maine that has some 3-phase machinery and no connection to utility power. We've powered our machine shop with generators for 40+ years. Our machine shop is at least 1/2 mile from the nearest 3-phase utility power.

About eight years ago we acquired a 30 kW 3-phase diesel generator from a local municipality. It was running at the time we purchased it but the last owners said the exhaust was loud. It has been suggested that we may have a burned exhaust valve. I am not a diesel mechanic and would prefer some opinions on that.

Beyond that our master electrician wants to fire it up to see it the electrical side is in good working condition. That seems sensible. Any opinions?

 

[Arc]

I work with a museum in Maine that has some 3-phase machinery and no connection to utility power. We've powered our machine shop with generators for 40+ years. Our machine shop is at least 1/2 mile from the nearest 3-phase utility power.

About eight years ago we acquired a 30 kW 3-phase diesel generator from a local municipality. It was running at the time we purchased it but the last owners said the exhaust was loud. It has been suggested that we may have a burned exhaust valve. I am not a diesel mechanic and would prefer some opinions on that.

Beyond that our master electrician wants to fire it up to see it the electrical side is in good working condition. That seems sensible. Any opinions?

If it will run and spin the generator it's better to test it before spending money on engine work. If it does need anything on the electric side it will give you time to order parts while the mechanic is working on the engine. When a generator is replaced it's usually going to need servicing and has reached the point of being too expensive to mess with. Then again I have seen a few gensets with very few hours on them go for a good price.

 

[JHZR2]

I’d hire a be set service company to check compression and the overall health of the engine.

It’s either only good for occasional use and ultimate rebuild, or it’s in good shape and you just it…