How to Clean a Genset Radiator

How do you clean a Gen set radiator?

1. Shut the generator off
2. Remove the debris on the radiator gaps
3. Get rid of the scale
4. Check the condition of the radiator regularly

A generator set is an essential piece of equipment for companies that need to maintain energy distribution. They’re capable of handling large power loads, which makes them a great option for remote sites. Other than that, these offer a continuous power supply for long periods of time, so you can keep downtime to a minimum when a blackout occurs. But just like other pieces of equipment, generator sets also require maintenance to keep up efficiency. One of the important things you need to know is how to clean a Genset radiator.

The engine of a generator set gets hot during the combustion process. This is why a coolant is pumped to take away the heat of the engine. The radiator’s role is to transfer the heat from the coolant to the air.  The coolant that comes from the engine passes through the tubes, then the heat is transferred to the radiator fins. The fans on the radiator blow cool ambient air, taking away the heat. This process prevents the engine from overheating.

Overheating can expose the components of your generator set to extreme temperatures, which can result in problems such as a burnt alternator, damaged radiator core, melted bearings, warped rotors, and more. If you want to maintain the efficiency of your radiator and prevent overheating, keep on reading to learn how to clean it properly.

Shut The Generator Off

Before you perform any cleaning and maintenance procedures, make sure to shut down the generator first. When a generator set is running, the coolant is extremely hot and pressurized. Don’t clean the radiator or touch any components when it is still operating, as this can cause burns or injuries.

Remove The Debris On the Radiator Gaps

If you operate your generator set in polluted environments, you might notice a buildup of debris in the gap of the radiator. Fragments of dirt, dust, or even insects will block the component, causing a decrease in the efficiency of your equipment. To prevent this issue, you can regularly clean the accumulation by using low-pressure hot water and mild detergent.

Before you spray the radiator with water, make sure to cover the alternator and engine first. Then spray the water or steam into the front of the radiator to the fan. This will help remove the deposits that accumulated in your radiator.

But if you’re having trouble removing the buildup, you can also disassemble the radiator. Prepare hot alkaline water and soak the parts for 20 minutes before rinsing again with hot water.

Get Rid of the Scale

When using your generator set for a long time, it’s inevitable for the equipment to accumulate scale. If neglected, this will affect the heat dissipation efficiency of the cooling system, so you also need to make time to descale it.

A popular method of descaling is to use rust removing acid solution and water to clean the radiator. Another method is to use a mixture of water, caustic soda, and kerosene to clean the water tank. Before doing any of these, make sure to consult a professional first.

The process of descaling will depend on the recommendation of the manufacturer of your generator set. You can consult the manual for the full instructions on how to do this, or contact your supplier or a trained mechanic if you have questions.

Check The Condition of the Radiator Regularly

To keep your genset radiator clean and in good working condition, make sure to inspect it regularly. For instance, the fan might become contaminated or damaged over time — which can cause problems to the radiator and engine or lead to a fan imbalance. The fan belt also needs special care to ensure that your radiator can perform its best cooling capacity.

Take note that radiator failure is often caused by corrosion. The air in the water will speed up this process. You should make sure to check the pipe joints frequently to prevent leaks. Other than that, don’t forget to add water from the top of the radiator to exhaust the air.

Check the coolant levels too, because neglecting this can lead to engine overheating — which can potentially cause expensive radiator repairs. Flush and replace the coolant regularly to ensure smooth and efficient engine operation.

Key Takeaway

By knowing how to clean a genset radiator, you can maintain this component in good working condition and prevent overheating issues! Make sure to consult your manufacturer’s manual or contact your supplier if you have any questions regarding the cleaning procedure.

But if you need radiator replacements and upgrades for your generator set, you can contact us here at Roberts. As a trusted radiator manufacturer in the Philippines, we can provide technical assistance, fabricate genset radiators, convert cooling capacities, and offer full services — which include hauling, re-coring, and installation.