DETROIT DIESEL
Preventive Maintenance
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
Items 3 and 4
Install new engine oil filter elements and gaskets each
top of the heat exchanger tank or the radiator upper
time the engine oil is changed. Check for oil leaks after
tank.
starting the engine. If the engine is equipped with a
governor oil filter, change the element every 1,000
Clean the cooling system every 1,000 hours or 30,000
hours.
miles using a good radiator cleaning compound in
accordance with the instructions on the container. After
Item 3
the cleaning operation, rinse the cooling system
thoroughly with fresh water. Then fill the system with
Check the coolant level daily and maintain it near the
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 or 15,000 miles for signs of
deterioration. Replace the hoses if necessary.
Items 1 and 2
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