• Install a fuel storage tank water-separating filter to further protect engines by filtering out dirt, rust, and scale. To service the tank filter, install a shutoff valve between the tank and filter. The filter element should be changed annually or more often if fuel flow becomes restricted.

Lubrication system

Well-designed machinery lasts a long time if cared for properly. This care is especially crucial where lubricants protect critical components. Following engine manufacturer recommendations for high-quality lubricants and periodic maintenance can prevent machinery from wearing out prematurely.

With the introduction of exhaust filters in many Interim Tier 4 engines, the type of engine oil used can have a significant impact on the proper functioning and ash service life of these devices. Use only engine oils that meet API CJ-4 and ACEA E9 standards. These oils are refined with a lower trace metal content, which reduces ash accumulation and increases exhaust filter service life.

Lab and field tests reveal that the superior anti-wear additives in quality engine oils can significantly reduce engine wear, increasing the productive life of the engine. They also extend drain intervals and reduce piston deposits, which lead to a cleaner engine that will last longer and provide consistent power.

Unfortunately, all lubricants gradually lose effectiveness during operation due to chemical and physical changes in the lubricant. The deterioration process is accelerated by contaminants from external and internal sources. That’s why following manufacturer-recommended lubricant change intervals for normal operating conditions is so important. More frequent changes are recommended when operating in extreme environments, such as in very hot or dusty conditions, or at high altitudes. Oil analysis can be performed to ensure that the recommended service interval is adequate for your application.

Keep lubricants clean. Even the best lubricants cannot function properly if they are dirty. Be sure to do the following:

• Change oil when recommended;

• Keep all lubricant containers covered in an area protected from dirt and moisture; and

• Remove all dust and grime from both the container and service points before performing lubrication service.

Regularly scheduled oil sampling and analysis can pay for itself by detecting potential problem-causing conditions before they turn into costly downtime.

Air-intake system

Making sure your engine receives an unrestricted flow of clean air is imperative for proper operation. For example, dust reaching your engine through a leaking connector in the air-intake system — called “dusting the engine” — can completely destroy an engine. Therefore, it is important to take the following steps.

Regularly scheduled oil sampling and analysis can pay for itself by detecting potential problem-causing conditions before they turn into costly downtime.

• Inspect the entire air-intake system for openings that could draw in unfiltered air (loose clamps, cracked hoses, etc.).

• Inspect dry-element type filters and replace if clogged with dust or dirt. Inspect for damaged seams and pleats. Replace if damaged. Cleaning the elements with compressed air or by pounding them on a hard surface is not recommended.

• Replace highly efficient PowerCore-type filters when they become restricted; they cannot be cleaned.

Cooling system

When performing maintenance on your engine’s cooling system, always use the recommended class of coolant. It is important to be selective with antifreeze/coolants because not all of them provide the protection needed to operate efficiently under extreme pressures and temperatures.

Use a fully formulated antifreeze/summer coolant designed and extensively tested to protect wet-sleeve-liner diesel engines from cylinder-liner cavitation erosion. This is especially critical for heavy-duty, off-highway equipment in the aggregates industry that often endures punishing conditions and temperature extremes.