Why Is There Oil In My Generator Air Filter & What Cause, How to Fix
The most common issues include overfilling, worn piston rings, clogged breather valves or faulty PCV valves. If you put too much oil, the excess flows through the crankcase ventilation system into the filter. Worn piston rings allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber and then into the filter. A clogged breather valve or a faulty PCV valve can build up pressure, forcing oil into the filter.
Don’t worry, Generator Fixer is here to explain what causes the issue, how to fix it, and the steps you can take to prevent it.
Dirty Air Filter Affects
The air filter works like a strainer, trapping dirt, dust, and debris from the air enters the engine through the filter and carburetor. It ensures the engine gets clean air, which it needs to burn fuel properly.
If the filter becomes dirty, it can affect your gen performance, and increase fuel consumption. Over time, a clogged filter can also cause engine harm, if it is not properly cleaned or tuned up by a professional.
1. Overfill Engine Oil
One of the most common reasons is the presence of oil in the air filter in large amounts. A small amount is not a big issue. However, if you overfill the oil tank, the excess oil can make its way into the air filter or seal leaks.
This happens because the breather hose in the air filter assembly is connected to the engine crankcase ventilation system, and is responsible for allowing gases that build up in the engine to flow out, that’s why.
2. Worn Piston Rings
Another reason why oil might be present in your generator air filter is worn piston rings. The seals exist between the cylinder wall and the piston and help to increase the force that the combustion of the air-fuel mixture applies in the combustion chamber.
If the piston rings fail, oil can seep past them and make its way into the combustion chamber. Increased exhaust, which turns thick, dark gray or bluish in color, and the smell of burning oil are both common signs of bad piston rings. This can lead to a buildup of oil in the combustion chamber and ultimately result in oil finding its way into the air filter.
3. Clogged Breather Valve
The breather valve is responsible for allowing gases to pass from the engine. If the hose becomes clogged, gases can build up in the engine and force oil out through the ventilation system and into the air filter.
4. Faulty PCV Valve
The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is responsible to the reduction of harmful gas emissions from engines.
The PCV valve redirects blow-by gases back into the air intake instead of polluting the environment. Similar to the oil filter, it needs change regular basis . If the PCV valve gets clogged, blow-by gases can leak through seal, gaskets are both small gaps in the engine.
If your generator has a small engine like a portable generator or is an open-frame type, it might not have a PCV valve. However, larger Industrial standby generators usually have this system. You can check your generator user manual to confirm.
What Should You Do If There Is Oil in Your Generator Air Filter?
If there is oil in your generator air filter box, first check the oil level and adjust it if too much. Clean or replace the air filter and inspect the breather and PCV valves for clogs. If the issue carries on, then perform a compression test to check for worn piston rings.
If you’re confused about diagnosing the problem yourself, we suggestion to seek a qualified licensed technician near by. They can perform a proper inspection of your generator because it’s a technical or major repair only a professional can do it.
Contact the Generator Fixer team if you have any questions in the future.