Tips for Keeping Your Dump Truck Engine Running Smoothly

The transport industry is ever-evolving. From loose materials like gravel, sand, and dirt to concrete scrap, dump trucks are responsible for the transportation of materials on a construction site. 

A dump truck engine functions for prolonged periods in harsh environmental conditions. They deliver heavy-duty materials and therefore need highly robust and efficient diesel engines with high torque and power output.  However, with time, the signs of wear and tear and lowered efficiency become visible.

In certain instances, if you don’t follow a maintenance routing, these engines can result in costly repairs or even require replacement. This article shares diesel engine maintenance tips for dump trucks to increase their lifespan. 

5 Important Tips To Improve Dump Truck Engine Health:

Following these five important dump truck diesel engine maintenance tips for better engine health and to prevent costly repairs down the road.

1. Avoid Skipping Regular Maintenance

Engines for dump trucks are designed to perform in adverse situations. Ergonomic design coupled with heavy-duty materials yields highly reliable engines used for off-highway applications. However, when in operation, it is nearly impossible for a dump truck engine not to experience wear and tear. 

Dirt and debris start to accumulate over time in engines, especially when they are used in sectors like construction and mining. If you avoid or delay a regular maintenance visit, you may be potentially overlooking any significant condition that an engine has. It can also end up in unplanned breakdowns. It can be a good decision to set a professional clean-up routine after every visit. 

2. Keep Checking the Fluid Levels

If you don’t want to get stuck in the midst of nothing, we recommend regularly checking the levels of fluids in the engine of your dump truck. We’re not just talking about fuel, but also lubrication. Although most off-highway engines are diesel, which is a lubricating oil in itself, these engines still need motor oil with high viscosity. 

Without the right levels of oil, the engine parts rub against one another causing high friction and premature wear. In addition, you must keep an eye on the coolant levels of a dump truck engine. Since the trucks run for long hours, the engine temperature rises. Coolants keep the engine temperature in check, thereby preventing overheating. When checking the lubrication or coolant, check if you see a different colour or clouded appearance in the oils. If you notice something, then it’s time to change the fluid!

3. Make Replacements with High-Quality Spare Parts

No matter how well-maintained your dump truck engine is, replacement is a part of the process. While operating over lengthy periods, engines may require certain parts to be replaced. Here is where you need to make a choice. It is essential that you choose original and branded spare parts instead of counterfeit ones. Original quality spare parts are more reliable and perfectly fit the missing part. This improves the engine efficiency as well as extends the lifespan. 

4. Don’t Forget the Air & Fuel Filters

Dump truck engines have internal combustion engines which involve pulling air into the chamber. Air filters allow the air to enter the engine while filtering the dust and debris. However, dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow to the engine leading to decreased power output and reduced fuel efficiency. 

Similar to this, fuel filters also play an equally important role in filtering out probable contaminants or particles, before they enter the combustion chamber. A clogged fuel filter can reduce the fuel flow, engine hesitation, and rough idling, as well as decreased fuel efficiency. 

5. Always Choose High-Quality Fuel

To make sure that a dump truck engine produces its best output, it’s ideal to choose a high-quality fuel that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. High-quality engine oils have better viscosity and stability characteristics. This means such oils can maintain their lubricating properties over a longer period of time, even when the engine operates under a wide range of operating conditions. A high-grade oil offers stability and reduces the chances of an engine knock. 

Conclusion

Regular maintenance can help you identify potential issues early before they become more serious and costly to repair. As the largest manufacturer, a dump truck engine from Weichai Engines for dump trucks is built to suit extreme-duty cycles and perform the best in difficult conditions. Produced in a cutting-edge manufacturing unit, these engines are integrated with electronic control units of ECUs that monitor and control engine performance. With the help of telematics, Weichai engines achieve optimised performance and lower the chances of costly breakdowns. 

FAQs

Q.1. What are the signs that my dump truck engine needs maintenance?

Common signs include rough idling, low power output, increased fuel consumption, unusual engine noise, and black smoke from the exhaust.

Q.2. What type of engine oil is best for dump trucks?

It is highly recommended to use high-viscosity diesel engine oils that meet OEM specifications for heavy-duty performance and long-hour operation.

Q.3. How do clogged air filters affect engine performance?

Clogged air filters restrict airflow, reduce fuel efficiency, and can lead to engine overheating or damage due to poor combustion.

Q.4. When should I replace the fuel and air filters in a dump truck?

Typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or as specified by the manufacturer, especially if operating in dusty or extreme environments.