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Diesel Engine Service Guide: Maximize Performance
Diesel engines are the powerful force behind industrial development, the transportation of goods and power generation. Knowing the ins and outs of diesel engines is a valuable skill. Whether you're looking to turn your passion into a profession or a high school student in search of a career that matters, stick around.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into diesel engine servicing, including why it’s important and how you can gain the valuable skills required to do it.
What Is Diesel Engine Servicing?
Diesel engine servicing is maintenance performed by a trained diesel technician to maximize a diesel vehicle's performance and lifespan. It involves routine inspections, component and system testing, and fine-tuning the internal parts responsible for combustion. Let’s look at some of the tasks performed during diesel engine service.
Oil and Filter Change
Engine oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the engine parts to keep everything running smoothly. Over time, contaminants build up in the oil, which is where the oil filter comes into play. It's designed to catch these contaminants before they reach the engine and cause damage.
Changing the oil and filter every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every six months can keep the mechanical components operating at peak condition and prevent potentially costly repairs.
Air Filter Change
The air filter ensures that the air entering the combustion chamber is free from dust, dirt and other harmful particles. However, over time the air filter can get clogged, leading to reduced engine performance and fuel efficiency. A dirty air filter forces the engine to work harder to draw in air, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Proper diesel engine service calls for changing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
Fuel Filter Change
Fuel filters catch any harmful particles that are present in the fuel. Diesel fuel isn't always clean, and contaminants can cause serious damage if they make their way into the engine. A good rule of thumb is to change fuel filters every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or per the manufacturer's guidelines.
Fuel System Bleeding
Fuel system bleeding involves removing air from the fuel system. Air bubbles can disrupt the smooth flow of fuel to components responsible for combustion, like the fuel injectors. By bleeding the fuel system, you're ensuring that diesel is delivered to the engine without interruption, improving the overall performance of your engine.
Urea Injection System Refill
The urea injection system is part of a diesel engine's exhaust system and helps reduce emissions. It injects a liquid-reducing agent called diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) through a special catalyst into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. DEF is a solution of purified water and urea, which is an organic compound that converts harmful nitrogen oxide into clean nitrogen gas and water.
If the urea injection system runs dry, your engine's emission levels can increase. This is bad for the environment, reduces performance and can cause engine damage. Plus, many vehicles have safeguards that limit performance or won't allow the vehicle to start with an empty DEF tank.
Water Trap Draining
Diesel fuel contains small traces of water. Water traps — also known as fuel water separators — catch and hold this water to prevent it from reaching the engine. Regular diesel engine service will ensure the trap doesn’t overfill. But ignoring this task can lead to issues like fuel contamination and engine damage from corrosion.
Want to learn more? READ: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR DIESEL TRUCKS
Diesel Engine Service Schedule
Diesel engine service is only effective when done regularly. Driving habits affect maintenance cadence and no one vehicle is the same. Consult your manufacturer or a trained diesel mechanic for help determining how often to service your diesel engine.
Most owner manuals have instructions for normal and severe driving habits. Generally speaking, diesel engines require maintenance every 5,000 to 7,000 miles and most manufacturers recommend an in-depth inspection at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Adhering to this schedule prevents unexpected downtime, which is especially costly in a commercial setting!
How to Learn Diesel Engine Servicing
Diesel engine servicing is more than turning wrenches. It requires science and precision. Formally educating yourself in the field can be a life-changing decision. Vocational schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offer hands-on diesel training that prepares students for careers.1
During UTI's 45-week Diesel Technology program, students take a Diesel Engines Preventative Maintenance course.7 They are taught about engine components, electrical diagnostics, fuel system tests and valve adjustments. They start with the inner workings of the diesel engine and eventually build an entire engine from its parts!
The learning environment blends classroom and hands-on lab settings, leaving room for both theoretical understanding and practical application.18 This course also familiarizes students with original equipment manufacturer service manuals and software, allowing them to train the same way techs in the field do.
UTI's diesel mechanic program doesn't only teach students what to do but why they’re doing it, arming them with knowledge employers value.
FAQs
What are the common signs a diesel engine needs service?
If your engine is hard to start, lacks power or produces excessive smoke from the exhaust, these are clear signs that something is amiss. Another indicator can be if the engine is consuming more fuel than usual. Damage may be done by the time symptoms appear, so regular maintenance service is crucial.
Can I perform basic diesel engine service tasks myself?
For simple tasks like checking and changing the engine oil, filters and belts, the answer is “yes.” However, when it comes to complex diagnostics, those are best left to trained diesel technicians.
How is servicing a diesel engine different than gas?
Diesel engines require less frequent maintenance than gas engines. They run at lower RPMs (revolutions per minute), have thicker castings and cylinder walls, and contain a higher volume oiling system, resulting in less wear and tear.
Learn Diesel Engine Servicing at UTI
Consistent diesel engine servicing is the first line of defense against costly malfunctions and breakdowns. Moreover, it can have a measurable impact on fuel efficiency, engine performance and minimizing the environmental footprint. A service record can also add to the resale value of a diesel vehicle because it's a testament to a well-maintained engine!
It’s not just about the vehicle. Understanding diesel engine servicing can open doors to various career opportunities for skilled technicians, from working with major manufacturers to powering vessels across the seas.
Sound exciting? Request information to speak with an Admission Representative about UTI's diesel mechanic school or enroll online today!
Campuses That Offer Diesel Engine Service Training
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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