There are many reasons why you love your diesel-powered vehicle, such as better fuel economy, lower emissions, and cheaper and less frequent maintenance check-ups than gasoline-powered vehicles. But just because you won’t be heading to the mechanic’s garage as frequently doesn’t mean you can’t exercise some preventative maintenance in the meantime. If you want to keep your diesel truck or car running like new for longer, then read these tips for maintaining a diesel engine.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Diesel Engine
There are several things you can do to help maintain your diesel engine. With regular check-ups and simple part replacement, you will be on your way to enjoying a long-life with the diesel vehicle of your car or vehicle.
- Clean your engine. Since diesel engines have longer lives than their gas counterparts, then it stands to reason that they could benefit from more frequent cleaning. When a vehicle navigates longer distances and more challenging tasks, dirt and dust have a higher chance of accumulating on the engine. When dirt accumulates on your engine’s components, it shortens their lifespan and can even decrease the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Plus, if you live in an area with harsh winters, your engine’s pieces and parts may wear out quicker due to contact with road salt, which intensifies rust and corrosion.
- Check your air filter. On most vehicles, the air filter is under the hood inside a rectangular cold air collectors box located near the front of the engine department. A dirty filter can “choke” the engine, forcing it to use more fuel to get the power and acceleration that you’re used to. In general, you should get an air filter replaced every 12,000 miles. You can also have it checked out if you notice decreased engine power, weaker acceleration, or increased engine wear.
- Take care of your engine’s radiator. A car’s radiator keeps it cool by transferring heat from the engine to the air. Since diesel engines tend to run hotter than gas engines, their radiators are subject to higher temperatures, leading to overheating. Overheating may warp engine components such as cylinders and gasket seals, eventually leading to malfunction and possibly irreparable damage. Many manufacturers recommend a radiator flush every 40,000-60,000 miles. It is always best to check the owner’s manual to see the manufacturer’s suggestion.
- Fuel filter replacement. Gas engines have a single filter, but diesel engines a primary filter between the gas tank and the engine and a secondary filter between the transfer pump and fuel injectors. Due to the less refined nature of diesel fuel, the fuel tends to absorb more water from condensation in the fuel’s tank leading to the two filters. If there are water particles in your diesel, you could notice a decrease in horsepower, your engine can stall, or your fuel injectors could explode.
- Check the exhaust bellow and flex joint. There are plenty of signs that your exhaust bellow is going bad no matter what type of diesel engine you have. All diesel engines have exhaust bellows to contain the pressures of hot exhaust gas. In the beginning, you may hear louder-than-normal noises when you start your engine, smell unpleasant odors, and experience decreased engine efficiency follow—all signs of a failed exhaust bellow. For maintenance, go to your local diesel engines dealer.
Hopefully you can use these tips for maintaining a diesel engine to get a longer life out of your diesel engine and enjoy it for many more years to come.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
