Valve Adjustment
Valves Get Loose
Engine vibration loosens valves, allowing extra air into the cylinders that decreases engine performance.
Can Cause Engine Failure
If uncorrected for too long, loose valves can eventually break a rod or bend the crankshaft.
Adjust Every 3 to 5 Years
You only need to adjust valves every three to five years to ensure good performance.
Valves regulate the flow of air into an engine, where the air mixes with fuel and then combusts. These valves are precisely calibrated to allow the right amount of air into the cylinders for optimal performance.
But generators vibrate—a lot. Over time, this vibration loosens the valves, allowing more air into the engine. This can cause a variety of problems, including:
- The engine not operating at full power
- Burning through fuel quicker
- Increased exhaust smoke
If loose valves go uncorrected for too long, the imbalance can eventually break a rod or bend the crankshaft—causing a catastrophic engine failure and requiring you to replace the entire engine.
The best way to prevent this is through a periodic valve adjustment. During a valve adjustment, we open up the engine, recalibrate the valves, and replace the valve cover gaskets.
Depending on the size of your commercial generator, you only need a valve adjustment every three to five years to ensure good performance.
