Diesel engines provide a steady supply of power for equipment and are widely used in production and operations. Since diesel engines are highly precise machines, proper maintenance during use is crucial.

Diesel engine maintenance can be broadly divided into daily maintenance and regular maintenance. This article uses the Kubota engines commonly installed in Lingong Heavy Machinery equipment as an example to outline the specific methods.

Daily Maintenance  

Daily maintenance involves inspecting the engine after completing a shift, following these seven steps:

① Inspect and clean the exterior of the machine, checking for any oil, water, or air leaks.

② Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. After the engine has been parked for 30 minutes, ensure it is in a horizontal position. The oil level should be between the two markings: if there is an increase in oil, carefully investigate the cause; if the oil level decreases, top up with the same type of oil and continue to monitor after a period of operation.

③ Check the coolant level and top up if insufficient.

④ Check the fuel level and top up if insufficient.

⑤ Inspect the belts for loosening or damage, and tighten or replace as needed.

⑥ Inspect all connection points for tightness; if any are loose, retighten them.

⑦ Address any abnormal issues during engine operation.

Regular Maintenance  

Regular maintenance is typically divided into several levels, with each level specifying different maintenance items based on the scope, depth, and maintenance cycle of the work.

① The first regular maintenance should be performed after the new engine has operated for 50 hours, primarily involving the replacement of engine oil and the engine filter.

② Every 250 hours, clean the air filter, clean the fuel filter, and check the battery condition. Every 500 hours, replace the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and engine belt, and clean the water hose and radiator interior.

③ Every 1,000 hours, check the valve clearance; if the clearance is too large, re-adjust it.

④ Charge the battery every one to two months.

⑤ Every 1,500 hours, inspect the fuel injector spray conditions, check the fuel injection pressure, and inspect the oil seal integrity of the fuel injector valve seat.

⑥ Every 3,000 hours, inspect the turbocharger, check the oil seal integrity of the pump core, inspect the outlet valve, and verify the fuel injection timing.

⑦ Replace the engine oil annually (if the vehicle has not been used for an extended period and has operated for less than 500 hours), and replace the air filter.

⑧ Replace the coolant, all fuel and oil hoses, and the battery every two years.

The above are the maintenance guidelines for diesel engines. Proper maintenance significantly extends engine lifespan, reduces failure rates, and improves equipment availability. Therefore, please take these guidelines seriously and ensure regular and routine maintenance is performed.