Your Diesel Engine and Your Oil Change

Every engine that burns internally needs an occasional oil change, including engines that are powered by diesel fuel. With the price of gasoline constantly on the rise, and the government encouraging people to drive smaller vehicles that get better gas mileage and burn cleaner, diesel is becoming more popular. Many people also prefer to perform their own oil change instead of taking them to a mechanic. It is also just as easy to change the oil in a diesel engine as it is to change in a gasoline powered vehicle. Diesel is used in many tractors, most semis, and many pick-up trucks.

When you are performing your own oil change, there a couple of important tools that you need. These are a drain pan to collect the old oil, specialized wrenches that are made to change the drain plug and remove the oil filter, a replacement oil filter, and enough quarts of fresh oil to fill the vehicle's oil tank.

When performing your own oil change on your diesel vehicle, the first thing you need to do is put the drain pan under your vehicle so that you can catch all the old dirty oil. Some vehicles can hold up to 50 quarts so make sure that your drain pan is large enough before you begin to drain it.

Before you can remove the oil, however, you need to take off the oil filter so that the valve to release the oil pressure can be opened. If the valve is not open, the oil cannot drain. Look for the oil filter on the top of the engine. Once the filter is removed, you can remove the drain plug off the oil pan. You will need disposable gloves so that you do not get irritated skin from the diesel, in case any gets on you.

Once you are done draining the oil, you can replace the drain plug. Before you do this, check over the gasket to make sure that there is no damage to it. If you notice any damage you will need to get it either repaired or replaced. Once you have your gasket fixed, you can put the new oil filter on. The better quality of filter, the longer the vehicle will last.

Once you have drained the oil and replaced the filter, you can put the new oil in. You will need to know how much your tank holds before you add any oil so that you do not overfill. Now you can start your engine and run it for a few minutes so that the oil can lubricate all the moving parts in the engine.

You should only perform your own oil change in your diesel engine if you feel comfortable. If not, schedule an appointment with an oil change specialist so that you know it will be done right by a trained mechanic.