{"id":2796,"date":"2018-11-15T14:14:22","date_gmt":"2018-11-15T20:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/35.209.17.11\/~clifford\/wet-stacking-why-its-important-to-load-bank-your-diesel-generator\/"},"modified":"2021-12-08T12:52:05","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T18:52:05","slug":"wet-stacking-why-its-important-to-load-bank-your-diesel-generator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cliffordpower.com\/wet-stacking-why-its-important-to-load-bank-your-diesel-generator\/","title":{"rendered":"Wet Stacking – Why It’s Important to Load Bank Your Diesel Generator"},"content":{"rendered":"

First, let\u2019s define what generator wet stacking is. Wet stacking is a term that originally described a diesel engine dripping a thick, dark substance from its exhaust pipes or, as they\u2019re often called, \u201cstacks.\u201d The condition is caused by operating the engine at light load for extended periods, sending unburned fuel and soot into the exhaust system. Today, the term refers to an engine that isn\u2019t completely burning all the fuel that\u2019s delivered to its cylinders. Over a prolonged period, this condition can seriously degrade engine performance.<\/p>\n

When a diesel engine runs without load, it develops only enough power to drive its accessories and overcome internal friction. A diesel engine doesn\u2019t use spark plugs. It relies on the hot compressed air in the cylinder to vaporize and ignite the fuel. With the air cooler than the design temperature, conditions for combustion are less than ideal. The fuel ignites and burns, but it doesn\u2019t burn completely. What remains are vaporized fuel and soot\u2014small, hard particles of unburned carbon. In the exhaust system, fuel vapors condense and mix with soot to form a dark, thick liquid that looks like engine oil. It may ooze from the turbocharger or drip from the exhaust outlets. The appearance of liquid on the exhaust stacks leads to the term \u201cwet stacking.\u201d<\/p>\n

How can I tell if my generator is Wet Stacking? Your generator is likely operating inefficiently if any, or all of the following conditions exist:<\/p>\n