Diesel Engine Tips Page 2


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Diesel Engine Tips (page 2)

Maintaining any vehicle properly is important for economical operation of that vehicle .

Use of the proper motor oil for your engine and keeping the oil clean are must’s for a long and problem free operating life of that engine and even more so in today‘s electronic diesel engines . On direct injected diesel engines , oil pressure is used to operate the fuel injectors . Excessively dirty motor oil can cause the fuel injectors to operate inefficiently or can even cause damage to the injectors . Old oil , dirty oil or the wrong oil can ‘aerate’ (foam) which can cause lowered oil pressure or uneven oil pressure . Aeration can cause improper operation of the electronic fuel injectors and loss of power . Excessive wear and damage to the injectors and to the engine can also result from aeration . Use only the right oil !

You must use the specified ‘grade and weight’ of motor oil that is specified for your vehicle to prevent problems . For example ;

Most manufacturers specify 15w40 ‘Diesel’ motor oil for use in their diesel engines at normal ambient temperature climates .

Lighter motor oil may be recommended for colder temperature climates but that would apply only to extreme cold , like the far north . You must use the specified ‘grade and weight’ of motor oil for your engine . Oil that is designed for use in diesel engines contains the proper additives to prevent aeration as well as other needed additives . Engine oil should be changed at or about the specified interval recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle for longest engine life and best operation .

Replacement of the Fuel Filter is very important in a Diesel vehicle to prevent dirt from reaching the fuel injector pump or the fuel injectors them selves . Small amount of dust , dirt or foreign material may enter the fuel tank during refuelling . The fuel filter traps these impurities to prevent them from reaching the operating parts of the fuel system . It is a good practice to replace the fuel filter at every second or third oil change service depending on the application of the vehicle . A vehicle that is driven on mostly paved highways may only need a new fuel filter every 3rd of 4th oil change . A vehicle that is mostly driven in the city or on dirty road may require a new fuel filter more frequently . A vehicle that is working in dirt such as construction would require the most frequent fuel filter replacement . _____

The fuel “Water Separator” is located in the bottom of the fuel filter housing on many vehicles . Some others are located between the fuel tank and the filter . The system fuel “water separator” must be drained from time to time . In warm weather the seperator should checked and drained as necessary , at least every oil change . In the winter months it may require more frequent attention .

Air Filter replacement is necessary to insure only clean air enters any engine . A diesel engine or any turbocharged engine is more critical in this respect as dirt can do sever damage to the fins of the turbocharger .

A restricted or plugged air filter can also cause a loss of power and poor fuel mileage , with a diesel engine (or any engine).

It is most convenient to inspect the air filter when the vehicle is in for its oil change service and to replace the filter only , when it is needed . If your driving is mostly paved highway driving , every 3rd or 4th oil change may be enough . If you drive mostly city or on dirt roads every 2nd or 3rd oil change may be right for you . Many air filters now have a “filter minder” mounted to the air box , that will indicate the resistance of the filter to show when replacement is needed . For many drivers once a year is often enough . Just before winter is the best time in this case . If a new air filter is required twice a year spring and fall are best .

If for any reason the air filter gets wet (which is rare) it should be replaced as soon as possible as a water damaged air filter may come apart and pieces could the turbocharger or the get into the engine ?

(See air filter replacement on this website for more)

Battery Cable Ends should be inspected and cleaned when necessary . Once a year is usually enough for this and just before winter is a very good time . The starter connections should also be checked , cleaned and tightened when needed . Starter cable connections will some times shake loss from the vibration of the diesel engine and are also exposed to road dirt and water etc . Cable end are normally inspected and cleaned on a tune up with gasoline vehicles , but your Diesel doesn’t need tune ups .

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The batteries should also be tested on vehicles that are over three years old . The batteries (normally two) for a diesel must be kept in good condition as they must turn over a very high compression (17 to 1 or higher) engine and operate the glow plug system at the same time . This is not a problem if the vehicle has the proper batteries and they are in good condition .

The alternator and charging system should also be tested . Testing and maintaining of the electrical systems on any vehicle , once a year (before winter can is best) can prevent problems , inconvenience , expense and down time .

(Glow Plugs see diesel engine tips page 3)

　

　

　






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