Winterizing your diesel engine is vital. This process keeps your engine safe through the harsh winter months and keeps it from breaking down. However, when you adapt your engine to those colder months, it's equally essential to guide it back to the warmth of spring. Follow these top five tips for de-winterizing a diesel engine to keep things running smoothly.
1. Checking Your Fuel Filter
Throughout the colder months, air changes cause condensation to form inside the engine. Fortunately, your fuel filter prevents this water from getting into the fuel injection pump. It never hurts to change that filter to protect the pump from potential rust when de-winterizing your machine.
2. Drain Any Water
You have a fresh fuel filter to protect your pump, but it’s still a good idea to get any excess water out of your engine. Ideally, you want to try and get any water out of the engine before using your fuel to prevent the two from mixing and giving the water a chance to damage your engine.
3. Watch Your Oil and Oil Filter
One of the main advantages of diesel engines is that you don’t have to change the oil as frequently. However, a good tip for de-winterizing your diesel engine is to clean out the filter and put in fresh oil. Many engines create sulfur through combustion, and if that mixes with your oil and any built-up condensation, it can make sulfuric acid, which isn’t good for your engine.
4. Using #2 Diesel
Depending on your temperatures, it's usually a good idea to use a #1 diesel throughout the winter months. Number 1 diesel is more viscous, preventing it from gelling during colder temperatures, but low viscosity means it isn't as suitable for heavy loads in the hotter months. When de-winterizing your engine, it may be a good idea to swap out for #2 diesel.
5. Proper Battery Charge
The winter months can be tough on batteries. You want to ensure that you properly charge them before running your engine. Your battery should be around 12.7 volts before running it with your engine. Whether you connected your battery to the engine or kept it in storage throughout the winter, check and charge the battery before using it.
Winter is tough on diesel engines, but if you take precautions to winterize your engine, you're more prepared to de-winterize it in the warmer months. For help with all your diesel engine needs and Detroit diesel parts, ATL Diesel Inc. has the service and professionalism to keep your diesel engine running smoothly all year long.