The Four Key Lubrication Tactics to Extend Diesel Engine Life

Model diesel engine. Luc Viatour, Wikimedia Commons

One of the benefits diesel engines offer over gasoline engines is longer service life. That being said, it's useful to know that there are steps you can take to get the maximum life from your engine before it needs its first overhaul. Here are some things you can do drawn from an article in Machinery Lubrication titled "Lubrication Tactics to Address Diesel Engine Life."

The article is essentially a practical outline of matters to address in answer to the question, “Are there any specific lubrication tactics that can help extend the service life (overhaul interval) of a diesel engine?”

The answer is yes, and the author proceeds to outline the four "rights" of lubricant application: 
The Right Lubricant
The Right Amount
The Right Component/Machine
The Right Change Interval.

It's a clever way to think about lubrication and it applies to all things that need lubrication, whether in the form of oil or grease. In this case we're talking about oils for diesel engines.

The first action suggested is to select a high-performance oil, rather than the one with the lowest price. This can be synthetic or mineral de[ending on the engine's requirements. 

Engines are designed to hold a specified oil level, so using the right amount of oil is important. This oil should not be mixed with other products, the author states. The specified oil is designed for a purpose. Its effectiveness can be altered through mixing with assembly lube or other products.

Because lubes age over time and during service life, they need to be replaced from time to time. This article notes that the "when" for changing oil should be not based on a time period or mileage limit. Rather, oil should be changed when it is ready to be changed.

To know the "when" you can perform oil analysis or utilize online sensors. This kind of monitoring will help you optimize the oil's use which still protecting the engine.

After explaining the four "rights" we are reminded of the need for proper filtration so that the oil is free of contamination, whether solid of liquid. The author suggests that the oil should be filtered before being put in the engine, and maintained in this condition using high-quality filters.

Many people use by-pass filters which take a portion of the oil out of circulation to continuously filter more slowly and more effectively before reintroducing to the oil stream. Premium air filters are also recommended because a majority of debris that gets into the oil is sucked in through the air.

Periodic oil analysis is the most effective way to monitor contaminants in the oil, whether fuel, glycol or soot, as well as other particulate matter. By this means you'll know when corrective actions need to be taken.

Because water contamination can be an issue in many machines the author recommends keeping your lubricants dry. They should also be kept cool, because the higher the operating temperature the shorter the lubricant life. For maximum service life, pay attention to operating temps.

If you're really looking for the most out of your engine life and lubricant performance, the article notes the importance of several additional variables: good training for your maintenance personnel, good procedures, the right tools, communication and team alignment. You may  even consider a pre-lube system. And last, but not least, use a high quality fuel and a periodic engine flush.

If it seems like a lot to consider, it's good to know what is possible.  This is the "white glove" treatment, if you know what I mean.  Read the original story here.

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How to Get Maximum Service Life Out of Your Diesel Engine

Diesel engines have historically been respected for their longevity and reliability, as well as their towing power due to their torque-monster status. With the ever-increasing focus on emissions in more recent year there has been a trade-off. 

According to an article in Driving Line earlier this month, the result has been that to reach the absolute minimal emissions engine builders have had to nominally sacrifice reliability and fuel economy.

So the question this article strives to answer is this: How do you make today's diesel-powered trucks last as long as possible? The short answer is to not neglect routine maintenance, not skimp on replacement parts and knowing how your emissions control system works. The rest of the article offers the following tips.

1. Run Quality Fuel
Today's ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) isn't great, but engines manufactured since 2006 were designed to run on it. Unfortunately, diesel fuel is fairly unstable. Over a relatively short time period diesel fuel will degrade. The Driving Line article asserts that within four weeks after being refined, "diesel fuel can degrade as much as 26-percent. For this reason they recommend using "quality fuel from a highly-frequented filling station." When you think about it, it makes sense. This will prolong the life of your injectors and injection pump as well. Fuel additives will help as well. 

2. Don't Neglect Filter Changes
Filters exist for a reason. It's assumed that a certain amount of contaminants will get into the fuel tank. You need to keep these from being pushed into the injectors. Fuel filters remove the debris that would give you headaches later if you need to replace injectors. Similarly, oil filters keep your lubricants clean so that the engine runs optimally as designed. 

The author also mentioned the water separator. Fuel filters capture debris, but what about that other pesky contaminant: water. Diesel fuel absorbs water and can thereby become contaminated in that was. Therefore many diesels feature a water separator that extracts water from the fuel. This needs to be maintained as well.

3. Perform Regular Oil Changes
This is a Vehicle Maintenance 101 type of thing, yet people disregard it to their peril. The author notes that it's not necessarily a matter of changing the oil at "x" number of miles because there are other variables that factor in. A lot of diesel work trucks spend a high amount of time idling. The odometer does not adequately reflect how much time the engine has been running. According to this article, one hour of idling is equivalent to 25 miles of driving.  

4. Replace Your Air Filter, Too, As Needed
This could have been included under the Filters category above, but it's worth underscoring here because of its relationship to the turbo. If you're only driving on highways and other paved surfaces, you simply need to check the filter periodically. Many engines are used in work trucks in gravel pits and other dusty terrains. The air filter is your "last line of defense" in protecting the turbocharger's compressor wheel. Replacing a turbo will make your wallet skinnier. Driving Line states that the number one cause of turbo failure comes from swallowing debris from a dirty air filter. Keep it clean.

5. Emissions Issues
Emission control devices and sensors can be a problem. This article states that "EGR coolers and valves, DPF's, diesel oxidation catalysts and SCR/DEF systems are problematic--along with all the sensors that go along with them." How you address this seems to be a gray area. The author shows support for using OEM parts, but then seems to suggest here that you may choose to work with your independent mechanic for an aftermarket solution. Your goal will be minimum downtime with the aim of maximum service life. Servicing these components is infrequent but essential for long-term reliable performance.

6. OEM Parts
The author suggests that the manufacturers of engines know what is best for the engines they have designed. He also notes that certain kinds of non-OEM parts can jeopardize your warranty. We certainly want to exercise care in that regard. Nevertheless, the aftermarket exists because there are smart people who have created solutions for issues missed by the manufacturers.  

The article closes by citing examples of pickups that have travelled far beyond their expected service life. A 6.0L Power Stroke that had hefty numbers, a 6.6L LMM Duramax V-8 with 600K miles towing campers, a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with 740K miles... They're out there. They're designed to go the distance, but taking good care of your baby is up to you.

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