'''Every 250 hours''', the filters must be cleaned or replaced, the oil changed, and the nuts, bolts and exhaust pipe checked. <br>
'''Every 1500 hours''', a major service overhaul will be needed, that includes decarbonising the engine, adjusting the valve clearance, etc. Diesel engines require a lot of simple maintenance and if this is done well, they can have a long service life. Therefore, the training and supervision of the caretaker are important. More complicated maintenance tasks and repairs have to be done by a well-trained mechanic with access to spare parts. The organizing committee must make sure that generator servicing is carried out on schedule, and that they can respond quickly in case the generator breaks down.
====Possible problems====
— the generator wears excessively, because O&M is poorly carried out, or neglected; <br>
— the engine is run at less than full loading, which leads to rapid carbon build-up and low engine operating efficiency;<br>
— the drive belts break;<br>
— maintenance is required frequently;<br>
— fuel is difficult to get and its cost is high;<br>
— from time to time, a specialist mechanic will be needed to service and repair the generator.
==Costs==