Diesel Engine Maintenance Basics

BASIC MAINTENANCE

DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE BASICS

A GUIDE TO BASIC Diesel
ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Diesel engines power a wide range of vehicles and equipment, from trucks and buses to construction machinery and agricultural equipment.

These engines are known for their durability, fuel efficiency and ability to handle hard work and heavy loads. But their resilience and efficiency hinge on good upkeep.

By sticking to a diligent maintenance routine, you can optimize your diesel engine’s performance and significantly prolong its operational lifespan.

SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENT

cleans and prevents harmful fuel and oil deposits

Sea Foam Motor Treatment is safe and effective when used in any diesel engine fuel (and crankcase oil!). In fuel it works to clean injectors and add upper engine lubricity. In oil it works to clean and liquefy heavier oil residues and deposits.

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HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR diesel ENGINE

diesel vs gasoline engines

Differences between diesel and traditional gasoline engines are fundamental. While gasoline engines ignite the fuel-air mixture using spark plugs, diesel engines achieve combustion through high compression. This enhances diesel engines’ efficiency and ability to produce higher torque at lower speeds, but also necessitates specific maintenance practices to avoid issues such as overheating, clogged filters and injector problems.

diesel engine care

OIL MAINTENANCE

Diesel engines are known for their high compression and heavy-duty usage, which can lead to quicker oil degradation. It’s important to perform regular oil changes based on the manufacturer’s recommendations — typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It is equally essential to check the oil filter and replace it with every oil change. This will prevent contaminants from circulating through the engine.

Adding Sea Foam Motor Treatment to the oil crankcase will help dissolve petroleum deposits and contamination that forms in crankcases. It aids in cleaning crucial components such as lifters, tensioners and control rings, restoring optimal flow and lubricity to restricted oil passages. Treatment also helps mitigate injector stiction, contributing to smoother engine operation and prolonged performance.

FUEL MAINTENANCE

Diesel fuel systems are notably more sensitive to contaminants and water compared to gasoline systems, underscoring the importance of proper maintenance for optimal engine performance and longevity. Start by consistently using high-quality diesel fuel to prevent injector clogging and maintain engine efficiency. Occasionally flushing the fuel system can also be beneficial to eliminate old, degraded fuel and maintain fuel system integrity.

Sea Foam Motor Treatment serves as a dual-purpose solution for diesel engines. It effectively cleans diesel fuel injectors and chamber areas, acting as both a fuel stabilizer and injector cleaner. By adding Sea Foam to the fuel tank or primary fuel filter, it restores diesel injector spray patterns, removes soot and clears carbon deposits from injector nozzles, enhancing overall engine performance.

FLUID MAINTENANCE

While oil and fuel maintenance are pivotal for preserving your diesel engine, there are additional fluids that demand regular attention. Diesel engines operate at higher temperatures than their gasoline counterparts, requiring optimal coolant levels to prevent overheating. Routinely checking and replenishing power steering fluid is crucial for seamless vehicle handling. Equally important is maintaining adequate brake fluid levels to sustain braking efficiency and safety.

FILTER MAINTENANCE

Filters play a critical role in protecting diesel engines from contaminants and ensuring clean air and fuel flow. It’s advisable to replace or clean the air filter every 10,000 to 12,000 miles to maintain optimal air intake. Also keep in mind that diesel engines typically have multiple fuel filters, each requiring replacement every 10,000 to 15,000 miles to prevent clogs and preserve fuel purity. Periodic inspection and cleaning of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also vital to prevent soot buildup and uphold emission standards.

ADDITIONAL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Beyond fluids and filters, several other routine checks are important for diesel engine longevity. Regularly cleaning your diesel engine will prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can cause overheating and premature wear. Additionally, periodic diagnostic tests and inspections are advantageous, as they can uncover potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.

how to clean diesel fuel injectors with sea foam

An easy, fast, and effective way to clean fuel injectors, chamber areas, and compression rings with sea foam motor treatment

Brian from Sea Foam demonstrates an easy method for cleaning diesel fuel injectors from start to finish. Shows engine warm up, primary diesel fuel filter removal, drains and primes filter/housing with straight Sea Foam, installs new fuel filter, then hot soak and go!

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WATCH customer stories

QUALITY OF PRODUCT

A MONEY SAVER.

“I bought a 1981 Mercedes diesel a few years ago. I suspect it had been sitting for a long time. While driving it over 70 mph the engine started losing power and eventually stalled out. After some consideration I figured that at that speed debris or algae must be blocking the tank filter. I limped but home doing 64 mph. My mechanic recommended removing, draining and cleaning the tank. For whatever reason I decided to give SeaFoam a try. I used two bottles and then took it out on the highway to see if the car would still have problems driving over 70mph. No problems whatsoever. No problems since then either. I became a customer and believer. Thank you SeaFoam.”

★★★★★

MB220D1972 / 1972 MERCEDES 220D / EVERYDAY ENGINE OWNER IN ILLINOIS

EFFECTIVENESS

5 STARS

“Keeps all of my high performance engines, my daily driver and my diesel truck performing at their top efficiency!!”

★★★★★

MUSTANG COLLECTOR / PRO ENGINE OPERATOR/MECHANIC

EFFECTIVENESS

Since the late ’50’s it is the BEST thing made for combustion engines!

“I was introduced to Sea Foam in 1959 by an Uncle who was a great mechanic. He swore by it and I started using it on boat motors, lawn mowers, old cars. I still use it today with both gas and diesel engines. I always have several spare cans in the cars, trucks and the motor coach. I am a Sea Foam evangelist just like my uncle was in 1959.”

★★★★★

DPFITCH / 2000 F350 SD DIESEL / EVERYDAY ENGINE OWNER IN MN

EFFECTIVENESS

SOLVED AN ANNOYING ISSUE

“i have a 2007 Silverado 2500HD Diesel that kept sending a trouble code for a dirty/faulty EGR valve. Before I tore the top of the engine off just to clean or replace it I tried a hot soak and tank full of Sea Foam. It cured all the issues and haven’t had the truck shoot the trouble code On over a year. Saved me a bunch of money in parts and labor. Also use it in both my snow blower and ice auger with great results. Love that stuff.”

★★★★★

Big Louie / 2007 SILVERADO 2500HD DIESEL / OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST IN NJ

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BASIC MAINTENANCE

DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE BASICS

A GUIDE TO BASIC Diesel
ENGINE MAINTENANCE

SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENT

cleans and prevents harmful fuel and oil deposits

diesel vs gasoline engines

diesel engine care

how to clean diesel fuel injectors with sea foam

#seafoamworks

related
products

HIGH mileage

power steering fluid

DEEP CREEP

BASIC MAINTENANCE

DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE BASICS

A GUIDE TO BASIC Diesel ENGINE MAINTENANCE

SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENT

cleans and prevents harmful fuel and oil deposits

diesel vs gasoline engines

diesel engine care

how to clean diesel fuel injectors with sea foam

#seafoamworks

related products

HIGH mileage

power steering fluid

DEEP CREEP

A GUIDE TO BASIC Diesel
ENGINE MAINTENANCE

related
products