First-Time Diesel Owners Beware: Extra Maintenance Is Required

If you're a first-time diesel owner, chances are you're very excited. Diesel engines are extremely powerful -- they're capable of pulling and hauling 1000's of pounds of equipment and materials. They generate lots of torque, and they can accelerate a big load very quickly. Yet in spite of their power and size, diesel engines are also surprisingly fuel efficient. In fact, many predict that the combination of power and efficiency will someday make diesel engines more common than gasoline engines. However, it's important for any new diesel owner to know there are some special responsibilities and additional maintenance that come with having a diesel engine. Failure to complete any one of these tasks could result in your diesel breaking down.

Nearly all new diesel engines come equipped with a turbo-charger. The turbo-charger is a lot like a jet engine - there are compressor blades inside the turbocharger that can spin at 20k or 30k rpm. As these blades spin, they force clean outside air into the engine, increasing engine efficiency and performance. But because the turbo-charger is so powerful, great care must be taken to make sure the air entering the turbo-charger is clean and clear of debris. If a small piece of debris were to enter the turbo as it was spinning at max speed, it's possible that one or more compressor blades would shatter (ruining the turbo). Therefore, it's incredibly important that the air filter on your diesel is clean and properly installed. Most manufacturers equip their vehicles with electronic sensors that will tell you to check or replace your air filter, but you can manually check the air-filter using the restriction gauge. The restriction gauge, found on near the filter, will tell you if your air filter has become too clogged to protect your turbo-charger. If the gauge indicates your filter is too clogged, you should replace it immediately. Unlike a gasoline engine, failure to change your diesel's air filter will lead to thousands of dollars in engine damage relatively quickly -- even in just a few hundred miles. In fact, it's a good idea to keep a spare air filter on hand at all times.

Even without the turbo-charger, diesel engines have lots of maintenance items that are especially important. Fuel filters are extremely important for proper performance because diesel fuel, unlike gasoline, contains a relatively large amount of impurities. For example, the typical gasoline fuel filter might only need replacement once every 30,000 miles. Yet many manufacturers suggest diesel fuel filters be replaced in as little as 10k miles (depending upon driving conditions). Make sure to check your owner's manual to find out what your manufacturer suggests. Also, use the same service station every time you refuel if possible. If you're favorite service station has bad fuel, you'll find out relatively quickly and you can save yourself money by finding a new fuel source.

Diesel fuel, in addition to having a lot of impurities, also contains water! Even though small amounts of water will not hurt your diesel engine, water does reduce economy and performance. Therefore, most modern diesels are equipped with fuel-water separators. Depending upon your vehicle manufacturer, you may need to manually purge the water from your diesel's fuel system as often as once a month. Make sure to check your owner's manual for instructions. In some cases, if you don't purge the water from your diesel's fuel system you will experience poor performance and fuel economy. Luckily, many service facilities will perform this task for you at little or no charge. They'll also dispose of the contaminated fuel/water mixture.

A lot of old-timers call Diesel engines "oil burners" because, unlike gas engines, diesels burn some of the engine's lubricating oil during normal operation. In fact, diesel engines under heavy use can burn two or three quarts of oil between changes. That's why it's especially important to check your diesel's oil level regularly. When you check the oil make sure the engine has cooled for at least 30 mins and that your vehicle is on level surface. The owner's manual will explain when you should add oil based on the oil dipstick reading. Remember to do this often -- if the oil level falls too low you will suffer engine damage.

Another diesel engine quirk is that they are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. Untreated diesel fuel can "gel" (turn from a liquid to a semi-solid) at temperatures below zero. At temperatures below freezing, diesel engines usually start harshly and warm-up slowly. At extremely low temps (below -10 F) most diesel engine oil will not protect the engine from friction because it will be too viscous. For all these reasons, it's important to use your diesel's block heater anytime outside temperatures dip below zero (F). If you can afford the electricity, my recommendation is to plug-in your block heater any time the outside temperature dips below freezing (32 F). This will protect your engine by keeping your fuel and oil warm, make for quick and easy start-ups by pre-heating your glow plugs, and help your engine warm-up quickly by pre-warming the engine coolant. To locate your block heater's plug-in, check your owners manual. Usually they're wire-tied to a harness behind the bumper. If you engine doesn't have a block heater, one can be installed for a small charge.

While all new engines have a short break-in period, new diesel engines usually have a break-in period that lasts 500 or 1000 miles (check your manual to find out). Usually, the manufacturer recommends that you avoid driving at sustained speeds (i.e. long trips on the highway) during this period. Additionally, most manufacturers suggest you not tow or haul anything during this period as well. Once the initial break-in is over, it's not uncommon for your diesel to continue to improve in power and efficiency for the first 20k or 30k miles. Unlike gas motors, which often stop improving in power and efficiency after 3k to 5k miles, diesels need lots of time and use to reach their peak efficiency and performance. In fact, most long-time diesel owners will tell you that their engine didn't really start to truly perform until a year or two after they bought it.

In summary, any new or first-time diesel owner should review their diesel engine manual. Make sure to keep a close eye on the air filter restriction gauge, change fuel filters often, check engine oil between oil changes, purge water from your fuel system on a monthly basis, and remember to use your block heater any time the outside temperature drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit. If you take the time to do these extra tasks, your diesel engine will reward you with 200k+ miles of service.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Author Jason Lancaster operates TundraHeadquarters.com, a resource for Toyota Tundra owners. For anyone looking to buy a diesel Tundra, TundraHeadquarters.com has recently uncovered evidence of a diesel Toyota Tundra in development.

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