You bought a diesel truck for heavy towing and hauling. Now that it’s time for maintenance, you need a diesel mechanic. Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is a full-service auto repair shop with diesel engine experience.

Diesel Engines Have Some Different Parts

Gasoline powered engines simply can’t compare to diesels for fuel efficiency, towing capacity, hauling, and durability. This is why consumers and business owners alike choose diesel fueled vehicles. However, diesels differ significantly from gasoline-powered automobiles. A diesel mechanic needs to understand the differences to be able to correctly diagnose any problems.

1. Ignition

This is perhaps the most significant difference. Whereas gas powered engines rely on spark plugs to ignite the air/fuel mix, diesels rely on heated, compressed air.

2. Turbochargers

While a few gasoline engines use turbochargers, all diesel fueled vehicles have them. A turbocharger is an air compressor powered by the exhaust. By providing a greater amount of compressed air through the turbocharger, the engine can burn more fuel, creating more power.

3. Fuel Injection

While both engine types use fuel injectors, diesels need to withstand greater pressure than gas-fueled vehicles. Additionally, diesel fuel quality can inflict excessive wear, deposits, and abrasions on injectors.

4. Fuel Filters

Modern diesel engines utilize fuel delivery systems that operate under much more pressure than systems of years ago. These advanced components are more sensitive to contaminants that can damage them. Hence, diesels have 2 fuel filters to remove dirt and protect the engine. Most experts recommend changing these filters about every 10,000 miles.

Typically, clogged filters may exhibit one of these signs:

• Hard starting
• Engine misfiring
• Rough idling
• Decreased fuel efficiency

Don’t Forget Your Maintenance!

Whether you’re a business owner with a fleet or single truck, poorly running vehicles will affect your bottom line. Moreover, repairs on diesel engines can be more expensive than gas-fueled vehicles. Performing routine maintenance gives you these advantages:

• Helps prevent major breakdowns and expensive repairs
• Optimizes performance to maximize fuel efficiency
• Extends the life of your engine

Many of the same maintenance tasks required for gasoline vehicles, are also necessary for diesels, but with greater frequency:

1. Change Your Oil And Filter

As with any type of machinery, clean oil is necessary for proper lubrication of parts. Always change your oil and filter on schedule to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Of course, choose the right product recommended by your manufacturer.  Diesel engines require a high viscosity with specific anti-wear and detergents not found in motor oil for gasoline engines.

2. Replace The Air Filter

A clogged air filter results in restricted airflow and limits the amount of air entering the engine. Your engine will need to work harder to compensate resulting in a decrease in power and issues with accelerating.

3. Perform A Coolant Flush

Typically, diesel engines run hotter than gasoline automobiles. This requires special coolants with higher boiling points and greater thermal conductivity.

Furthermore, as coolant ages, it loses its ability to absorb heat. Moreover, it collects scale, rust, and other debris clogging passageways. A flush clears any blockages and replaces old, worn-out fluid with fresh coolant.

4. Change The Fuel Filters

Unlike gasoline engines, diesels have 2 fuel filters. Manufacturers locate the primary filter between the fuel tank and pump. Its job is to remove large particulate matter from the fuel. Located in the engine, the secondary filter extracts smaller particles. Using poor quality fuel may necessitate changing them more often than the recommended 10,000 – 25,000 miles.

5. Replenish Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

One of the byproducts of burning diesel is nitrogen oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that also damages the ozone layer. Diesel exhaust fluid helps change this harmful gas into nontoxic products. Often, diesel powered vehicles have a dashboard indicator light to let you know you’re running low.

6. Drain The Water Trap

By its nature, diesel attracts and absorbs water from the air. Then, as it flows through your system, it causes rust and corrosion. Moisture in diesel also presents the perfect breeding ground for microbes that can clog lines, filters, pumps, and injectors.

The filtering system in the water trap removes the water from the fuel, collecting it in a separate chamber. Periodically emptying the trap can help protect against expensive repairs caused by moisture in the fuel.

Diesel Mechanic FAQs

Finding a reputable diesel technician is as easy as calling Xpress Lube at 336-904-6319. Below we answer a few questions about diesels.

I’m Having Trouble Starting My Truck. What’s the Likely Cause?

A hard start may indicate a failing battery, clogged fuel filter, or worn-out fuel injectors. For an accurate diagnosis, bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Is All Diesel Fuel The Same?

Unfortunately, not all vendors place a high priority on keeping storage tanks clean. Furthermore, degradation of fuel from microbes can occur in as little as 28 days. Thus, it becomes very important to choose your diesel fuel supplier wisely.

How Do I know A Diesel Mechanic Is Good?

One of the best ways to ascertain a mechanic’s knowledge is through ASE certification. Since 1972, this non-profit organization has been verifying technicians’ knowledge.

At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we have experience and ASE certification. For over 25 years, we’ve been helping all kinds of vehicle owners maintain their automobiles. If you’re experiencing a problem with your diesel truck, bring it to us! We offer competitive prices with quality service in a family-friendly atmosphere. Call us today at 336-904-6319 or use our online form to make an appointment.