Winter weather can be tough on your diesel engine heavy equipment. The cold temperatures, ice, and snow can all cause damage to your engine if you don't take steps to protect it. Over the course of our experience, though, we’ve gathered quite a few tips for protecting and keeping diesel engine heavy equipment clean in the winter months – and we’re prepared to share.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your equipment and keep it running smoothly all winter long. Looking to increase heavy equipment performance and reduce costs? Clean your heavy equipment diesel engine's air filters with Filter Blaster products.

The threat of icing

Icing is a major threat to diesel engine heavy equipment in winter. When temperatures drop, diesel fuel can gel and block fuel lines, preventing the engine from starting. Diesel engines are more susceptible to icing than gasoline engines because diesel fuel has a higher freezing point. When diesel fuel gels, it can block the fuel filter, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Icing can also occur in the air intake system, restricting airflow and causing the engine to run poorly. In extreme cases, icing can cause the engine to seize up.

To prevent icing, it is important to take precautions when operating diesel engine heavy equipment in cold weather. These precautions include:

• Using a winterized fuel blend that is less likely to gel.
• Adding a fuel additive to prevent gelling.
• Keeping the fuel tank full to prevent condensation from forming.
• Parking the equipment in a sheltered location.
• Plugging the engine block heater.

Protecting against rust

Rust is another major threat to diesel engine heavy equipment in winter. Rust can occur when metal surfaces are exposed to moisture and oxygen. To prevent rust, it is important to:

• Rinse your equipment thoroughly after use. This will remove any dirt, salt, or other contaminants that could cause rust.
• Apply a rust-resistant coating to all exposed metal surfaces. This will help to protect the metal from moisture and oxygen.
• Store your equipment in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to keep the equipment dry and prevent the formation of rust.

In addition to these tips, you should also inspect your equipment regularly for signs of rust. If you see any rust, you should remove it immediately to prevent it from spreading.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your diesel engine heavy equipment from rust and keep it running smoothly all winter long.

Winterize fluids

Another important aspect of winterizing your diesel engine heavy equipment is to winterize its fluids. This includes using the proper coolant mixture, checking the antifreeze level, replacing the fuel filter, adding a fuel stabilizer, and using a block heater.

Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that helps to keep your engine from freezing in cold weather. It is important to use the correct coolant mixture for your engine, as specified by the manufacturer. If you use too much antifreeze, it can damage your engine. If you use too little antifreeze, your engine may freeze.

Check the antifreeze level in your engine regularly, especially before cold weather sets in. If the antifreeze level is low, add more antifreeze until it reaches the recommended level.

The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel before it enters the engine. It is important to replace the fuel filter regularly, as specified by the manufacturer. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine, which can cause it to run poorly or even stall.

A fuel stabilizer helps to prevent the fuel from gelling in cold weather. Gelling is when the fuel becomes thick and slushy, which can prevent it from flowing through the fuel lines. Add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank before cold weather sets in, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A block heater is a device that helps to keep your engine warm when it is not running. This is important in cold weather, as it can help to prevent the engine from freezing. Plug in the block heater whenever the engine is not running, especially overnight.

Keep it clean

Keeping your diesel engine heavy equipment clean is crucial during the winter months to ensure its optimal performance and prevent costly repairs. Here are some tips to keep your equipment clean:

Remove grease and grime

Regularly clean the exterior of your equipment to remove grease, grime, and other contaminants that can accumulate over time. This will help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, which can cause damage to the engine and other components. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the exterior surfaces, and be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.

Clean the air filter

The air filter plays a vital role in keeping the engine clean and free of contaminants. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption. Regularly inspect the air filter and clean it when necessary, especially during the winter months when dust and debris can accumulate more quickly.

Inspect the fuel system for leaks

Leaks in the fuel system can cause fuel to leak onto the engine, creating a fire hazard and damaging engine components. Regularly inspect the fuel lines, fittings, and connections for leaks, and repair any leaks immediately.

Check the coolant level

The coolant system helps to keep the engine cool and prevent overheating. Regularly check the coolant level and add coolant as needed to maintain the proper level.

Don't let it sit

If you can’t avoid letting your heavy equipment sit, make sure to start it up and let it run for at least 15-20 minutes every week. This will help circulate the oil and keep the engine from seizing up. You should also try to move the equipment around a bit while it’s running to help distribute the oil evenly.

If you know that your equipment will be sitting for an extended period, you should take some extra precautions to protect it. These precautions include:

• Draining the fuel tank and carburetor.
• Removing the battery.
• Applying a rust-resistant coating to all exposed metal surfaces.
• Storing the equipment in a dry, well-ventilated area.

By following these tips, you can help protect your diesel engine heavy equipment from the damaging effects of winter weather. This will help you save money on repairs and keep your equipment running smoothly all winter long.