Traditionally, we have heard and believed it is not necessary to clean up a diesel truck engine. But with time, there has been an increase in the knowledge of diesel engines and how to take care of them. Cleaning the diesel engine has been one of the tips many diesel owners are implementing. When you do not take care of your diesel engine, it can lead to costly repairs and replacement of parts that you can avoid.
Some modern diesel engines come with a comprehensive guide on how you can clean them. However, if you need that knowledge, this guide will give it to you. After reading the guide, you will understand how to clean up your diesel engine.
How To Clean a Diesel Truck Engine
Cleaning a diesel engine is similar to cleaning a petrol engine and is not very complex. You can do it at home. Here are the steps you can consider following when cleaning your engine.
- Remove all the debris on the surface of the engine, including those clinging to the grill and the hood. The debris is of varied sizes. Some you can remove by pulling as some you will need to wipe out using a brush.
- After removing all the visible debris, turn on your engine and let it warm for 10 minutes. Doing this will melt and loosen the oil on the surface of the engine.
- The engine is composed of very delicate parts that water can destroy. Consider protecting components such as the alternator, air intake, sensors, and power steering filler. You can cover them using plastic bags and rubber bands. You can check your owner’s manual if you need to know where these items are.
- Spray the degreaser on the surface of the engine, in the grill, and under the hood. For safety, spray it from the bottom, so it does not spill on you. Let the engine relax for five minutes before taking any action.
- After five minutes, gently scrub your engine, grill, and hood using a brush with a long handle. When doing this, focus on the areas that hide a lot of dirt and are hard to reach.
- When cleaning your engine, never use a low-pressure spray, but use water and gently flow it from the hose. High-pressure spray can make water access the delicate parts of the engine.
- After rinsing your engine, let it dry. You can let the engine heat to dry faster, but for a cleaner and spotless dry, you can use a cotton cloth to dry your engine by hand.
Engine Cleaning Tips
When cleaning your diesel engine, avoid using the common household degreaser as the basic ingredients used in their manufacture can damage the aluminum and the high-strength steel within the engine. The hydrogen component of household degreasers can interfere with the electrical connection of the engine. It is, therefore, essential to buy products made for engine care.
Conclusion
Dirt accumulation can damage the engine with time. It is, therefore, essential to clean your diesel engine regularly, especially at the end and the beginning of every season.