How Long Can A Diesel Truck Engine Last

Diesel Truck Engine

How Long Can A Diesel Truck Engine Last

Diesel engines tend to last longer than any other kind of engine. They can run continuously for about one million to 1.5 million miles before requiring any significant work.

In general, a properly maintained engine can work on the road for about thirty or more years.

According to most diesel engine users, these engines are the most long-lasting ones than even the petrol ones and most people prefer diesel to petrol despite petrol being cheap.

Factors that affect how long a diesel engine can last:

The particular engine brands

The type of engine can determine how long it can last. Some can last longer than others.

This is so because different manufacturers have different experience levels; some have decades of experience in engine building and manufacturing; therefore, they take time and resources to examine every update they make while others are new in the field.

New manufacturers might have issues, which they will be rectifying as they appear.

Maintenance

The other factor that can affect how long a diesel engine can last is maintenance.

How you maintain your truck’s semi truck engines will determine how long it will last.

Well-maintained semi truck engines will serve longer than a poorly maintained one. Your way of driving and the environment you drive in are key determinants here.

The type of technology used in the diesel

The modernity of the diesel engine will determine its lasting period. The diesel engines built with the old technology can go for several kilometers if they are correctly maintained.

The modern diesel engines are good too but need comprehensive maintenance.

Why diesel engines last longer

Diesel engines can last for 1000000 to 1,500000 miles before requiring an overhaul.

A diesel engine’s durability, reliability, and longevity are due to three primary reasons.

They include:

  • Fuel
  • Design
  • Application differences
  • The diesel engine’s design

Diesel engines have a gear-driven design and can easily be fixed when they break down.

The diesel vehicles utilize gear-driven oil and water pumps, which reduces the chances of the parts falling.

Such trucks are built with heavy-duty components that can endure the vehicle’s power, therefore, assuring minor wear and tear on the truck parts.

Moreover, diesel-driven vehicles feature a self-cooling mechanism, hence reducing overheating incidences.

They have several thermostats and sensors so that whenever one fails, the others take over in preventing overheating.

The multiple cylinder cooling vents ensure a constant flow of the coolant in the engine.

These vehicles’ design features compression combustion, which occurs when air and diesel are compressed to generate heat, causing involuntary ignition.

This spontaneous combustion is beneficial for a long-lasting engine as per the Digital Trends.

Diesel engines feature bigger crankshafts, cylinders, and camshafts, and larger bearing sizes, creating ample room for free oil flow within the engine.

The larger the coolant and oil capacity, the better the greasing and the lesser the wear and tear.

Diesel fuel

Diesel oil is more durable because of the diesel fuel. This fuel has a density of light oil, meaning that it lubricates as it passes through the cylinder.

The oil is less combustible. It can only combust through compression with air, and the ignition caused is helpful as it increases the engine’s lifespan.

Application differences

The way diesel engines are used makes them last longer.

For instance, a diesel engine can push around 1300 to 1600 RPMS while gasoline engines can do about 2500 to 3500 RPMs.

This means that petrol engines double what a diesel can do, therefore more wear to the engines’ internal parts.

How to make a diesel engine last longer

Diesel engines can last as long as your car lasts but if taken care of well.

With regular and cost-effective maintenance, you will enjoy long-term services from your diesel engine.

Regularly changing oil

It is essential to change the engine oil regularly to make your engine last longer.

The regular change aims to get rid of a small cushion formed between the engine’s moving parts.

This oil cushion formed reduces friction, causing premature wear and failure of the engine parts like the bearings.

Regularly change the fuel filters

Changing the fuel filters regularly is another important way of ensuring that the engine can last for a long time.

Fuel might contain some microscopic materials that can get trapped in the injector, causing a blockage.

Injector replacement is quite expensive, so it is better to change the filters to avoid further costs and poor engine running due to injector blockage.

Pros of diesel engines

  • The engines are economical, especially if you drive for long distances. This does not mean they are more economical than petrol engines because they are not when it comes to shorter distances. But if you trawl for quite a long time, then a diesel engine is worth it.
  • They are environmentally friendly because of their better fuel economy. Although their emissions are hazardous than petrol, they can be considered more eco-friendly because they give more miles for the comparable amount of emissions.
  • They are better performers; diesel engines feature powerful fuel injection, meaning that they are more active and have a better twist than petrol.

Cons of diesel engines

  • Their diesel engines are more pricey compared to petrol engines
  • Diesel is costly than petrol in some areas of the world
  • Diesel vehicles are costly to repair
  • The trucks are a bit pricier when to insure

Conclusion

Diesel engines can last longer than petrol engines.

Diesel is light, and it, as it burns, lubricates the vehicle parts, therefore, prolonging the lifespan.

These engines can manage five hundred thousand kilometers without wearing out, depending on how you maintain them.

According to most mechanics, a diesel engine can serve up to thirty years if properly maintained.

Although these engines are long-lasting, their repairs are costly because of the expensive, complex fuel pump.

To ensure that your engine serves long, ensure you regularly change the oil and filters to avoid blockage of the injector.

Cheers,

Truck Report Geeks

I hope you enjoyed this post on How Long Can A Diesel Truck Engine Last

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