A diesel operating engine needs the proper and right maintenance to be carried out timely to avoid breaking down and poor performance. Either, it is being used daily, frequently or often, the necessary proper maintenance is needed to keep it in shape. Diesel car owners and operators should know fully well that there are different grades of diesel fuel. Briefly let me talk about the two grades.
Grade 1-D which has an API gravity of about 40 to 44 on a range and also has an heating value which is measured in (BTU/lb) of 18,510 to 19,860..
Grade 2-D which on its own has an API gravity of 33-37 with an heating value which is 18,335 to 19,650 in BTU/lb unit.
Between the two grades, the only difference between them is the quality of the fuel. Then the engine performance specifications for every diesel engine is based on the specific fuel type. Technically speaking, because from my interactions with different diesel engines, I can say that whenever engine output is in consideration, the properties of the fuel being burned should always be known and with respect to the performance specifications.
In contribution to the performance consequences of using an off-specification fuel, there are also mechanical risks attached. Let me lay some emphasis on this, lighter fuel than required may reduce the life expectancy of the fuel system components because its low viscosity will reduce lubricity. And on the other hand, heavier fuel can reduce the life of cylinder liners and rings due to the increased combustion chamber deposits.
Now after knowing the right quality of diesel fuel to buy for your best optimum operating condition, you need to know the coolant and the whole cooling system. The cooling system of a diesel engine must be very capable of steady continously removing at least 30% of the heat released by combustion of its fuel without overheating at any point in time. You also need to always check the colant level, as this is very important in the proper operation of a diesel engine cooling system. The falling of the coolant level in the cooling jackets, would definitely resolve to reduction in the cooling capacity and this can cause serious mechanical issue.
In coolant composition know this, it is equally important never to use water alone as an engine coolant due to the reason that water is purely corrosive at engine operating temperatures. The engine coolant is typically a good mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol base antifreeze and water. We all should learn how to maintain our diesel engines.
I wanna hear what you all have to say about this maintenance procedures.