Stivers Ford of Montgomery is your destination for all your automotive needs, including servicing your diesel engine. Thanks to our continuous training program, our diesel service technicians are experts in maintenance and repairs and can work on nearly every type of diesel engine, whether it's a reliable 6.7-liter Power Stroke or the 7.3-liter variant. Read on to learn about our services.
At Stivers Ford of Montgomery, we recommend that you keep up with your service schedule as Ford prescribes. Routine maintenance will help your engine run at its peak for longer and save you money while avoiding more costly repairs.
Our service center diesel technicians can quickly diagnose issues and recommend solutions using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and equipment available at our world-class service center. If they encounter a problem, they can fix it quickly.
Below are some service items you'll want to stay focused on.
Your diesel engine requires diesel fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). The manufacturer sized your DEF and fuel tanks proportionately to run out at the same time, requiring you to refill them.
DEF is used if your diesel engine has a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system. The EPA emissions regulations require SCR systems to control particulate matter and nitrogen oxide to near-zero levels. The SCR system acts as the necessary reactant for the proper after-treatment operation of your emissions system.
The transfer case distributes power from the transmission to both axles. It contains lubricating oil that protects the gears, which, over time, can break down and collect particulates, weakening its effectiveness and causing damage if not replaced regularly.
Unlike gas engines, diesel models don't have spark plugs. Instead, they use compression to ignite the fuel. However, they need to heat the air-fuel mixture to aid combustion, particularly in colder weather.
Filters keep the air and fuel in your diesel engine clean. They become clogged over time and need to be replaced.
Turbochargers can wear out over time, overheat, or become damaged due to any number of factors. We have experts available who can repair your turbocharger.
Over time, injectors can get clogged and break during normal use, causing your engine to lose power or, perhaps, not run at all. Regularly cleaning your injectors will help prevent premature wear.
Diesel engine technology and the necessary tools for diagnosing and maintaining it continue to advance. For several years, mechanics have relied on manual diagnostics. Thankfully, the industry now has modern diagnostic tools to help identify issues in newer diesel engines' specialized equipment, such as computer chips and other electronic systems. These tools provide real-time data to help evaluate problems and recommend solutions.
At Stivers Ford of Montgomery, we have cutting-edge tools, such as laptop-based software and handheld scanners. We use them to monitor engine systems, such as emissions, exhaust, and fuel injection, to quickly identify problems and reduce the chances of errors leading to vehicle downtime.
Most advanced diagnostic tools can read engine fault codes, saving the technician time compared to a manual evaluation. After the technician repairs a problem, they can easily clear the fault code and reset the system.
Monitoring engine data live provides a valuable glimpse into your diesel engine's performance. Technicians can view information such as fuel pressure, exhaust levels, and engine temperature to help identify the root cause of a problem and make an informed decision on how to fix it.
Many of these tools include bidirectional controls that allow technicians to test engine components without taking the vehicle for a test drive. They also eliminate much of the trial and error that older processes require.
Aside from diesel trucks, many of our customers rely on diesel power generators. These generators work just like your truck, without the drivetrain. Instead, the combustion of diesel fuel generates electricity.
When your diesel engine breaks down, you could be left without power during critical times. We can service and repair your diesel generator to keep it running when you need energy.
You want to get the most from your diesel engine, which requires diligence. We recommend sticking to the factory-recommended service schedule to keep your diesel engine running at its best. However, we suggest you take a few precautionary steps between service visits to ensure dependability.
Dust, dirt, and debris can collect in your engine compartment and compromise your diesel engine's integrity. We recommend you regularly clean your engine compartment, particularly if you enjoy off-roading or your job site leads you off the beaten path. Regular cleaning promotes better performance and reduces the possibility of engine problems.
The frequent towing and hauling of heavy loads can lead to excessive wear and tear on critical engine parts. Therefore, we suggest you increase the frequency of your routine maintenance to ensure your diesel engine runs efficiently.
Letting your diesel engine idle for too long can strain it unnecessarily. To protect your engine, try to avoid this practice.
Running your diesel engine in high temperatures can strain it, much like frequent, heavy towing. If you operate your diesel engine in temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods, it may need more regular maintenance, such as oil and other fluid changes.
If you experience problems with your diesel engine or simply need a health check, we recommend you schedule service today. At Stivers Ford of Montgomery, we'll inspect your diesel engine, provide the necessary maintenance, and recommend solutions for any possible issue we might find. Our technicians will always provide a detailed explanation of the required services, including the price and time to complete them.
Image Credit to Southern Diesel Truck