Your Diesel Generator Blowing Black Smoke? Here’s How to Fix It

Okay, let’s get this right.

You start your diesel generator – after a minute, there’s a plume of black smoke rising into the sky, and the environment is disturbed by it.

You tried all you could, but all your efforts were in vain, and it couldn’t seem to stop. But instead, it kept on increasing and blowing more black smoke.

You called your engineer to try to help and fix it, but he wasn’t available, or perhaps he tried everything he could but the problem persisted.

Well, I know you’ve already given up on finding a solution or you want to leave it that way because it’s still working perfectly without considering the consequences.

If this sounds like how you are feeling now, don’t worry; we are here to help. But you must know that at times, diesel generators can develop faults that need instant solutions, of which emitting black smoke is one.

Although the funny thing is that your diesel generator can still be working perfectly, the black smoke is a sign of several issues that need to be addressed.

Henceforth, in this article, we will discuss the causes, effects, and possible ways you can stop your diesel generator from emitting black smoke.

What Are the Causes of Black Smoke on Diesel Generators and Engines?

When it comes to finding a solution for diesel generators or any type of engine, you must know the causes.

It will be difficult to find a solution to any problem that does not have a cause. For diesel generators blowing out black smoke, it’s a common issue that arises when the engine is not functioning as it’s supposed to.

So, the following are some of the most common causes of black smoke in diesel generators and engines:

1. Overloading 

First and foremost, one of the most common causes of diesel generators’ black smoke is if the generator is overloaded.

If the generator is forced to produce more power than it is designed for, it can cause the engine to work harder, leading to increased diesel consumption and causing black smoke.

This usually happens because the engine is trying to meet the higher power demand but can’t burn all the fuel efficiently, leading to unburned fuel being expelled from the exhaust as black smoke.

However, in cases where your diesel generator’s black smoke is not a consequence of overloading, you can check on other causes.

2. Fuel Injection Issues

Another cause of black smoke is fuel injection issues. The fuel injection system is an important part of diesel generators. It’s responsible for delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine.

If the fuel injectors are damaged, clogged, or not functioning as they’re supposed to, it can result in unburned fuel being expelled from the exhaust, causing black smoke just like if it’s overloaded.

In addition, you can also check the fuel pump. If it’s also not delivering the right amount of fuel to the injectors, it can result in black smoke.

3. Air Intake Issues

Lastly, black smoke on diesel generators can also be caused by issues with the air intake system. The air intake system is known to be responsible for providing the engine with the right amount of air to mix with the fuel.

If the air filter is dirty or clogged, this can restrict the flow of air, causing the fuel-to-air ratio to be incorrect and leading to black smoke.

Additionally, if the air intake system is not providing the engine with enough air, this can cause the engine to consume more fuel than it should, which might lead to black smoke.

So, before we look at what we can do to stop it, let’s talk about the effects of black smoke in diesel generators and engines and what it can do to the environment.

Effects of Diesel Generator Black Smoke 

Some people don’t know that leaving their generator to continue blowing black smoke has a serious effect, not only on the environment but also on the diesel engine and generator.

Having said that, here are some of the effects you should know about:

1. Poor Engine Performance

Black smoke on diesel generators shows something is wrong. If not fixed on time, it can negatively impact the performance of the diesel generator.

It can cause the engine to work harder than it is supposed to, leading to decreased fuel efficiency (if the fuel injection system is at fault), and, at the same time, it can reduce its power output and not be able to power the necessary equipment you want to.

2. Environmental Impacts

Second, it’s a significant source of air pollution and, at the same time, contributes to global warming. It contains particles and gasses that can harm the environment and human health.

For instance, if you put your generator in a house and enter it, you will find it filled with black substances. It can also form smog and other forms of air pollution.

Therefore, you must fix this issue as quickly as possible to prevent this from happening to your environment.

3. Health Concerns

Lastly, prolonged exposure to black smoke can also be hazardous to human health. It can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.

In addition, the particles and gasses contained in black smoke can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Therefore, you see that there’s every reason you should fix this issue if you don’t want to experience poor engine performance, environmental pollution, and health issues.

So, with that in mind, let’s talk about the possible ways you can stop black diesel generator smoke.

ALSO READ: Diesel Engine Won’t Start When Hot: Troubleshooting Guide 

How to Get Rid of Black Smoke From a Diesel Generator

After experiencing the effects of your diesel generator, the good news is that diesel generator black smoke can be effectively reduced or even eliminated with the right knowledge and attention.

Therefore, here are some of the ways to stop diesel black smoke, including:

1. Regular Maintenance

When you haven’t serviced or maintained your diesel generator in a long time, it develops problems, such as emitting black smoke from its exhaust. You should regularly maintain the diesel generator including checking the fuel injector, air intake systems, and other components to ensure they work correctly. Regular maintenance of your diesel generator can assist you in identifying and addressing any potential issues before they lead to black smoke or any other diesel generator problem.

2. Fuel System Cleaning

Second, if you can afford to maintain your diesel generator, clean it and check if the fuel system is at fault. If it’s the fuel system, clean it, including the fuel injectors and the fuel lines, ensuring fuel flows correctly to the engine. Doing that can help you reduce the risk of black smoke on your generator and, as well, improve its fuel efficiency.

3. Upgrading the Air Intake System

Third, check the air intake system to see if it’s at fault. If it is, consider upgrading the air intake system, including the air filter, which can also help to reduce black smoke by providing the engine with the right amount of air. In addition, it can help improve the fuel-to-air ratio and reduce the amount of unburned fuel expelled from the exhaust, which will make your generator work efficiently.

4. Load the Proper Appliances

Earlier, I stated that overloading can cause your diesel generator to blow out black smoke. If YOU check everything and see that everything is fine but the problem persists, you should check the number of appliances loaded. In this case, you should only use the generator for the intended load and not exceed its capabilities. Ensuring the generator loads the adequate amount of appliances it is designed for, you can reduce the risk of black smoke and improve engine performance.

5. Fuel quality

Lastly, fuel quality can also prevent your generator from blowing black smoke. And pardon me if I failed to identify it as a cause if you use poor-quality fuel. The thing is that poor-quality fuel can contain impurities that can cause the engine to run poorly and emit black smoke. As you know now, by using high-quality diesel fuel, you can reduce the risk of black smoke and improve the performance of the diesel generator.

ALSO READ: Diesel Generator Low Voltage Output: 8 Causes and Solutions

Final Thought 

So now that you know the causes of diesel generator black smoke, its effects, and the possible ways to stop it from happening, it’s the right time to get to work. However, if you’ve tried and it’s still happening and not stopping, you can request a quote, so my team can help you out by fixing the issue in no time.