Maintenance

• Diesel engines require more maintenance than gasoline engines. Diesel engines circulate a lot more oil through the engine block than gasoline engines, so more oil is needed and must be serviced more often. Because diesel engines have a higher compression ratio, they have more internal pressure and heat, and oil is used as a coolant. This is another reason why diesel engines need so much oil, and due to this large amount of oil, diesel engines must idle for a few minutes before being driven or turned off. Fuel and air filters, and water separators need to be changed more often. Without proper maintenance of injectors, cylinder temperatures become unbalanced, oil in the crankcase gets diluted and engine combustion will become inefficient. If properly maintained, though, a diesel engine can last three times longer than a gasoline engine.
  
  

Dealing With Cold Temperatures

• Without a spark plug, diesel engines have a harder time starting up in the winter. Cold temperatures don't allow the fuel to ignite spontaneously as the fuel normally would, which happens because the cylinder is under pressure. Modern diesel engines have a computer that regulates the ignition process, so that the fuel isn't injected until the cylinder is a little warmer. They may also have a heating element that can be plugged into a wall outlet or extension cord. You will have to let the engine run for a few minutes and warm up after the engine has combustion.
  
  

Fuel

• Choose quality fuel over what is the lowest-priced you can find. Diesel fuel is the coolant and lubricant for the fuel pump, injectors and spray tip (and remember how important injector maintenance is). Without good fuel, the engine won't start well, varnish will build up inside the engine and clogged fuel filters must be replaced more often.