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Category: Tips For Your Diesel

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The Beauty of Aftermarket Exhaust

There are several reasons that you may be considering upgrading your exhaust and wondering if the cost is worth the benefit of enhancing your ride.  Often overlooked, the exhaust plays an important part of how a vehicle performs and functions.  The main job of the exhaust is to circulate air through the engine and exit it out the back of the vehicle.  There are a few things to consider before purchasing a new system and we want to help walk you through reasons you may just want to change out your factory exhaust.

Better Returns

By upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust, not only do you receive improved horsepower, but better fuel mileage as well.  Stock exhausts are created to perform a job.  They are more restrictive, quieter and are a better cost to the manufacturers.  Typically, a stock exhaust is made of steel which will rust over time.  After market exhausts are produced to maximize efficiency with better materials like aluminum or stainless steel.  Aftermarket exhausts allow more air to your engine, which will increase your power and fuel efficiency.  Depending on which type of exhaust you determine is best for your vehicle will depend on the increase of power and fuel economy.

Aesthetics

Once you have a ride you really care about, you most likely want to bring it to the next level.  The brilliance of the shiny exhaust and tips will be an attention grabber.  After market exhausts let you stand out in a crowd, be unique and add a level of luster to your vehicle. 

Music to Your Ears

If enhanced performance and having an eye-catching ride isn’t enough, there is also a change in sound with an aftermarket exhaust.  The distinguishable sound of a superior exhaust system will turn heads.  A vehicle sounds more powerful and a bit meaner when you opt for a new exhaust system.  Who needs a great sound system when your exhaust can be music to your ears?

If you’re interested in upgrading your stock exhaust to a performance enhancing, eye catching, unmistakable sounding aftermarket exhaust, we’re here to help.

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Diesel Truck Emissions

We love our diesel truck and all the horsepower that those big, beautiful engines put out while we are hauling down the highway, but if there is any one thing we can say we love more… it’s our planet.  That having been said, our favorite trucks aren’t always kind to our planet’s atmosphere when they start aging, so here are some things you can do with that bad boy that can make it better for our eco-system.

  1. Change your oil – I know this sounds like a no brainer, but keeping up with regular oil changes will definitely help keep down harmful emissions in your truck, and it will only serve to help keep that beast running for you for a long time.

  2. Keep your air filter clean – Once again, sounds pretty simple and it really is.  Standard upkeep of your truck such as changing your air filter is essential for lowering the emissions of your truck.  The harder your engine has to work, the more emissions it produces.

  3. Maintain proper tire pressure – If your tire pressure is low, you can see an decrease of up to 20% in fuel economy, which means more emissions per mile you drive. 

  4. Reduce Idle Time – If you are going to be waiting for someone or something in your truck for more than a minute, you should shut off your engine.  Many people believe that starting your truck would use more fuel than just leaving it on, but that’s not true.  No need to keep it running unless you are ready to go.

  5. Change up your driving style – I know it’s always fun to let your engine rev up high and sound like you’re on a race track going down the highway, but if you want to help keep your emissions down and fuel economy up, don’t rev your engine so high, change gears lower, brake sooner, and slow down.  It will also help increase the life of your engine.

It’s not hard to see that by just doing a little bit of general upkeep and changing a few minor things about how you drive, you can really help reduce your carbon footprint with your truck.  It’s also worthwhile to note that all of these things will also help when it comes to the longevity of your engine’s life.  So make sure you keep your truck in tip top shape and treat it right and that will ensure that you also help keep our environment and atmosphere the same way.

Is A Draining (Coalescing) Filter Necessary?

A coalescing style filter is a fuel filter which is designed to separate vapors, liquids, soluble particles, or oil from some other fluid through a coalescing effect. As fuel travels through the system, water coalesces (or builds up) on the outside of an element and then sheds to the bottom and drains when the system is shut down.

But do your filters really need this a coalescing style filter, and does it improve performance?
Truth be told, most of these drain-style filters are not capturing the water they were designed to stop. Instead, water passes right through the drain and directly into your injection system. No Bueno! That is the biggest reason why our partners at Fass stopped manufacturing their filters with a drain.
It is extremely important that the flow rating of the filter matches that of the pump. With a coalescing filter, efficiency tends to drop as flow rates rise. So Fass decided to make a change and went to a synthetic media with a water blocking filter and no drain. They call this the “Extreme Water Separator.”
Since the change, Fass Fuel Filters remove approximately 99% of water from your fuel and they do not have a coalescing drain. In comparison, the average competitor’s coalescing filter removes approximately 66%. Additionally, the extreme separator has also shown that it stops particulates down to 2 micron absolute in a single pass!
The extreme water separator attracts and locks water to it and does not let water drain to the bottom when the system shuts down. It is designed to keep the water locked into place. Therefore, a drain was no longer needed. With the new Extreme Water Separator, you can also rest easy knowing that your injection system is safe and efficiency won’t drop as flow rates increase.

8 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Heavy Equipment

Heavy Machinery is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment you own. It’s also expensive to repair or replace. To get the most out of your equipment and money, we recommend creating a consistent maintenance routine. Our expert mechanics have put their minds together to provide you with tips that will help extend the life cycle of your heavy equipment.

 

Tip 1: Create A Preventative Maintenance Routine or Program
Preventative maintenance (PM) helps to anticipate changes in the health of your heavy equipment. Corrective actions should be taken regularly to ensure reliability and performance. This would include regular system inspections, modifications, and replacements of components. The benefits to a PM program include:
  • Less Likelihood for detrimental breakdown
  • Improved reliability
  • Improved resale value
  • Avoid expensive parts replacement
  • Extend equipment life
  • Better parts inventory management
Tip 2: Identify Issues That Could Cause Breakdown
Identifying potential causes of breakdown before they occur could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars and will help to maintain scheduled workflow. There are three types of heavy equipment failure: Sudden failure, intermittent failure, and gradual failure. These types of failure are often due to one of these causes:
  • Mechanically induced failure – The easiest to recognize and prevent. Mechanically induced failure is often caused by overexertion, vibration, shock, collision, or operator error. You can prevent mechanically induced failure by replacing parts when needed, lubricating tightening fasteners, and ensuring all moving parts are properly aligned.
  • Thermally induced failure – This happens when extreme temperatures cause breakdowns. It can be easily avoided by performing checkups and tune-ups when entering a seasonal change where temperatures will drastically increase or decline.
  • Erratic Failure – The most difficult to detect. Erratic Heavy Equipment failure happens randomly and under varying conditions. Some common reasons for erratic failure include overloads on hydraulic or electrical systems, and software or hardware malfunctions. Erratic failure is preventable by using diagnostic equipment during maintenance checkups.

Tip 3: Get to Know Your Machine
Equipment knowledge is necessary when developing a maintenance routine. Be sure to read the equipment’s user manual and contact a professional (such as Flying Wrench Services) if you have any questions. Do not rely on YouTube videos because opinions always vary and you will want to be sure you are listening to tips from a true professional with the credentials to back it up.
Listen to your operators. If they indicate that you may be dealing with a potential issue then you will want to diagnose the issue. Do not operate the equipment if an operator has noted changes or issues with performance.
 
Tip 4: Train Your Employees on Proper Operation
Knowledgeable operators are more productive, cause less wear and tear on equipment, and can often be very helpful in identifying potential issues. Proper training is crucial not only for productivity, but for protection of the equipment and employee.
A proper training program can create a cohesive unit follows all procedures in caring for your equipment. Be sure all operators read the equipment manuals. You may want to invest in a training video because so many folks learn best from visual content. Provide testing at the end of the training process to ensure that the employee processed the information correctly.
 
Tip 5: Follow Factory-Recommended Maintenance Intervals

Factory-recommended maintenance intervals are a minimal standard and are based on normal operating conditions. They may vary based on climate and temperature, or environmental conditions such as dust, snow, ice, humidity, rain, etc.

Following these factory recommendations and keeping precise records will help you protect the warranty on your equipment. Many warranties are no longer valid if you deviate from the factory-recommended maintenance intervals.

 
Tip 6: Create A Checklist and Document Service History

Creating a checklist allows you to document each machine’s service history. This documentation should include the date each inspection was performed, they type of service that was performed, which parts were replaced or repaired, and any other notes that may be useful in the future.

Tip 7: Pay Attention to Fluids
One of the most important aspects to optimal health in heavy equipment is checking and maintaining fluids. Engine oil, diesel fuel, coolant, and hydraulic fluid are all extremely important indicators to the health of your equipment.
 
Tip 8: Monitor Condition of Your Equipment
If you choose to have your inspection and servicing done here at Flying Wrench Services, your machine will be in good hands. Our services will save you time and money and keep your machines on-schedule. We provide services such as advanced fluid diagnostics, service history monitoring, and site assessments so we can dive deep into the overall condition of your machine.
The Heavy Equipment Inspection Checklist
Start your inspection from the ground and work your way up. Be sure your inspection is “machine specific” and add categories if necessary. For example: wheeled machines would require some different checklist components than a tracked machine. Flying Wrench Services offers site inspections and in shop services that provide you the documentation you will need to update your records.

Heavy Equipment Coolant Best Practices

As an extremely important component of your Heavy Equipment’s cooling system, coolant can help prevent cavitation, corrosion, freezing, and rust. A periodic inspection of your Heavy Equipment’s coolant can provide information that is important to performance and health.

Most heavy-duty antifreeze is approximately 95% ethylene glycol and 5% water and additives. Approximately 1% of all antifreeze is manufactured using from propylene glycol, which is less toxic but more expensive than ethylene glycol. When glycol is mixed with water, coolant is created. Most coolant is 30% – 50% glycol. Additives are incorporated to fight corrosion, rust, scale, and they also help to protect wet cylinder sleeves from cavitation.

Choosing the right coolant and periodically inspecting it can work wonders for your cooling system. Follow these recommendations for optimal cooling system health and performance.

 

Buying Coolant for My Heavy Equipment

• Check to see if the coolant you purchase for your Heavy Equipment states that it complies with ASTM standard D-6210 on the package.

• Deionized water should be used for all Heavy Equipment coolant. Most (if not all) diesel coolants should be prediluted.

• When you find a coolant you are happy with, stick with it. Never mix them. Always follow the maintenance suggestions from the manufacturer.


Coolant Maintenance Recommendations

• Periodically conduct visual tests. The coolant should be clean and free of rust coloration.

• Get a heavy equipment coolant analysis test kit. The recommended interval for testing is 1,000 hours.

• Be sure to note the color changes on the test kit strips as they can indicate freeze/boil point (glycol content) and nitrite levels. Some test strips will also indicate PH balance.

For more information on coolant, ask a diesel technician at your next visit to Flying Wrench Services or call us today at: (360) 638-0044.

Spring Check-Ups For Your Truck

Do we dare celebrate the end of winter here in Washington? I sure hope we can! And if this is indeed the case, you will want to start preparing for warmer weather. Winter consists of harsh weather that can really do a number to your truck. As the weather starts to warm up, you will want to “take stock” of the impact it had and prepare for the nice weather ahead to ensure it’s in good driving condition. This can lead to some general maintenance and potential repair work. You may also want to reconsider any potential performance upgrades that you have considered in the past.

When it comes to Spring check-ups for your truck, Flying Wrench Services performs a full 100-point inspection. If you are a DIY truck owner, you can use this list to make sure you’ve considered these major factors as well.

Under the Hood

Check Engine Oil – This may seem like a no-brainer, but you will want to check levels and top it off if you have some time before your next change. Of course, it’s best to just do a change altogether and start Spring off on a fresh note.

Check and Top Other Fluids – Again, this may be a no-brainer but this goes beyond just a simple washer fluid and coolant check. You will also want to be sure to check and top-off your gear oil, transfer case fluid, DEF (when applicable) and transmission fluid.

Check the Battery – Winter can put a lot of strain on a battery. Check the terminals for corrosion and if you suspect any issues that may not be visible, bring it into our shop.

Check or Change Air Filters – Be sure to check air filters for debris buildup and if they are close or beyond their sell-by-date, replace them. Additionally, check your cabin filters to ensure proper functionality of the air conditioning.


Outside of Truck Maintenance

Check Windshield Wipers – Constant use during the wintertime can beat up your wipers in a hurry. We will check and replace them if a replacement is needed.

Undercarriage – This includes an inspection of the u-joints, driveline, steering and tracking components, and suspension components. If you are inspecting these components yourself, be sure to look for looseness and impact damage in the ball and socket joints. The best time to grease applicable components is when the load is off the steer axle. For the u-joints, look for looseness and rust in the roller ends. Also inspect the propeller shaft for damage and if the balance weights are present.

This is just a quick rundown of the important things to look for when performing a Spring check-up on your truck. If you think your needs go beyond a simple check-up and that you’re in need of wholesale replacements, it’s best to bring your truck to our shop. Our 100-point inspection will make sure that no stone is left unturned as we prepare you for off-road adventures and Springtime fun!

Signs That My Diesel Truck Needs Repairs

If you own a diesel truck, you know those diesel engines are hard workers. A well-kept diesel engine is extremely dependable at times when we need them most. Even though they are dependable and tough, a diesel truck needs to be properly cared for to achieve optimal performance and longevity.

It is important to know what to look for when your truck may need repairs or some general TLC. Here are some signs that it’s time to have diesel mechanic perform an inspection before things spiral out of control and cost you valuable time and money. 

Loss of Power

 

Loss of power can happen for a multitude of reasons, but fuel delivery tends to be one of the most common culprits. An easy way to avoid this is to make sure the fuel filter bowl is drained on schedule and to look for signs of a damaged or malfunctioning fuel filter.

 

Overheating
You don’t want to deal with overheating issues. These can often lead to much bigger and more expensive problems, including significant damage to the engine itself. There are many different causes to overheating so if you are not an experienced diesel mechanic, your best bet is to get your truck scheduled with us right away.

Oxidized Oil
Oxidized oil most commonly occurs when your truck is left dormant for long periods of time without being started or used. When oxygen gets into the oil it creates bubble that negatively impact the lubrication element that the oil is supposed to provide. Without proper lubrication, significant and costly damage to the engine can occur. If your truck has remained idle for long periods of time, change the oil before starting it again.

Contaminated Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel contains a high level of viscosity which also increases the chances of contamination. Common contaminates include Glycol, Dilution, Water, and Soot. If you notice any signs of contamination in the fuel tank, purge and clean it thoroughly. If you think there is a chance it may be contaminated but aren’t quite sure, bring it in to us immediately.
Oil Sludge
Oil “sludge” is grime and oil waste that is mixed in with the oil supply. It can sometimes be easily noticed by the change in thickness of your oil. If you notice oil sludge, it is an indication that your engine components are not being lubricated properly. This is another issue that is best to be addressed by an experienced diesel mechanic.
Blue Smoke
This is more of a severe issue so please don’t ignore it. This can be caused by an oil chamber that is over-filled, a serious oil leak, or worn cylinders.

Hard Starts
If you notice that your truck is lurching forward instead of accelerating gradually, this is another sign of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Black Exhaust
Black exhaust usually occurs when air and fuel in the engine are not being properly balanced. It’s also important to note that black exhaust is usually full of dangerous toxins and chemicals, making it a danger to you and your family. And of course, excessive black smoke can also lead to a lot of attention from the Police.
Broken or malfunctioning fuel pumps can also cause black exhaust. Clogged air filters don’t allow the right amount of oxygen to get into the engine and can also cause black exhaust. This isn’t an issue that you should take lightly so give us a call if you notice this issue with your truck.
Be sure to stay aware of any changes in your trucks handling and performance and look for the signs noted above. Staying vigilant with check ups and repairs can save you a lot of time and money. If you have any questions about this blog or the issues described within, contact us today!

Avoiding Catastrophic and Irreversible Engine Failure

Your truck’s engine is comprised of various components that create an incredible amount of friction and heat. The water pump moves coolant from the radiator and disperses it through the engine system to keep everything at optimal temperature.
When the water pump is failing it will cause your engine to overheat, which can do damage to cylinder heads, gaskets, and pistons. This can result in catastrophic and irreversible engine failure.
Here are some signs that you might need to get your water pump replaced:
Leaking Coolant

Your trucks water pump is made up of various seals and parts to facilitate a consistent flow of coolant from the radiator to the engine block (via the thermostat) and back to the radiator. With time, these seals and parts loosen up, wear out, or break and crack. This can allow the coolant to leak from the system to the ground. You can diagnose whether a wet spot is a coolant leak (or not) by visually inspecting the fluid on the ground by dipping your finger in it. If it has a green (or sometimes red) coloration you are dealing with coolant. This fluid also has an unmistakable smell if you need to smell it to be sure.

Rust or Deposit Buildup

Over time, consistent leakage will lead to buildup of sludge, scale, and rust on the water pump. Be sure that you are always using the right coolant for your truck and that the pressure cap is on tight or isn’t damaged. When parts of the pump develop holes or cavitation due to corrosion, the pump will become less effective, and this is generally when failure occurs.

Noise

If you hear uncommon noises when you accelerate, you could have a loose accessory belt. You will also want to be aware of strange noises coming from your engine, as this can be an indication or early warning sign of failure.

Being proactive and attentive can make all the difference in adding to the lifespan of your diesel engine. If you have any question as to what you are experiencing, call our shop at 360-638-0044 and schedule an inspection.

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