Six Tips for People New To Diesel Engines
Diesel engine fans will rapture on about the impressive combination of power and fuel efficiency that modern diesel engines carry. Environmentally friendly and fairly low maintenance, diesel engines have been popular for years in Europe, and that popularity is finally beginning to grow in the United States as well. With all their benefits, diesel engines may very well become more popular than gas engines! Here are some tips to consider if you, like most U.S. drivers, are fairly inexperienced with diesel engines.
1) Virtually all new diesel engines are equipped with a turbo-charger, which works like a jet engine, forcing outside air into the engine. This increases efficiency and performance. Turbo-chargers are very powerful, so it’s important that the air entering is clean and free of detritus. You can make sure of this by keeping the air filter on your engine clean and changing it often. Most vehicles are equipped with electric sensors which alert you when your air filter needs changing. Pay attention to this! Ignoring this alert could damage your engine.
2) Diesel engines need to use fuel filters, since diesel fuel isn’t as pure as gasoline. Your car will have sensors much like those in the air filter, and these will tell you if your fuel filter becomes clogged and needs to be changed. It’s strongly advised that you heed these warnings quickly, as failure to change a clogged fuel filter could leave you stuck on the side of the road. Expect to change your diesel fuel filter more often than you’re used to, since diesel filters have a shorter life span than gas fuel filters.
3) Here’s some shocking news for new diesel owners — in addition to being less pure than gasoline, diesel fuel also contains water. Even though small amounts of water will not hurt your diesel engine, nearly all modern diesels are equipped with water/fuel separators. Depending upon your vehicle, you may need to purge the water from your diesel’s fuel system manually. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this and to find out how often it should be done. The good news is that many service facilities will perform this task for you at little or no charge, and will also dispose of the water/fuel mixture in an environmentally friendly way.
4) Diesel engines generally burn some of the engine’s lubricating oil during normal function. This is why they’ve earned the nickname “oil burners”, and why it’s important to check your engine’s oil level between oil changes. Let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes before checking the oil, and make sure the vehicle is level. Refer to your owner’s manual to know when you need to add more oil, based on your dipstick reading.
5) Diesel engines and coldness don’t get along. Low temperatures will cause your diesel engine to start harshly and warm up slowly. Extremely low temperatures of -10F or lower may cause your diesel engine to not function at all. Always remember to use your diesel’s block heater whenever the temperature hits below zero. The block heater is a simple electrical plug on your car which keeps your engine warm, using your home’s electrical source. All you have to do is plug your car in at night. You can also plug it in whenever the temperatures drop below freezing, if you can afford the electricity. Using your block heater will protect your engine, and will ensure smooth start-ups and quick warm-ups. Your owner’s manual will help you locate the block heater on your vehicle.
6) All new engines have a break-in period, and new diesel engines are no different. The break-in for a new diesel is usually from 500 to 1000 miles. Check your manual to find out what the average period is for your vehicle. During this break-in period, manufacturers will recommend that you do not drive at sustained speeds, such as on long trips on the highway, and do not haul or tow anything. Your engine will continue to improve in power and efficiency for 20,000 to 30,000 miles after the initial break-in period is over, since diesel engines reach their peak performance levels after lots of time and use. Most long-time diesel engine owners say their diesel began to truly perform only after a year or two of use.
It is imperative that new or first-time diesel owners read their engine manual thoroughly. Diesel owners need to perform normal vehicle maintenance, as well as monitor air and fuel filter sensors, check engine oil between changes, remove water from fuel system when needed, and plug in the block heater when the temperatures drop below zero. This extra care will result in an engine with power, fuel economy, and 200,000+ miles of service.
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