Basic Isuzu Diesel Engine Maintenance

Like all mechanical systems, diesel engines and the vehicles that use them must be kept on a reasonable maintenance schedule to ensure proper system component cooperation.

Keeping your diesel engine on a stringent service schedule will help ensure that it is working properly, that you’re achieving maximum engine efficiency, and moreover, will help to ensure a longer service life. 

Here’s a high-level view of some of the maintenance items you’ll need to see.

Engine Oil and Filter 

Engine oil helps mitigate friction among the moving parts of a diesel engine, keeping heat and heat-related damage at bay. 

However, dirt, dust and other debris can contaminate engine oil, and high heat, pressure, and age will all cause engine oil to break down over time. 

Therefore, keeping your engine oil clean and changing it and the oil filter on a routine schedule (in accordance with manufacturer recommendations) is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard the lifespan of an Isuzu diesel engine. 

Other System Fluids 

Engine oil is not the only system fluid that should be periodically checked, replaced, or topped off as needed. 

Engine coolant both helps to prevent overheating and to keep engine temperature at a consistent level, which ensures efficient performance and prevents damage. 

Brake fluid and steering fluid are two hydraulic fluids that enable the braking and power steering systems, respectively, to function. Over time, debris can contaminate both of these types of hydraulic fluid. 

All three of these fluid levels should be checked and replaced on the schedule recommended by Isuzu. 

Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment System Maintenance 

Isuzu diesel engines are also equipped with diesel exhaust aftertreatment systems that help to diminish the impact of harmful diesel emissions on human health as well as the environment. 

Diesel engines contain a diesel oxidation catalyst, or DOC, and a diesel particulate filter, or DPF, as well as SCR, or selective catalytic reduction system, which work together to cut back on the release of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

Periodically, the aftertreatment system should be inspected and key components like the DPF will need to be cleaned to remove ash and soot.

Need a New Isuzu DPF FIlter for Sale?

If you’re looking for a new Isuzu DPF filter for sale, get in touch with Filter Service & Supply at FilterServiceandSupply.com. They carry a range of replacement Isuzu DPF filters from Skyline Emissions that meet or exceed OEM specifications. They also sell DPF clamps, DOC filters, and DPF filter cleaning services. Get in touch with them at 760-355-8900 if you have any questions. 

Consider Keeping It on a Maintenance Schedule with Isuzu

Perhaps the easiest way to keep your Isuzu diesel engine in good running condition is to keep it on a maintenance schedule with the manufacturer. 

Isuzu offers 50 to 65-point services at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000, and 100,000-mile intervals that cover: 

• Health reporting
• Oil/filter replacement
• Tire rotation 
• Air filter replacements 
• Transmission fluid check/replacement
• Engine coolant replacement
• Differential oil replacement 
• DPF cleaning
• DPF pressure sensor check
• And many others

Just what points are included in the service depends on the service itself. Consult the previous link or get in touch with an Isuzu representative for more information.