We know how frustrating it can be when your diesel engine breaks down unexpectedly.
But what can you do?
In this article, we’re going through a simple way to help prevent surprise breakdowns and costly repairs, maximizing your uptime: Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMI).
What Are the Benefits of PMIs?
Apart from reducing unexpected downtime, there are a few other benefits to performing regular PMIs.
It doesn’t matter whether you oversee a fleet of vehicles or you’re the owner/operator of one truck, these inspections are a low-cost way to bring you some peace of mind.
And, they can help improve your profitability, prevent customer service problems, and increase safety.
Similarly, they can help you spot issues in your engine before they cause a major failure.
What’s Included in a Preventive Maintenance Inspection?
What Systems Should Be Looked At?
When a PMI is conducted, it’s important that you’re getting a thorough inspection of your engine’s systems, inside the cab, electrical components, electronics, and frame and chassis. It should also include a road test.
Some of the systems that should be looked at include:
- Fuel System
- Exhaust System
- Lubrication System
- Cab Components
- Battery
- Brakes and Air Brakes
- Steering
- Tires
In the Engine
For your engine, a PMI usually includes changing the oil and oil/air filters, as well as looking out for oil, coolant, air, fuel leaks, and many other steps.
The Electrical Systems
On the PMI checklist for electrical systems is checking the charging output of the alternator, or the battery state-of-charge and condition.
The battery inspection is especially important in the winter, as it helps ensure that any glow plugs included in the engine are being properly heated. This allows them to warm the fuel so it can vaporize.
Under the Chassis
When looking under the chassis for a PMI, the parking brakes should be checked. It’s also important to look out for leaks in the air system, as well as checking the air pressure buildup time.
Be sure that all brake systems and lines are inspected for leaks or damage.
Sometimes you might get a little seepage with oil, fuel, or coolant residue. A trained technician can let you know whether this is normal or something that needs to be addressed.
Ensuring Proper Lubrication
Proper lubrication is vital to the performance of your diesel engine, so naturally it’s part of a good PMI. You’ll want to flush the old grease, as well as diagnosing any potential problems.
For instance, if the old grease is blackened on the U-joints, you may have joint failure.
Additionally, the road and operational part of the PMI calls for:
- Testing the clutch operation
- Testing the gear shift operation
- Checking the road speed governor
- Ensuring proper operation of all the instruments
- Checking the steering wheel for proper play and centering
How to Tell If Your Getting a Good Inspection
Not all PMIs are created equal, and a bad inspection can be just as bad as no inspection at all.
And it can cost you thousands and waste your time, leaving you without the information you need to keep everything running smoothly.
A properly conducted inspection, though, can actually save you money.
Changing your filters is a good start, but to take full advantage of all a PMI has to offer, you want to ensure the inspection is thorough.
Be sure that the technician is knowledgeable and comfortable with all the systems on your vehicle. There’s even an ASE T8 certification for Preventive Maintenance Inspections included on the Medium/Heavy Truck Series.
This can help ensure you’ll be getting all the info you need to keep your engine running at its best!
Final Thoughts
Properly conducted PMIs at regular intervals can help save you money and unexpected downtime.
Sometimes, things will still go wrong with your engine that you can’t foresee, but by sticking to an inspection schedule, you can help reduce this risk.
If you do find yourself in need of an overhaul, we have a large selection of rebuild kits. We have ASE Certified Technicians on staff to help you get the right parts for your engine!
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts!
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