Tips for Basic Diesel Engine Maintenance

In order to keep your diesel truck running smoothly, keep up to date with some basic diesel engine maintenance between your regular scheduled servicing appointments. There are a few routine maintenance checks you can be doing between servicing to ensure your diesel truck is running at its best. However, while it’s good to have knowledge of some at-home DIY checks you can be doing on your diesel truck, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. If you find a problem during a routine maintenance check, call DieselWest Mechanical Services for professional diesel servicing and advice. 

Routine diesel maintenance check

• Oil and fluid inspections are simple checks to run on your diesel truck. Locate the correct reservoir and check the dipstick level to see how much oil or fluid is left in the tank. You should then make sure you wipe the dipstick clean before reinserting it, and check the level a couple of times at once to ensure you are getting an accurate reading. The same check goes for water levels, coolant levels, and transmission fluid (if accessible).   

• The cooling system is critical to ensure your diesel engine does not overheat. If a petrol vehicle overheats it can be turned off, left to cool down and will run smoothly again - this is not the case with a diesel engine. Located in the dash panel, early warning devices should be installed to ensure you are notified when the engine is getting too hot. Once a diesel engine has overheated, the engine could be seriously damaged and will need to be inspected by a qualified diesel mechanic. Regularly check the early warning system to make sure it is operating smoothly to avoid engine damage from overheating.

• Gaskets must be monitored closely in a diesel engine as they are subject to extreme operating conditions. Due to the heavy vibration in the diesel truck, the mounting bolts can become loose, increasing the chance of leakages. Where possible, re-torque the mounting bolts to ensure no gasket leaks occur. If you find one gasket leaking, it’s likely there are more leaks to come.

• Fuel Maintenance requires a few standard checks. Firstly, it is always best practice to keep the fuel tank at capacity. Condensation is a common issue in diesel fuel chambers and can cause the fuel injectors to become clogged. Secondly, changing the fuel filters will also decrease the moisture build up in the diesel tank. Thirdly, some diesel engines are fitted with a vent to assist in removing moisture - these should be checked for obstructions.

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• Inspect the air filters regularly for any build-up of dirt or other contaminants. If the filters are looking worn or damaged, they should be replaced.

Get help from a Perth diesel mechanic

​If you do notice something unusual during a maintenance check, call a qualified diesel mechanic to check the problem out. At DieselWest Mechanical Services, we can assist you in routine diesel servicing check-ups on either your diesel vehicle or company fleet. We provide mobile diesel engine servicing throughout the Perth metro area and to regional areas upon request. At DieselWest, our experienced diesel mechanics are experts at fault diagnosis and repair so you can be assured your diesel engine will perform at its best. Whether it’s trucks and trailers or civil and construction equipment, DieselWest has you covered.

For mobile diesel engine repairs and servicing, contact DieselWest Mechanical Services today on 0427 501 378 or fill in our online contact form.