AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment)
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026)

Failure Analysis of a Total Breakdown in a Firman FPG1500ECII Generator Set Using Root Cause Identification

Toni Okviyanto (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)
Herlin Sumarna (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)
Tri Satya Ramadhoni (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)
Agis Fika Wulandari (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)
Indra Syahputra (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)
Stevan Juliandro Aruan (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, South Sumatra, 30128, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jul 2026

Abstract

Generator set failures are commonly investigated by examining individual damaged components; however, limited studies have systematically integrated failure mechanism analysis, failure propagation analysis, and Root Cause Identification (RCI) to explain the sequence of events leading to total system breakdown. This study aims to identify the failure mechanisms and root causes of a total breakdown in a Firman FPG1500ECII gasoline-powered generator set and to develop evidence-based preventive maintenance recommendations. The investigation employed a forensic engineering approach by integrating systematic visual inspection, tribological failure analysis, failure propagation analysis, Fishbone Diagram, and 5 Why Analysis. The results revealed that inadequate lubrication management was the primary initiating factor, leading to progressive piston ring wear, bearing damage, carbon deposit accumulation, valve leakage, ignition system deterioration, and ultimately complete engine failure. Failure propagation analysis demonstrated that the breakdown resulted from the interaction of multiple component failures rather than the failure of a single component. Based on the identified root causes, an evidence-based preventive maintenance schedule was developed using manufacturer recommendations and previous maintenance studies. The principal contribution of this study is the development of an integrated engineering failure analysis framework that systematically links failure mechanisms, failure propagation, and Root Cause Identification to support maintenance decision-making and improve the reliability of gasoline-powered generator sets operating under similar conditions. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 7: Affordable and Clean EnergySDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ajarcde

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Energy Environmental Science

Description

AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment) publishes papers on innovative applications, development of new technologies, and efficient solutions in agriculture, engineering, computing, economic, social, information technology, food, energy, and scientific ...