Why Is Diesel Engine Maintenance So Important?

Diesel engine vehicles are well known for their durability and ruggedness. What’s more, they are fuel-efficient. However, if you don’t carry out regular diesel engine maintenance, you run the risk of major breakdowns with the unpleasant experience of high repair costs. In order to prevent this, you need to schedule your diesel engine service with experienced mechanics.

Reasons for regular diesel engine maintenance

Diesel engine vehicles don’t use spark plugs, so they require high pressure for combustion. As a result, they can become overheated, putting the engine at risk. Without regular maintenance, the components will wear out very quickly and your diesel engine will age prematurely.

Similarly, the fuel injection system can clog up, leading to poor engine performance. Proactive diesel engine service is recommended, based on the number of kilometres the vehicle has done and the general condition in which you drive.

Diesel maintenance tasks

Although diesel engines don’t require ignition tune-ups, the fuel, oil and air filters need to be changed regularly.

• Changing the fuel filter

The fuel filter needs to be replaced at periodic intervals to ensure that the fuel that runs through the system remains clean.

• Bleeding the fuel system

Air can get into the fuel system in the process of replacing the fuel filter. If the air is not completely removed, it can compromise the performance of the engine. This is done by bleeding the fuel system. Although some diesel engines have a self-bleeding mechanism, it is recommended that the system be bled manually to ensure that all the air has been eliminated.

• Replacing oil and air filters

Oil and air filters need to be replaced from time to time to ensure that the engine continues to run smoothly. Diesel oil takes in more carbon, so oil meant for diesel engines contains anti-wear additives and dispersants. It is therefore important to apply the correct type of diesel engine oil. It is also vital that oil with the right viscosity grade is used, as this influences heat production in the cylinders and gear sets. The filter casings must be thoroughly cleaned before installing new filters.

• Servicing the fuel system

While a diesel engine does not use spark plugs, it has a fuel injector that sprays fuel into the combustion chamber. Over time, these injectors gather carbon, dirt and other types of debris, which impair performance. If the engine is not getting enough fuel, the idle speed may be poor and you can experience problems with acceleration.

 

The injectors should be cleaned regularly so that the engine can receive enough fuel, but pay close attention to the way this is done. You need trained professionals to clean or adjust the fuel injectors. If this is not performed properly, water and dirt may damage the system.

• Regulating the engine idle speed

The engine idle speed may need resetting if it is running too fast or too slow. The mechanic will do this by adjusting the idle speed screw located at the top of the fuel injection pump.

• Radiator maintenance

Diesel engines generate more heat than regular petrol engines due to the pressure generated in the combustion chamber. As a result, diesel engines are more vulnerable to overheating, which is capable of damaging gasket seals and engine cylinders. It is important to monitor the radiator fluid and have it replaced at the recommended times.

Diesel engine repair

If you have not been servicing your diesel engine regularly, you may begin to observe excessive smoke, which is a sign of increased fuel consumption. You may also notice a decrease in engine performance due to a fault. A reputable diesel engine repair service equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools can help in identifying the faults and recommend the type of repair necessary.

Conclusion

Regular diesel engine service is crucial for keeping your vehicle running and extending its service life. You can prevent frequent breakdowns and high repair costs if you schedule your vehicle for regular engine maintenance by contacting a trusted diesel maintenance mechanic.