Repair 7

6 2 Diesel Tune Up Tips

First available from GM in 1982, the 6.2L diesel engine was originally an option for sports utility vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, and other utility vehicles. With the dual perks of added fuel economy and durability, 6.2L diesel engines in GM two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) trucks were given gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 10,000 pounds. Additionally-equipped vehicles boast a capacity of over 13,000 pounds. A strong engine requires regular tune-ups and care to stay in prime operating condition.

Oil Lubricant

Oil lubricant is a necessity for the proper operation of the 6.2L diesel engine. Used for the lubrication of the engine, the oil for diesel engines is specially formulated and must remain at a certain level and consistency to provide the best functionality. Oil should be checked a minimum of once weekly. A common occurrence is the immediate change of newly-replaced oil to a dark black color after only a brief running of the engine. This does not mean that anything is wrong with the oil, but is rather a side-effect of the engine. Knowing how to change the oil can also save the owner money, since professionals charge as much as four times the amount to change fluids in a diesel engine than they charge for a regular gas engine.

Oil Filter

When changing the oil, the oil filter should be changed as well. Consulting the manual for the particular vehicle will inform owners of the optimal and maximum time allowed between filter changes. However, due to the heat and pressure generated by a diesel engine, the oil and filter may become contaminated more quickly that in a non-diesel engine vehicle.

Mechanical Injection Pump

The mechanical injection pump assists in the movement of the diesel fuel throughout the engine; therefore, it is important to ensure that no leakage is occurring. It is not uncommon for the seals on the injection pump to shrink when cold and allow fuel to leak out. At times, this problem is corrected through the warming of the engine, which causes the seal to swell, plugging any leaking. In order to check and perform repairs on the injection pump, it is necessary to remove the oil filler, intake manifold, and bolts. Be sure that the engine has fully cooled before attempting to work on any component. To gain access to these components, the crankshaft should be slowly turned in a clockwise direction with a 24 mm socket wrench. All wires and hoses should be removed from the pump, if it is necessary to separate it from the engine. Injector lines can be tricky, so it is important to be careful. In addition, ground wires should be removed from the batteries to avoid any mishaps.