{"id":128,"date":"2021-12-15T17:02:34","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T01:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/?p=128"},"modified":"2021-12-15T17:03:06","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T01:03:06","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-diesel-engine-has-been-sitting-for-a-long-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/what-to-do-if-your-diesel-engine-has-been-sitting-for-a-long-time\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do If Your Diesel Engine Has Been Sitting For A Long Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"what<\/span><\/p>\n

After a diesel engine has been sitting for a long time, there\u2019s a good chance it won\u2019t start up the next time you go to use it. This happens when the liquids used to run the engine dry out and corrode essential engine components. It happens quickly, as the oil, coolant, and diesel fuel start to break down in a matter of weeks, causing enough damage that the engine won\u2019t start.<\/span><\/p>\n

The damage begins with the liquids evaporating, leaving behind a thick substance that clogs the engine\u2019s moving parts. Ultimately, these parts will stick and begin to deteriorate. If given enough time, the engine will rust and fail to start. At that point, you'll need heavy maintenance to get your diesel engine functioning again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps To Bring A Diesel Engine Back To Life<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you have a diesel tractor or a truck sitting too long at home, there are several steps you can take that may bring the engine back to life. Each step can also help to pinpoint the problem area so you can assess the damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drain the coolant<\/b><\/h3>\n

Before trying to get the engine started, drain all fluids beginning with the coolant. You can do this using a coolant flush kit that attaches to most garden hoses. Once it\u2019s entirely drained, fill it back up with fresh coolant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Replace the oil filter<\/b><\/h3>\n

To ensure the oil pump is functioning, drain and scrape the oil pan. Once it\u2019s clean, carefully examine the oil pan for any particles or pieces of metal. Thoroughly wash the oil pickup screen, and we suggest replacing both the oil pan gasket and the oil filter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clean the fuel tank<\/b><\/h3>\n

Remove the fuel in the tank, flushing it out until it\u2019s entirely clean. Take apart the sediment bowl, thoroughly clean it, and replace both the fuel tank screen and the gaskets. Once you\u2019ve done this, we recommend flushing the fuel lines as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flush out the radiator<\/b><\/h3>\n

After removing all of the water from the radiator and block, flush it out with clean water. We recommend using a pressurized hose if possible to ensure it\u2019s clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clean the covers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Remove and clean the side covers, the valve cover, and the cover from the governor. Be sure to remove any buildup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pour kerosene on the rocker arms<\/b><\/h3>\n

Pour kerosene over the rocker arms, allowing it to flow through the return lines and into the oil pan. Do the same with oil, ultimately cleaning the rocker arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clean the oil fill point<\/b><\/h3>\n

Pour kerosene into the oil fill point, allowing it to drain into the oil pan again. At this point, you can refill the oil receptacle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remove glow plugs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Each engine cylinder has a glow plug<\/a> in the pre-chamber or combustion chamber. Temporarily removing the glow plugs will make it easier for a diesel engine that\u2019s been sitting a long time to start.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To better maintain your vehicle that operates on a diesel fuel system, we recommend starting the engine at least twice a month. Ideally, you would do this once a week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reasons A Diesel Engine Won\u2019t Start After It\u2019s Been Sitting<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your diesel engine has been sitting a long time and still won\u2019t start after following our recommended steps, there are several possible causes. The most common are interrupted fuel delivery, problems with injectors, or a contaminated fuel line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interrupted fuel delivery<\/b><\/h3>\n

Various engine issues can lead to interrupted fuel delivery. You can assess some on your own, but you may need a professional to do the repairs. Here\u2019s what to look for:<\/span><\/p>\n