6 Tips for Keeping Your Industrial Engine Running Smoothly

No matter what kind of heavy equipment they may be powering, most industrial diesel engines are frequently used for heavy-duty jobs that often lead to excessive wear and tear. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to perform regular, in-depth maintenance on such engines to keep them running smoothly and performing optimally for as long as possible and to avoid the need for diesel engine repair.

The process of maintaining industrial diesel engines is a bit more extensive than that which is required for gasoline engines, as they are often used more heavily and have more stringent requirements.

The better care that you take to maintain your industrial diesel engine, the more you will improve its uptime, durability, and longevity, while reducing its emissions. You will also save yourself time and money by limiting the amount of significant repairs that it will need.

For all of these reasons, it is imperative to stay on top of a regular maintenance program/routine for your industrial diesel engine.

What are the best ways to upkeep an industrial diesel engine?

There are a number of specific requirements that industrial diesel engines have if you want to keep them in tip-top shape. These are some of the most important elements of the maintenance process for such engines.

If you stay on top of the following steps and procedures, your industrial diesel engine is sure to last longer, require less diesel engine repair, and perform better overall.

1. Conduct regular inspections

The best way to catch potential problems with your industrial diesel engine as soon as they arise and before they escalate is by conducting regular inspections. You should walk around the machine so that you can check its electrical system and its operation. It is equally important to frequently inspect the battery, the oil, the air filter, the rubber seals, and the O rings.

If you notice any obvious issues, such as corrosion, cracks, or leaks, avoid putting them off and ensure they are dealt with promptly. In addition, if the machine ever experiences a loss of power or signs of overheating, or if any warning signs ever pop up on the dashboard, these matters should be quickly investigated and dealt with.

2. Clean the engine often

One of the quickest ways for a breakdown and the surest way to shorten your industrial diesel engine’s lifespan is allowing dirt and debris to build up inside, as this can damage its components.

Therefore, you must prevent this from happening by regularly cleaning the engine, as this will allow it to continue running smoothly. This is especially important when the engine is being used in equipment that is operated in conditions where there is a lot of dirt and grime.

3. Conduct regular oil changes

It is important that you stay on top of oil changes for your industrial diesel engine and, while doing so, change the oil in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You should always pay extra attention to ensure that you are using the right type of oil for your engine and that the oil is high quality.

Poor quality oil can have numerous ill effects, such as a lack of sufficient lubrication, corrosion from uncontrolled acidity levels, or the circulation of soot and particles that can cause wear. When your engine is frequently used under harsh conditions, it will require oil changes more often. Thus, make sure you regularly inspect the oil so that you know when a change is necessary.

4. Inspect and replace the air filters

Inspecting the air filters often is essential, as doing so will help protect the engine. If you notice lower fuel economy, hard starts, vibration, black smoke from the exhaust, or strange engine sounds, these could be signs of a bad or dirty air filter.

You may be able to extend the lifespan of your air filters by regularly cleaning them with a vacuum or swishing them around in some water and then allowing them to dry.

5. Monitor the engine’s coolant

Another crucial aspect of maintaining your industrial diesel engine is by monitoring the coolant. You should ensure that you are checking and flushing out the coolant as per the engine manufacturer’s suggestions.

If you refrain from flushing out the coolant for too long, its acidity will increase over time, which will eventually damage other parts of the cooling system. If you are ever uncertain whether your engine’s coolant needs to be changed, you can test its acidity level for a clear indication.

6. Perform regular water draining

Many industrial diesel engines contain water separators, which cause the water that does not mix well with the fuel to drop to the bottom of the tank. If your engine has this feature, it is essential that you regularly drain this excess water to avoid contaminating the engine’s fuel or running into other issues that can negatively impact the engine’s functionality.

You can usually tell when there is excess water by examining your fuel for a cloudy or hazy appearance.

How Great West Equipment Can Help With Industrial Diesel Engine Repair

Although keeping up with proper maintenance will minimize the amount of repairs for your industrial diesel engine, some parts of it may still occasionally require fixes. If you need diesel engine repair, you can count on Great West Equipment’s team of highly trained technicians to get it back in working order quickly and efficiently.

We understand that engine repairs can be a major inconvenience when they hold up your operation, which is why we will do everything we can to help you minimize your engine’s downtime.

Our experienced team can also help you with regular maintenance checks, inspecting your engine, diagnosing any problems, and offering comprehensive solutions and the best corrective measures.

In doing so, we can improve the performance of your industrial diesel engine while also helping to extend its life. We specialize in Volvo Penta industrial engines. However, our technicians also have knowledge about and experience with a wide variety of other engine types.

For more information about our industrial diesel engine repair services or to learn more about the other maintenance and repair services we can provide, call Great West Equipment at 1-833-730-0613 or contact us here.