As we all know, there have been lots of changes in engine technology the past two decades, and this current decade we're seeing an increased transition for diesel to EV in many realms. In this article the author, Alexis Sheprak, reached out to three leading engine manufacturers to discuss some of the challenges this presents along with tips on how to improve the way we take care of our equipment.
The three manufacturers she spoke with are Cummins, Perkins and Hatz. The question she asked was "What are your top five service tips for larger diesel engines to maintain peak performance year-round?" Here are the suggestions Rental's readers received. For the purpose of brevity, the suggestions are abbreviated and paraphrased. You will find a link to the full article at the end of this post.
Hatz
1. Follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner's manual. If you're working in a harsh environment, however, make adjustments accordingly. (He uses the example of air filters plugging sooner than normal in extremely dusty environments.)
2. Because their is more electronics on engines these days, use more care when power washing.
3. Monitor your diesel particulate filter (DPF). Do not ignore warnings.
4. If you're running idle much of the day or low-load conditions, "make sure you run the engine at full load for at least 30 minutes at the end of a shift to ensure the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is reaching the appropriate burn out temperatures."
5. Pay attention to engine codes, and have them diagnosed as early as possible.
Cummins
1. Use the correct parts.
2. Following recommended maintenance schedules is critical. "Preventive maintenance saves fuel costs, major repairs in the long-term, and maximizes the productivity and life of the engine."
3. Use the correct fuel, oil and DEF. (Also, regularly check tire air pressure and air filter cleanliness.)
4. Engine filters are becoming more technically advanced. Make sure you are using filters that meet standards.
5. If you have a Cummins, they direct you to their service website, quickserve.cummins.com. Enter your serial number and you're good to go.
Perkins
1. "Engine oil sampling, change intervals and oil grades." Keeping your oil health is critical, especially heavy working engines under load.
2. "Coolant condition and system performance." Overheating does all kinds of damage as we noted here yesterday.
3. Pay attention to fuel cleanliness and filtration. Failure to pay attention to these will cost you money down the road as it impacts fuel pumps and injectors.
4. Be sure you adjust for the seasons. (Here are some winter maintenance tips from the Blue Flame team.)
5. DEF handling and cleanliness. Also, when storing DEF keep it out of direct sunlight in a cooler storage area. It should not be above 95 degrees F.
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Additional questions that these engine professionals answered were as follows:
Q: New advanced engines and cooling systems are changing cooling system maintenance requirements. What should rental houses pay attention to when it comes to cooling systems?
Q: What about proper fuel maintenance?
Q: What technologies are available to help monitor engine performance and manage service schedules?
Q: I know there’s been a big push lately for more sustainability. What are some of the latest advancements in fuel types? And what should rental equipment owners be aware of about them?
Q: What’s next for engine technology?
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This article is packed with valuable, authoritative information. You can find the full article here: Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance
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