LO 11-8 Outline maintenance procedures and identify tools and methods used to perform maintenance on a diesel engine cooling system

Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Preventive maintenance of the cooling system is critical for long, reliable engine life. Failure to perform required maintenance will result in cooling system failure, which can lead to breakdowns and major engine damage. OEMs publish the required maintenance for a vehicle in the owner’s manual and in the factory service information literature. The maintenance schedule lists which services are due after an accumulated distance is completed that is reported in miles (kilometres) or engine hours or date. Different types of coolant have different service intervals and can range from 24,855–93,206 miles (40,000–150,000 km) or more. Always check the OEM’s service interval schedules to ensure effective coolant operation. Belts and hoses have similar inspection and maintenance requirements. It is critical to follow these service intervals, so always check the preventive maintenance schedule for the vehicle you are working on.