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Six Tips for People New To Diesel Engines

Author: JasonLancaster
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If you're looking at a diesel engine, you're probably impressed with their combination of power and fuel efficiency. Modern diesel engines are environmentally friendly and fairly low maintenance. Europeans have enjoyed diesel powered vehicles for years, which are finally starting to catch on in the United States. Considering all their benefits, it's quite possible that diesel engines will one day be more popular than gas engines. Since most U.S. drivers have limited experience with diesel engines, here are some tips for new diesel drivers.

1) Most new diesel engines come with a turbo-charger, which sucks outside air into the engine, increasing efficiency and performance. Turbo-chargers are very powerful pieces of machinery, and require clean air that is empty of debris. Thus, it's vital that you clean and change the air filter on your engine frequently. The majority of diesel engine vehicles are equipped with electronic sensors which will tell you when you need to check or replace your filter. Always change your filter as soon as the sensor tells you to! Delaying or ignoring this alert altogether can result in a damaged engine.

2) Diesel fuel isn't as clean and pure as gasoline, so the fuel filter in a diesel engine is very important. Again, your car has sensors that will warn you if the fuel filter becomes clogged, and you should react to these warnings quickly. If you fail to change a clogged diesel fuel filter, it could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Also, keep in mind that diesel fuel filters need to be changed a little more often than gas fuel filters, so don't be surprised if you have to replace your diesel's fuel filter ahead of schedule. That's perfectly normal.

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 are "oil burners", typically burning some of the engine's lubricating oil during normal operation. This is why it's so important to check your diesel's oil levels often, even between oil changes! Before checking the oil, make sure the vehicle is level and allow the engine to cool for at least 30 minutes. Your owner's manual will explain how to determine if you need to add more oil, based on your engine's dipstick reading.

5) Diesel engines don't like cold temperatures. At low temperatures, diesel engines tend to start harshly and warm-up very slowly. At extremely low temperatures (below -10 F) diesel engines may not function at all. Thus, it's very important to remember to use your diesel's block heater if outside temps ever dip below zero. The block heater is nothing more than an electrical plug on your car that uses your home's electricity to keep your engine warm, and it's as simple as plugging your car in at night. If you can afford the electricity, you can plug-in your block heater any time the outside temperature dips below freezing. This will protect your engine and make for quick and smooth start-ups, and it will help your engine warm-up quickly. Check your owner's manual for your block heater's location.

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.