Diesel engines are unique in a lot of ways. They are well suited to towing and hauling and often the maintenance costs are lower than that of a gasoline engine. While some parts are more expensive for the diesel engines, they do not have the ignition system like a gas engine, making them a little less complicated to deal with. Understanding the engine and how it works is important so finding a shop that specializes in them is important when you start looking at options for maintaining your diesel powered vehicle.

Changing The Oil and Filter

One of the most critical concerns for any engine is lubrication. An engine that is not properly lubricated with eventually fail. Because diesel engines are typically worked harder, the oil in the engine can break down faster and needs to be changed regularly. While there is a maintenance schedule for most engines that come from the manufacturer, if you are working the engine hard, you may need to do oil and filter changes more often. Keep an eye on the oil level as well.

Checking the Gaskets

Diesel engines operate at higher temperatures than the typical gasoline engine and as a result, the gaskets in the engine can be more prone to failing. The result is an oil or coolant leak at minimum but can be much worse. Inspecting the engine for leaks during regular maintenance is a good way to catch a problem before it becomes catastrophic. Look over the entire engine, noting any parts that appear to have a leak. If you believe there is a problem, get the vehicle into a repair shop for them to do a more in-depth check of the engine and the area of concern.

Change That Fuel Filter

Because diesel engines run on fuel that is likely to have more impurities in it than gasoline does, it is important that you have the fuel filter changed regularly. A dirty fuel filter can become clogged and keep the engine from getting fuel. There is a regular schedule for fuel filter changes as well so follow the manufacturer's recommendation but if you suspect there is a problem, don't be afraid to change the filter a little early. Even a partially clogged filter can damage the engine or make it run poorly.

Draining The Water Separator

Don't forget to have the water drained from the water separator during maintenance as well. The water separator does just what it sounds like, it removes the water from the fuel and over time it will need to be drained or it will stop working. If it is not functioning properly, water can make it into the engine and cause damage to the internal parts. The time it takes to drain it is so small that neglecting it could be a costly mistake that could result in high repair bills.

For more information, contact companies like Southwest Diesel Service Inc​.

Share