A diesel engine is a powerful piece of machinery that will last a million miles or more if properly maintained. These vehicles are more complex than gasoline engines, blending highly pressurized air and fuel to generate more torque and horsepower. The internal workings of the engine keep it running for years, but they come with more parts that you need to keep an eye on.
Diesel engines require repairs less frequently than traditional cars, but the cost of repairs tends to be higher. All the different systems work together to convert fuel into mechanical energy. Once one part breaks down, the problem will quickly spread to other areas of the engine. In a sense, if your truck needs extensive repairs, there is likely something you could have done to prevent it.
If you’ve recently purchased a diesel, maintaining your truck is the only way to make your money worthwhile unless you only plan to drive it for a couple of years. You can also sell the truck to recover a significant portion of your original investment if you keep it in good condition. Use these diesel maintenance tips to squeeze every last mile out of your engine.
Keep the oil flowing
Oil does much more than lubricate your engine; it plays a crucial role in the fuel injection process. Gasoline vehicles need an oil change, but it could be argued that the stakes are even higher with a diesel engine. Lack of oil can damage virtually every engine component, including the fuel system, turbocharger, and camshaft. If the truck is used, the oil will pick up all the rust and dirt from previous trips, quickly souring your supply each time. Replace worn parts with quality diesel truck parts to start fresh.
Issues with the oil supply ultimately reduce fuel efficiency. Diesel vehicles use pressurized oil to pack the fuel before spraying it directly into the combustion chamber. It’s like trying to feed a dragon while it breathes fire. When the fuel doesn’t reach the required PSI, the engine will need to consume more to generate the same amount of energy. You’ll need to do more than just change the oil. If the level drops or your vehicle loses power suddenly, there could be an issue with the high-pressure oil pump (HPOP), oil cooler, or oil pan. Inspect the seals for leaks and replace your HPOP if the problem persists.
Replace your filters
Your engine is as healthy as the fluids that make it run. It comes with various filters designed to remove particles from the oil, fuel, and air supply, but dirty parts and excessive hauling will clog the filters and eventually deplete the engine’s vital resources. Each filter should be cleaned and replaced after a certain number of miles.
Replacing filters should be one of your first priorities when investing in a truck.
If the fuel filter is broken or leaking, soot and ash will spread throughout the engine, dirtying the fuel system, including fuel injectors and the fuel injector pump. The pump’s internal components can stick together, applying pressure in the wrong part of the system. Replace the injector pump on an old engine to avoid causing more damage to the motor.
Check your coolant
All that power generates an enormous amount of heat that needs to be released. The truck needs a constant supply of coolant to move heat from the internal parts of the engine to the radiator so it can be released into the atmosphere. Too much heat will damage the cooling system before spreading to other systems. Check the level periodically and refill as needed.
Lack of coolant is a sign of a leak. Diesel engines use coolant to reduce toxic emissions from the exhaust pipe through the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, which absorbs heat from the exhaust gases recycled through the engine, a process that occurs thousands of times per second. The EGR cooler and coolant hoses will crack and rust over time and eventually spill into the oil pan. This part tends to be particularly problematic in the Powerstroke series. Blue smoke coming from the exhaust means coolant has mixed with the fuel supply.
How often should diesel vehicle maintenance be done?
The maintenance interval varies depending on how much you tow and how often you drive. Experts recommend taking the diesel to the shop every 12 months or 10,000 miles, but routine DIY tasks, such as changing the oil, should be done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Heavy-duty trucks and used diesel trucks should be serviced more frequently to avoid extensive repairs.
If you notice strange sounds, strong odors, or smoke coming from the exhaust or under the hood, address the issue until you find a solution. Keep an eye on fuel efficiency and fluid levels. If you’re burning more oil or fuel than usual, it’s usually a symptom of a larger problem.
Owning a diesel engine comes with great responsibility, but every effort you make to maintain it will save you money in the long run. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your truck lasts a lifetime.
