Why generators show "high fuel consumption": 114 documented causes and brand-specific fixes, compiled across 14 manufacturers.
Improper type of fuel
5 brands- Atlas Copco: Use proper type of fuel
- Ingersoll Rand: Use proper type of fuel
- John Deere: Use proper fuel; Use proper type of fuel
- Kohler: Use proper fuel
- Northern Lights: Use correct fuel for temperature; Use correct fuel for temperature.
Engine overloaded
5 brands- Atlas Copco: Reduce load
- Ingersoll Rand: Reduce load
- John Deere: Reduce load; Reduce load.
- Kohler: Reduce load
- Northern Lights: Reduce load.; Reduce the electrical load
Improper valve clearance
5 brands- Atlas Copco: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- Ingersoll Rand: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- John Deere: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor; See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.
- Kohler: See Authorized Service Dealer/Distributor
- Northern Lights: See your dealer; See your dealer.
Clogged or dirty air cleaner
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Service air cleaner
- Ingersoll Rand: Service air cleaner
- John Deere: Service air cleaner; Service air cleaner.
- Northern Lights: Service air cleaner; Service air cleaner.
Injection nozzles dirty
4 brands- Atlas Copco: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- Ingersoll Rand: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- John Deere: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor; See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.
- Northern Lights: See your dealer; See your dealer.
Engine overload
4 brands- Detroit Diesel: Reduce the electrical load. See the generator set spec sheet for wattage specifications.
- Kohler: Reduce the electrical load. See the generator set installation manual for wattage specifications.; Reduce the electrical load. See the generator set spec sheet for wattage specifications.
- Northern Lights: Reduce load.
- Spectrum: Reduce the electrical load. See the generator set spec sheet for wattage specifications.
Defective turbocharger
4 brands- Atlas Copco: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- Ingersoll Rand: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- John Deere: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor; See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.
- Northern Lights: See your local dealer.
Low engine temperature
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Check thermostat
- Ingersoll Rand: Check thermostat
- John Deere: Check thermostat; Check thermostat.
- Kohler: Check thermostat
Compression weak
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Check the compression.
- Kohler: Check the compression.
- Spectrum: Check the compression.
Valve clearance incorrect
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Adjust the valves.
- Kohler: Adjust the valves.
- Spectrum: Adjust the valves.
Ignition system inoperative (gas/gasoline only)
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Check the ignition system (spark plugs, spark plug wires, etc.).
- Kohler: Check the ignition system (ignition module, spark plugs, spark plug wires, etc.).; Check the ignition system (spark plugs, spark plug wires, etc.).
- Spectrum: Check the ignition system (spark plugs, spark plug wires, etc.).
Fuel filter restriction
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Clean or replace the fuel filter.
- Kohler: Clean or replace the fuel filter.; Replace the fuel filter.
- Spectrum: Clean or replace the fuel filter.
Oil level low
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Restore the oil level. Inspect the generator set for oil leaks.
- Kohler: Restore the oil level. Inspect the generator set for oil leaks.
- Spectrum: Restore the oil level. Inspect the generator set for oil leaks.
Crankcase oil type incorrect for ambient temperature
3 brands- Detroit Diesel: Change the oil. Use oil with a viscosity suitable for the operating climate.
- Kohler: Change the oil. Use oil with a viscosity suitable for the operating climate.
- Spectrum: Change the oil. Use oil with a viscosity suitable for the operating climate.
Engine out of time
3 brands- Atlas Copco: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- Ingersoll Rand: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor
- John Deere: See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor; See your authorized servicing dealer or engine distributor.