Diesel engines have gone through a lot of changes and advancements over the years. It used to be that they were widely known for how noisy they were (not to mention how they were also often associated with smoke and soot). As technology progressed, however, and diesel engines gained a newfound power and reliability than ever before, the idea of turbocharging a diesel engine became more and more of an option for vehicle owners that chose diesel engines over gasoline.
Diesel engines have always been known to be a preferred choice for drivers looking for better performance and fuel efficiency. However, a diesel engine is also more complex than your usual gasoline-powered vehicle, which is why it also requires regular maintenance, especially if you’ve got a turbocharged diesel engine.
That said, in this article you’ll find a few tips on how to properly care for and maintain your diesel turbos and engines.
1. Always Warm Up the Engine First
Stepping on the gas the minute you get into and start a diesel-powered vehicle is a huge mistake. This action forces the engine to rev while the engine is cold, which then causes potential harm to the engine itself.
To avoid this problem, allow your car to idle for a couple of minutes before you take it out of the driveway. Warming up the engine encourages oil to circulate throughout the motor, particularly your diesel turbo, and lubricates it enough that it won’t cause any damage or harm in the long run.
2. Change Your Engine Oil and Air Filter After You’ve Installed A Diesel Turbo
Again, proper lubrication is important for diesel engines. However, equally important is being able to make sure that your engine oil doesn’t have any contamination issues, and that there are no air restrictions present when you install your diesel turbo.
If there’s anything that will contribute to the damage of your diesel engine, it’s not changing your oil. It’s recommended that diesel car owners change their oil at least every three months or so to avoid their engines suffering from lack of oil, which will then wear out your engine even faster.
The best way to ensure a smooth ride, therefore, is to regularly check and change your engine oil.
3. Always Keep An Eye on the Coolant
Some vehicle owners choose plain water over coolant as a way to keep their cars from overheating. However, plain water isn’t as effective as engine coolant when it comes to keeping your engine cool as it undergoes extreme duress.
Diesel motors tend to produce large amounts of heat while in use, and plain water just isn’t as effective in dispersing heat as compared to actual coolant. Now, if you find yourself stranded on the road with no means of obtaining coolant to keep your engine’s temperature down, then water would suffice for the short term. However, for the long term, it’s always better to use engine coolants so that you can avoid potentially bigger problems.
4. Regularly Clean Your Boost Tubes and Intercooler
One reason turbo failure occurs can be due to broken pieces or excessive amounts of oil in the parts where air is discharged. If there’s oil left in the intercooler, for example, this can result in that oil getting sucked into the engine, which could then lead to you having to pay extra money for engine repairs. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help you avoid a worst-case scenario for your diesel turbos and engine.
Diesel Turbo Replacements
If, on the other hand, you’ve found that your current diesel turbo has gone through quite a lot and is no longer worth salvaging and repairing, then perhaps it’s about time to find a Diesel Turbo replacement. If that’s the case, check out Turbos.com. They’ve got a good selection of diesel turbos that are sure to last you years in terms of their quality and make.
