Diesel Maintenance, Key to Fewer Repairs
Your light-duty diesel engine is very different from a gas engine starting with the way it gains power using compression in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel versus a spark like a gas engine. The real key to keeping that diesel engine in top shape is filters and with regularly scheduled maintenance and fluids – specifically diesel engine oil, exhaust treatment fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, rear differential fluid. On 4×4’s, you also have transfer case fluid and front differential fluid. It is more than you need on a gas engine but the durability and power you get with diesel are worth it and the routine maintenance will save you thousands of dollars in repairs easily. Here at Martin Automotive Services our diesel techs also realize that light-duty trucks are not all alike, thus keeping them at peak performance requires flexibility.
Some of our drivers are typical and can stay within the standard “suggested” maintenance and others are a bit harder on their vehicles based on the jobs they use them for or the way they “play” in them maybe while off-roading using the 4×4 features. Either way, we can schedule their maintenance around those needs and make sure repairs are done when it is convenient and avoided where possible! Here at Martin Automotive Services, we call that reliable service!
SUGGESTED DIESEL MAINTENANCE
Based on Chevy Duramax, Dodge Cummins, and Ford Power Stroke the light-duty maintenance for your diesel engine is listed below.
7,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter,
• Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
15,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
22,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
30,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
37,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
45,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
52,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
60,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Change the manual transmission fluid
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Lubricate 4×4 hub needle bearings
• Lubricate 4×2 wheel bearings
• Replace wheel bearing grease seal
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
MOST COMMON DIESEL REPAIRS Our diesel mechanics have found that the most common issues and repairs have been the following:
• Diesel Air intake system repair and replacing parts
• Diesel Charging system repair
• Diesel Glow plug repair and replacement
• Diesel Turbo repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel High-pressure pump repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel Hydro boost system repair, replacement
• Diesel EGR system repair
WARNING SIGNS Call us immediately at Martin Automotive Services before this becomes a major problem with your diesel truck.
• Engine runs poorly when it is cold outside or it’s too hot potentially overheating
• White, black, or blue smoke is coming from your exhaust
• Leaking coolant or excessive coolant loss – any big change
• The engine is running poorly when it is cold or it is hard to start. ANY Loss of performance.
• Sudden change in fuel mileage performance.
• Any time a light comes on in your panel i.e. check engine light.
• Hard knocking or odd noise you are not used to in your engine.
Thank you for choosing our team here at Martin Automotive Services in Sylvester, it is an honor to work with you in adding years to your diesel truck’s life on the road.
