Preventive Maintenance
DETROIT DlESEL
Item 1
Check the oil level daily before starting the engine.
Add oil, if necessary, to bring it to the proper level on
the dipstick.
Select the proper grade of oil in accordance with the
instructions in the Lubricating Oil Specifications.
It is recommended that new engines be started with
100 hour oil change periods. The drain interval may
then be gradually increased, or decreased, following
the recommendations of an independent oil analysis
laboratory or the oil supplier (based upon the oil
sample analysis) until the most practical oil change
period has been established.
Item 2
Install new engine oil filter elements and gaskets each
time the engine oil is changed. Check for oil leaks
after starting the engine. If the engine is equipped
with a governor oil filter, change the element every
1,000 hours.
Items 3 and 4
Item 3
top of the heat exchanger tank or the radiator upper
Check the coolant level daily and maintain it near the
tank.
Clean the cooling system every 1,000 hours or 30,000
miles using a good radiator cleaning compound in
accordance with the instructions on the container.
After the cleaning operation, rinse the cooling system
thoroughly with fresh water. Then fill the system with
soft water, adding a good grade of rust inhibitor or a
high boiling point type antifreeze (refer to Engine
Coolant). With the use of a proper antifreeze or rust
inhibitor, this interval may be lengthened until,
normally, this cleaning is done only in the spring or
fall. The length of this interval will, however, depend
upon an inspection for rust or other deposits on the
internal walls of the cooling system. When a thorough
cleaning of the cooling system is required, it should be
reverse-flushed.
If the cooling system is protected by a coolant filter
and conditioner, the filter element should be changed
every 500 hours or 15,000 miles.
Item 4
Inspect all of the cooling system hoses at least once
every 500 hours o r 15,000 miles for signs of
Items 1 and 2
deterioration. Replace the hoses if necessary.
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