072 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 2

Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures.

The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs.

Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues.

What You'll Learn:

• Why generator service technicians often blame fuel for problems when they can't find mechanical issues
• The specific properties of diesel fuel that can legitimately cause generator problems (flashpoint, cetane rating, viscosity, lubricity)
• How to properly sample fuel for testing without contaminating the sample
• Why pulling samples from the "dead bottom" of tanks provides misleading results
• How to use a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler to get diagnostically functional samples
• What visual inspection can (and cannot) tell you about fuel quality
• Why gasoline contamination in diesel is hazardous
• Which laboratory tests provide the most valuable diagnostic information
• How to interpret fuel test results to make informed decisions
• When to consider consulting with a specialized fuel expert

Ideas Worth Sharing:

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Most of the generator service technicians, they know a lot about generators. They do not know that much about fuel. Most of them that conclude that the condition has to be due to a fuel problem, they don't really know enough to say that for sure, to make that diagnosis for sure."
• "Before you commit to dumping thousands of dollars worth of stored fuel over a technician's hunch like this, you need to take some diagnostic steps to confirm whether the fuel actually is bad and is causing the problems that they think it is."
• "If all of the tests come back in spec, then that means your fuel's normal. Your fuel meets the minimum requirements in all of the areas that have been determined by the industry to have to do with supporting the minimum operating functions of your engine and your generator and not contributing to component damage."
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Bell Performance testing kits
• ASTM D975 specifications
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction and recap of Part 1
[00:02:00] Why generator technicians blame fuel problems
[00:04:00] What kinds of problems can out-of-spec fuel cause?
[00:05:00] Combustion characteristics and their impact
[00:06:00] Fuel lubricity ratings and biodiesel impact
[00:07:00] Particulate contaminants and filter problems
[00:08:00] Real-world example: municipality generator problems
[00:10:00] Debunking filter damage claims from fuel
[00:11:00] EPA registration of fuel treatments
[00:13:00] Importance of fuel testing
[00:14:00] Third-party laboratory testing explained
[00:15:00] Which tests to use based on suspected problems
[00:17:00] Proper fuel sampling techniques
[00:20:00] Using a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler
[00:22:00] Visual inspection - clear and bright fuel
[00:24:00] Gasoline contamination in diesel fuel
[00:26:00] ASTM mission-critical test slate
[00:29:00] Understanding fuel test results
[00:31:00] When to consult mechanical experts
[00:33:00] Closing remarks and contact information