Each error code alert can feel like a maintenance mystery – a “whodunnit” of symptoms that service detectives must analyze to find the root cause of the problem. Consider a fault that indicates the motor is losing power. The check engine light comes on, the truck derates, and the first question in the service-oriented process is: why?
“You connect a computer to your diesel engine computer, you find the error codes and the error codes tell you that you have low fuel pressure,” noted Brian Terry, Field Service Engineer, Fleetguard . “It’s usually one of the triggers that makes you look at a fuel filter and try to figure out if it’s clogged. There are a number of causes for low power, but blocked fuel filtration is definitely one of the top ones on the list that you want to look into. »
Finding these solutions fuels the excitement of truck service while simultaneously twisting stomachs into knots. As truck repair times continue to get longer and longer, getting to the root of the service problem as quickly as possible is half the battle.
“Rough idling and excessive vibration mean you have trouble getting fuel to the fuel system to burn properly,” Terry explained. “These are seat-of-the-pants situations that let you know you might have an issue with your fuel filter clogging.”
When it comes to finding filtration-related service issues, Terry recommended sticking to the basics.
“The biggest recommendation is to follow OEM recommendations,” he noted. “These have been established over time through experience, history, customer complaints and field testing. We work with our engine group to help establish service intervals, and often this is through actual testing. OEM recommendations should get you where you need to be.
Of course, like most truck equipment, filters are getting smarter with technology. For its part, Fleetguard offers FleetguardFIT ™, a real-time filtration monitoring system that provides visibility into the life of the filter through the use of intelligent detection and advanced data analysis, their to proactively detect problems.
“It allows users to accurately see useful filter life and predict what kind of life you will have outside of air, lube and fuel filtration,” Terry confirmed.
FleetguardFIT™ uses existing sensors, control module and telematics services to collect and communicate real-time filter and oil life information. A subscription portal and mobile app are also available for reporting equipment health data that is actively monitored for the user.
In addition to data-centric technology, specifying high-quality filters is always a good idea.
“We offer filtration options to meet your equipment needs and applications,” said Jim Smith, Field Service Engineer,
“We offer a wide range of products to meet your equipment needs and applications,” said Jim Smith, Fleetguard Field Service Engineer, “which includes filtration for extended service intervals or superior. For example, if a standard part has a cellulose backing, the next upgrade may have a synthetic or even better quality backing. We have a standard version, a magnum version, which has more plies and more capacity, and then a Nanofiber option as a premium upgrade.
Click here to learn more about Fleetguard filtration options.
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