The vehicle engine is undeniably the core component of the entire vehicle, serving as the powerhouse that drives the vehicle forward. Whether it’s a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, proper maintenance is of utmost importance. This is especially true for special vehicle models with high usage frequencies, such as mixer trucks, truck-mounted cranes, and wreckers. These vehicles are often subjected to heavy workloads and demanding operating conditions, making engine maintenance crucial for their reliable performance and longevity.
In winter, when the weather is relatively cold, the engine faces additional challenges. The cold temperatures can affect the performance and efficiency of the engine, making it essential to pay extra attention to engine maintenance during this time. For diesel engines in particular, there are several key aspects of maintenance that should be followed to ensure optimal operation.
Use high-quality oil products.
As the name suggests, the main fuel of a diesel engine is diesel. However, the quality of the diesel fuel is of critical importance. If the diesel is not pure, it can cause significant damage to the engine. Impurities in the diesel can lead to wear on the precision fitting parts of the engine, increasing the fitting gap over time. This can result in various problems such as oil leakage, dripping, reduced oil supply pressure, and even cause oil circuit blockage and bearing seizure. To avoid these issues, it is essential to comprehensively measure and use high-quality diesel fuel.
In addition to using clean diesel, ensuring the purity of other components such as oil, water, and gas is also crucial for engine protection. For example, if the cooling water is pure, it will reduce the probability of cooling water scale blockage. Scale buildup in the cooling system can impede the flow of coolant and reduce the engine’s heat dissipation efficiency. By using pure cooling water, the engine can dissipate heat more effectively, maintaining a proper operating temperature and preventing overheating.
Using high-quality engine oil is also essential. Clean engine oil provides proper lubrication to the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and wear. It forms a protective film on the metal surfaces, preventing direct contact between the parts and minimizing damage. Regularly changing the engine oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations helps to keep the engine clean and lubricated, ensuring its smooth operation.
Ensure that the supply of diesel and air is timely and uninterrupted.
The proper supply of diesel and air is crucial for the smooth operation of a diesel engine. If there are issues with the supply of these two essential elements, it can lead to a variety of problems. For example, insufficient or interrupted diesel supply can cause difficulties in starting the engine, poor combustion, decreased power output, and overall poor engine performance.
To ensure a continuous supply of diesel, it is important to maintain the fuel system in good condition. Regularly check the fuel filters for clogging and replace them as needed. A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of diesel, leading to fuel starvation and engine problems. Ensure that the fuel lines are free from leaks and that the fuel pump is working properly.
Similarly, a sufficient supply of clean air is essential for proper combustion. The air intake system should be free from obstructions and filters should be clean to allow a proper flow of air into the engine. A restricted air intake can lead to incomplete combustion, reduced power, and increased emissions.
Adequate supply of engine oil is also crucial for engine lubrication. Engine oil not only reduces friction between the moving parts but also helps to cool the engine by carrying away heat. Regularly check the oil level and change the oil as per the recommended schedule to ensure proper lubrication.
Adequate cooling water is equally important for maintaining the engine’s temperature within the proper range. A malfunctioning cooling system can lead to overheating, which can cause severe damage to the engine. Regularly check the coolant level and condition, and ensure that the radiator and water pump are working properly.
Pay attention to checking fasteners.
Due to the nature of their operation, diesel engines are subjected to vibration, shock, and uneven loads. These factors can cause bolts and nuts to loosen over time. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check the tightness of bolts and nuts on the engine and other components.
After a period of use, especially after the running-in period, all connecting parts on the vehicle should be re-tightened to restore the preload. This includes clamps on engine accessories, connectors on transmission shafts, bolts on tires, and bolts on the frame. Loose fasteners can lead to rattling noises, reduced stability, and potential damage to components.
For example, if the bolts holding the engine mounts are loose, it can cause excessive vibration and stress on the engine and other components, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Similarly, loose bolts on the wheels can cause vibrations and affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.
Pay attention to details.
Details play a crucial role in maintaining the performance and longevity of a diesel engine. Regularly checking and adjusting certain parameters can ensure that the engine is always in a good technical state.
For example, the valve clearance, valve timing, fuel supply advance angle, injection pressure, and ignition timing of diesel engines should be checked and adjusted in time. These parameters affect the combustion process and engine performance. Improper settings can lead to poor combustion, reduced power output, increased fuel consumption, and emissions.
Valve clearance is the gap between the valve stem and the rocker arm. If the clearance is too large or too small, it can affect the opening and closing of the valves, resulting in improper combustion and reduced engine efficiency. Valve timing determines when the valves open and close in relation to the piston movement. Incorrect valve timing can lead to poor combustion and reduced power.
The fuel supply advance angle is the timing at which the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. If the advance angle is incorrect, it can affect the combustion process and engine performance. Injection pressure is also important as it determines the atomization of the fuel and the quality of combustion.
Ignition timing is crucial for diesel engines with glow plugs or other ignition systems. Incorrect ignition timing can lead to difficult starting, poor combustion, and reduced engine performance.
By regularly checking and adjusting these parameters, the engine can be kept in optimal condition, saving fuel and extending its service life.
Use it in a standardized way.
Proper usage of the vehicle is essential for maintaining the engine’s health. Before the vehicle is running, the lubricated parts such as bearing shells should be properly lubricated. This can be achieved by allowing the engine to idle for a short period after starting, allowing the oil pump to circulate the oil and lubricate all the moving parts.
After starting, it is important to wait until the water temperature reaches 40℃ – 50℃ before putting the vehicle into operation. Running the engine at low temperatures can cause increased wear and damage to the engine components. Waiting for the water temperature to rise ensures that the engine is at an optimal operating temperature and reduces the risk of damage.
It is best to avoid long-term overload or low-speed operation. Overloading the engine can put excessive stress on the components, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Low-speed operation for extended periods can lead to carbon buildup and poor combustion.
Before stopping the vehicle, the load should be removed first to reduce the speed. This allows the engine to cool down gradually and reduces the stress on the components.
Regular engine maintenance work should be done to keep the engine always in good condition. This includes regular oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections of various components. By following a regular maintenance schedule, potential problems can be detected early and addressed before they become major issues.
For example, a mixer truck that is constantly on the go needs regular engine maintenance to ensure it can handle the heavy workload. By using high-quality oil products, ensuring a proper supply of diesel and air, checking fasteners, paying attention to details, and using the vehicle in a standardized way, the engine can perform reliably and last longer.
In conclusion, maintaining the engine of special vehicles such as mixer trucks, truck-mounted cranes, and wreckers is crucial for their safe and efficient operation. By following these maintenance tips for diesel engines, vehicle owners and operators can ensure that their engines remain in good condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs. Whether it’s using high-quality oil products, ensuring a proper supply of diesel and air, checking fasteners, paying attention to details, or using the vehicle in a standardized way, every aspect of engine maintenance plays a vital role in prolonging the life of the engine and ensuring the smooth operation of the vehicle.
