Diesel engine maintenance will offset the rising cost of fuel and assure you of a longer life-cycle for your vehicle in general and your engine in particular. Diesel engines are excellent and reliable engines if regularly and properly maintained.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular inspection of glow plugs is very critical for the proper maintenance of a diesel engine. The ignition of this engine depends upon compressed heat but it often fails to produce enough heat for the fuel to burn. As a result the glow plugs are used to heat up the cylinder before the cold engine gets started. These glow plugs require frequent inspection especially during the winter season
- The gaskets on the diesel engine call for regular monitoring as they work under very severe and harsh conditions. All the mounting bolts should be checked regularly to avoid leaks which can lead to other complications
- The oil filter should be selected carefully as sulfur residue and carbon are created in the absence of completely burning the fuel. A good filter will exclude corrosive particles from the oil
- Always make sure the engine is supported completely before unscrewing any of the mounting bolts, plugs or nuts
- To maintain proper engine performance and prevent accidents, make sure to give fluids sufficient time to cool before draining or checking them
- Take your time when doing maintenance on a diesel engine and never work on an engine while it is running
- Due to its critical cooling system, an audible and visual warning system on the dash panel will alert you before the possibility of engine damage
- Every time you fill the diesel tank, add a bottle of diesel treatment. This will prevent the diesel from getting mixed with impurities
- Diesel engines require a complete maintenance check from time to time for a longer life. Regular oil changes, as well as changing the oil and air filters, are critical to proper engine performance
A Bonus Tip for Engine Longevity
Another way to increase the life of your engine is to use bio-diesel. It can be used in any diesel engine with few, if any, modifications. Bio-diesel is cleaner and can release deposits that have accumulated on the tank walls from previously stored diesel.