ENGINE PRODUCTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINES
Like with most other machines, the heart of a tractor and other agricultural machinery is the engine. Not only does it drive the wheels, but it also delivers power to all other applications inside and outside the machine. Keeping the engine in optimal condition is of the utmost importance.
Many engine parts are subject to wear and tear. Proper maintenance will prolong the life of these parts, but inevitably, some components will eventually need to be replaced.
Modern engine maintenance
Engines have evolved a lot over the years. They can run for extended periods while requiring little maintenance. However, modern problems need modern solutions. This concept also applies to engine maintenance. We have listed common problems and handy solutions to keep your machine’s engine healthy.
Prevent crystallisation when using AdBlue
Crystallisation is an issue when exhaust gases in diesel engines that use AdBlue don’t get hot enough. The lack of heat prevents the AdBlue from being completely converted into ammonia. If this is the case in your engine, cyanuric crystals can form which may eventually lead to engine failure.
High-pressure components like fuel pumps, injectors, fuel links and fuel tanks can be severely damaged, to the point where the engine is beyond repair.
A refractometer allows you to check the urea in the AdBlue mixture. This percentage should ideally be at 32,5%. AdBlue is sensitive to cold, so if the additive has been stored at a low temperature, it may start to crystallise and cause issues. Measuring is knowing!
Topping up AdBlue in time also helps to act as insulation, as the chances of the AdBlue freezing and causing damage are much lower. You can easily find a handy refractometer, AdBlue pumps and carefully stored AdBlue itself in our product range.
Maintain a healthy radiator
A well-functioning radiator is crucial to keep the engine in good shape. If the radiator is clogged up and malfunctioning, the following issues may present themselves:
- Engine overheating
- Blocked, damaged, or bent radiator fins
- Damage to the water pump
- Discoloured and/or thicker coolant
- Coolant leak
Servicing your radiator can prevent these issues as well as damage to other components. If there are signs of wear and dirt, it is advised to flush the radiator using coolant flush.
Minor leaks can be sealed by using a stop leak product. All of the mentioned products can be delivered in a flash from our warehouses. Discover them in our product range.
Compression testing to detect issues
It is not always necessary to immediately open up the engine when you think it is underperforming or if you suspect wear on some components.
A compression test is the first step in revealing the condition of your valves, valve seats, and piston rings.
If one or more of the following issues occur, it might be time for a compression test:
- Difficulty when cold starting, unrelated to weather conditions
- Excessive blow-by
- Excessive oil-consumption
- Blue smoke
- Loss of power
By using a compression tester, you can easily check if the pressure in each cylinder falls within the normal range. Not the case? Unfortunately, this will most likely lead to a teardown and rebuild.
However, if the compression in each cylinder turns out to be normal, the power issues will come from either fuel, air, or spark. This is typically much cheaper to repair than a problem in the cylinders. Get a reliable compression tester from our range.
Old-school diesel injectors
Many older tractors are still being used for daily tasks. To get the most out of the engine, it will need optimally functioning diesel injectors. These ensure that the fuel gets injected as an optimal atomised mixture that burns cleanly and gets the most out of the fuel.
If you don’t want to disassemble and clean the injectors manually, an injector cleaning additive might do the trick. This concentrated detergent is delivered through the fuel and cleans the injectors.
However, if problems like bad fuel economy or poor performance persist, you may have to replace the diesel injectors with new ones. This additive cleans, but doesn’t fix!
Every replacement part, additive, or cleaning product can be delivered to your doorstep. No matter where you are, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our product range to keep your engine running in perfect shape!