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Check the drive belt tension. The drive, or serpentine belt, connects several components and helps deliver power to them.If it is still warm, you may have dangerously hot coolant splashing around, or you could damage the engine block. Make sure the engine is completely cooled before you open the radiator. It shouldn’t have sludge or oil on the surface either. It is typically colored red, green, blue or yellow without any rust or debris floating around. Make sure that your radiator is full and that the coolant looks appropriate. Check the coolant concentration. Antifreeze keeps your radiator working to cool your engine efficiently.If you rev the engine and the lights get brighter, your alternator may not be producing the right current for your battery. One way to check the battery is to watch the headlights. Check your battery charger. Test the battery voltage and electrolyte levels.Be sure to catch the fuel in a container to watch what you’re draining.Īfter about a month, you’ll have some parts that need a more in-depth inspection.
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In a diesel engine equipped with this, you’ll need to drain the water out regularly to avoid contaminated fuel. Drain water from the fuel tank. With a water separator, the water that doesn’t mix well with fuel drops to the bottom of the tank.You may be able to vacuum the filter or swish it around in water to clean it, giving it plenty of time to air dry. Many drivers lump this task in with their oil change, but cleaning your filter may keep it flowing easier. With normal conditions, an air filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. Clean the air filter. Some of the symptoms of a bad or dirty air filter include lower fuel economy, hard starts, vibration, black smoke from the exhaust and abnormal engine sounds.This includes tasks like draining and cleaning. Some aspects of an engine should be maintained on a weekly basis. If you use intercoolers or coolant heaters, you’ll also want to check their condition as well. Some materials to keep an eye on include: In addition to making sure your supply is sufficient, check that they are in good condition without contaminants or discoloration. An oil leak in an engine could be coming from degrading gaskets and oil pan leaks, among other areas such as seals and valves.Ĭheck your levels daily as well, to avoid being unprepared, and to keep a close eye on any changes that could indicate a problem. If you find a leak, locate the source, which could be in multiple different components. Check the fuel system for any cracks or abrasions.Check the exhaust for any leaks or excess heat coming out.A simple visual inspection can enlighten you to any obvious issues such as leaks, corrosion, and cracks. The first step is to check the overall condition. It prevents any unwanted surprises and helps you to watch and prepare for any building issues. Daily Maintenance ScheduleĪ daily inspection ensures that your engine continues to run smoothly. You may also see increased fuel economy, as your engine becomes more efficient and uses its fuel in better ways. You should see easier use in a truck that’s running on a clean, de-sludged engine, including a lack of hard startups. If you drive in a cold region, winterizing your engine will also be necessary.Īnother benefit of treating your diesel engine right includes the ease of use that comes with it. Responsible ownership of your diesel engine includes regularly cleaning and servicing it, as well as keeping parts updated and replacing them as needed. You’ll need to give your engine special attention if you frequently expose it to rough environments, like extreme or varying temperatures, saltwater and particles such as dust or sand. Repairs on a diesel engine can be more difficult than those on your standard car. By keeping parts in good shape, you save yourself the time associated with breakdowns and repairs and get to avoid the cost of expensive parts. Taking care of a diesel engine is an important investment. These heavy-grade parts typically see much more use than their counterparts and have more requirements to keep them running smoothly. Maintenance of a diesel engine can be more of an involved process than the maintenance of a gasoline engine. In this guide, we’ll offer some maintenance tips for diesel engines, as well as a diesel engine maintenance checklist that you can use throughout the year as you keep up with the needs of your engine. Regular maintenance can keep it running well for years to come, regardless if it is a new diesel engine or an old one that needs a little more TLC.īeing responsible in the care of your diesel engine can save you both time and money. Whether it’s powering a forklift, a boat or an 18-wheeler, diesel engines are vital to ongoing performance.