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Things People Do That Destroy Diesel Trucks

Things People Do That Destroy Diesel Trucks

Alright, diesel truck owners, if you want your truck to last longer and perform better, there are some things you have to stop doing. Maintaining a diesel truck isn’t merely limited to regular oil changes and fuel-ups it involves a bit more TLC.

From avoiding common driving mistakes to ensuring proper maintenance routines, every little habit counts. Here are habits you should kick to keep your diesel truck running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible.

A dirty air filter is bad news for your engine and your wallet. It forces your turbo to work overtime and can let all sorts of nasties into your engine. Believe me, this is not something you want. Regularly changing out your air filter is an easy way to protect your investment and keep things running efficiently. We see clogged air filters all the time at Gillett Diesel. Customers come in complaining of reduced power, and all the truck needs is a new air filter.  Gillett Diesel recommends S&B filters to keep your truck performing at it optimal level.

Not Warming Up Your Engine. Diesel engines are picky about temperatures. They’re built tight and need warm oil to work right. Cold starts? They’re a one-way ticket to increased engine wear. Let those glow plugs do their job and give your engine a chance to warm up before you hit the road. It’ll thank you with a longer lifespan.

Running your diesel truck on fumes isn’t just bad for your wallet, it’s terrible for your engine. Low fuel levels can suck up all kinds of crud from the bottom of your tank, clogging up your fuel filter and messing with performance. Plus, diesel engines hate air in their system – it’ll leave you stranded needing a system purge. Keep that tank at least a quarter full.

Not Sticking to Your Oil Change. Trying to save some money by skipping oil changes? Well, that’s a bad idea. Your engine oil is like lifeblood – it keeps everything running smooth and clean. Let it get too old, and you’re asking for trouble. Follow your truck’s manual for oil change intervals to keep your engine purring. Gillett Diesel recommends that you change your engine oil every 5k to 8k. Oil changes are much cheaper than new injectors or a turbo.

Remember, your truck’s fluids are its lifeblood. Neglecting them is like not drinking water – it’ll catch up with you. Changing your oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid regularly is a must. You should also consider adding bypass filters for extra protection – it’s like giving your truck a health boost.

Not Paying Attention to Smoke. Your truck’s smoke can tell you a lot. Black smoke might mean your injectors are shot. White smoke could be coolant leaking into your engine – not good. Blue smoke usually means oil’s burning where it shouldn’t be. Keep an eye on your exhaust and address any changes quickly.
Not Monitoring Your Engine Temperature. Whether you’re stock or modified, knowing your engine’s temperature is key. Overheating can kill your engine faster than you can say “turbo.” Invest in some gauges to keep an eye on things and address any cooling issues ASAP. Gillett Diesel recommends and Edge Insight to monitor your truck from EGT's to oil temp.
Not Looking for Fuel Tank Contaminants Your fuel tank can be a breeding ground for all sorts of nasties. Water intrusion and aging fuel can lead to sediment buildup and clogged filters. Keep your tank clean and don’t let diesel sit around too long, especially in hot weather. Gillett Diesel recommends the installation of a FASS or AIr Dog fuel filtration system to reduce contaminates and water.

 

1 comment

Jason
Jason

The Air Dog was a great upgrade for my LML. I had Gillett Diesel Service install the system. Very happy with the system and the service.

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