DATE : 2.1.

2023
TECHNICAL BULLETIN BULLETIN NR : 001/23

SUBJECT: PROBLEMS TO OCCUR WHEN OPERATING THE GENSETS UNDER LIGHT (LOW)
LOADS

Diesel powered Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines used in energy production; are typically
designed for use between 30-100% of their maximum rated power.

Diesel Engines produce the temperature and pressure values that enable the specified components
to operate in the most suitable conditions within the power range of 30-100%.

Please check the below operation limits as a summary:

Minimum allowable load for continuous operation : 30% of rated power,

Maximum allowable operating time at less than 30% of rated power : 1 hour

Frequent use of motors with loads less than 30% of the rated power (light load conditions) will not
keep the motor operating at optimum temperature and pressure parameters, perform below
optimum values and may result in a number of symptoms as follows:

• Increased Oil Consumption,

• Oil Leakage,
• Black exhaust smoke,
• Excessive un-burnt fuel to appear as white smoke from the exhaust stack,
• Excessive carbon deposits on engine valves, pistons and exhaust components,
• Decreased working life of turbocharger,
• Decreased time for the next exhaust maintenance,
• Fuel accumulation in engine oil

To prevent the occurrence of these symptoms and to avoid performance problems, it is

recommended to follow the rules below;

• The engine should not be operated for a long time under light load conditions.
• Routine operation of the engine at light load or at no load should be kept for a maximum of 15
(fifteen) minutes.
• The engine should be run at load for 4 hours a year in order to remove the accumulated
carbon.

Permanent use of motors with a load of less than 30% of the rated power may void the diesel engine
warranty.

Sayfa No : 1 / 3
 DATE : 2.1.2023
TECHNICAL BULLETIN BULLETIN NR : 001/23

SOURCES :

BAUDOUIN :

Sayfa No : 2 / 3
 DATE : 2.1.2023
TECHNICAL BULLETIN BULLETIN NR : 001/23

MITSUBISHI :

Burak Mermercioğlu
Contract Management Process Leader

Sayfa No : 3 / 3