The Disadvantages of Diesel Operated Generators

By Home & Garden Last updated Sunday, June/02/2024

Electrical generators can be operated by a number of power sources including diesel. While diesel does have some advantages in its safety when compared to gasoline and its ease of use compared to propane or natural gas, it also has some disadvantages. It is best suited for larger electrical generation needs.

Noise and Pollution

Diesel-powered generators are louder than a gasoline or natural gas generators--this is an unavoidable fact with a diesel engine. According to the website emergencypower.com, diesel generator manufactures have designed measures to counteract the noise. Many diesel generators have sound-insulated housings and large mufflers.

All fossil fuel powered generators create carbon dioxide and other gases as part of the combustion process. While diesel engines can have a higher level of soot in its exhaust the exhaust system of any generator should carry exhaust gases away from the living area.

Running diesel generators is more expensive than gas generators, according to backwoodshome.com. Cost of installation is also higher because diesel generators weigh more. If the generator is permanently mounted, the foundations will need to be more substantial. The engine housing associated with sound suppression also adds to the cost of a diesel generator and its installation.

Diesel engines are more difficult to start than gas engines, particularly in cold weather. Modern diesel engines use glow plugs and heating elements as aids to start the engine. These units warm the engine cylinders and the air that enters the engine. The glow plugs and heating elements are timed and delay the starting of the diesel engine in cold weather.

In extreme cold the manual use of starting fluid may be required to start the diesel generator. Starting fluid comes in a prepared aerosol can and is sprayed at the air intake of the engine. The starting fluid ignites in the engine cylinder easier than diesel fuel.

Diesel fuel can also thicken or gel in cold weather. During cold weather a winter grade of diesel fuel should be used in any diesel powered generator. There are also fuel additives that can be added to standard diesel fuel to prevent gelling.