generator - black soot out exhaust (diesel)
my diesel generator is putting out a black soot onto whereever the exhaust pipe is pointed. when camping it leaves a black circle on the ground. if parked at home on the street to colors the curb b...
Forum Discussion
JimM68 wrote:mabynack wrote:mdamerell wrote:
If the fuel mix is too rich it will blow soot. Make sure your air filter is clean. That's my guess.
X2 on the air cleaner. Also check the air intake for birds and bees nests. Something is causing your generator to run rich.
Guys, this is a diesel. There is no rich, only "more fuel = more power"
What you see is perfectly normal.
While what you see IS within normal operating parameters for most diesel engines, it is not necessarily 'normal'. More fuel = bigger bang, BUT if your fuel doesnt completely combust in the chamber, it will soot out like that. Typically, this is caused by excessive fuel being supplied to the engine. It doesnt take alot of excess fuel to start a diesel smoking, and the older it is, the more likely that its actually running just fine. Newer diesel engines (even small engines like generators) run much more clean and complete their combustion cycle, reducing the soot you see.
Best advice is to clean spark arrester, adjust your exhaust pipe (not to reduce soot, but for safety), as was said, at the very least its a fire hazard.
