One of the remarkable qualities of a diesel engine is its potential for longevity. By some accounts, diesels have been said to run upwards of 20,000 hours without the need for an overhaul. It’s true that these are astounding numbers and not all engines are guaranteed this lifespan. However, there is definitely one thing that all long lasting engines have in common: diligent maintenance. RPM offers professional servicing for marine and land vehicle engines and we believe this is the safest bet when it comes to extending the run of your equipment. But in between services, what can you do as a diesel owner to give your engine its best chance? Read on to get our experts’ top marine diesel maintenance tips.
Check Your Oil Levels And Hours
One common misconception is that dirty ie. dark oil needs to be changed out. Because of the nature of diesel combustion, oil comes into contact with soot almost immediately. Your oil is almost guaranteed to turn black, but that does not mean it is not doing its job.
So if not be color, how do you really know when to change your oil? The answer is by tracking engine hours. Most vessels will have a built-in hourmeter to make this task easy. If not, we can quickly install one for you. The manufacturer of a diesel engine will specify after how many hours a change over is needed. We can plan your maintenance schedule around these specifications and recommendations.
So why, if hours are the most important thing and dark oil is fine, should you check your oil before each voyage? You want to check your levels and rule out the presence of water. While small oil top-offs between changes are normal, you should always be on the lookout for excessive oil loss. This can be an indicator of a leak, which can not only cause you to spend more on oil but can cause breakdowns if unattended. You should also be wary of milky looking oil, which is often a tell-tale sign of water. If you see evidence of either of these things, contact our reputable technicians immediately.
Treat Your Turbocharger Well
Turbochargers have become an increasingly popular addition to diesel engines. By lowering emissions, fuel costs, and doubling horsepower, it’s no wonder that RPM customers are clamoring to have this unit installed. But while it comes with many benefits, this powerful piece of equipment also poses an additional place for error. In order to truly reap the benefits of a turbocharger, you should take care of it in a few simple ways.
The first tip is twofold: allow your engine ample time to warm up and cool before switching it on or off. Letting your engine run before embarking on your voyage allows your coolant and oil to fully circulate and protect your engine. And a slow cooldown prevents excessive carbon build-up. These easy steps can do wonders for the efficiency of your diesel.
Utilize these tips in your day-to-day outings to extend the life and decrease the repair costs of your engine. And when the does come for a repair, replacement, or more thorough marine diesel maintenance, you can trust RPM Diesel Engine Co.
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Marine Diesel Maintenance
