Diesel Transmission Care

A new diesel transmission is a huge investment, and one that’s often not budgeted for. Thankfully, before the death of a transmission there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Looking for these basic signals and caring for the immediate issue can help avoid a full transmission rebuild.

Gear Issues
Your diesel vehicle’s gear system is integral to the transmission. Common gear shifting issues on an automatic transmission include hanging gears, dropping out of gear while driving, or shifting for no reason. On a manual transmission, grinding or shaking when shifting gears are also clear signs to have the transmission checked. Some of these shifting issues can be as simple as battery cables needing cleaned. Left alone, this will eventually lead to transmission failure!

Noise (Nosier than Usual)
Pay close attention to what your diesel vehicle sounds like. If it sounds clunky or whiney, you’ll want to evaluate your diesel transmission. A whining noise when an engine is running can be an indication of a bearing that is on the verge of failure. A clunky noise could be caused by a failed flex plate or dual mass flywheel.

The best way to diagnose noises is with a diesel performance technician’s guidance, and failure to repair anything making a sound can cause damage to many engine components that extend beyond the transmission.

Burning Smell
Don’t confuse this with a DPF regen cycle on newer trucks (when the engine is actively removing diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas). A burning smell from under the hood is a sign that transmission fluid is burning, or a possible slipping clutch in the case of a manual transmission. Check that transmission!

A diesel transmission rebuild is time consuming and costly. Acting on these tell-tale signs will save you money in the long-run, not to mention increase the performance of your diesel engine.

If you notice any of these signs or want to schedule a routine maintenance appointment to protect the life of your diesel engine and transmission, call our Omaha and Lincoln diesel performance technicians to schedule an appointment. 402.443.5385

Maintain Tires for Increased Performance

At Banghart Diesel & Performance we are all about helping you protect the investment of your diesel vehicle and achieve optimal performance. Among the simplest ways we help our customers maintain a high level of performance is with proper tire care.

Tire maintenance not only extends the life of your tires but provides greater efficiency for your diesel vehicle. Here are a few tips from our Omaha and Lincoln diesel performance technicians to help maintain optimal performance.

Check Tire Pressure. Underinflated tires leads to excess heat, uneven wear and decreased braking and handling capabilities. This may lead to structural failures like blowouts and tread separation. Properly inflated tires will maximize tread life, improve handling, and increase fuel efficiency and overall driver safety.

Rotate. Check your owner’s manual for recommended rotation patterns. When followed routinely, tire rotation enhances front-to-rear and side-to-side tire wear.

Replace in sets. When new tires are needed, two new tires should be installed on the rear of a vehicle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front of the vehicle. Adding only one new tire can cause vehicle handling issues.

Checking tires every month takes just a few minutes. Committing to regularly checking in for tire maintenance will increase the life of your tires, increase the life of your vehicle and increase fuel economy.

Visit our diesel performance shop for tire services or call 402.443.5385 with any questions regarding diesel performance. We’re happy and ready to help.

Routine Maintenance for Diesel Engines

Whether a diesel vehicle is used for pushing, pulling or carrying loads, diesel engine performance is best achieved with regular maintenance. Routine care will make any enhancement to a diesel vehicle more effective and efficient, as well as increase the life of the engine. So, for optimal diesel performance, check…

Air Filters: Air filters should be regularly inspected and changed as-needed. The air filter collects debris and dirt, and when not replaced can lead to engine damage and impact diesel engine performance.

Oil: Consult with our diesel performance technicians on how often your vehicle needs an oil change. Usually, we recommend an oil change around every 5K miles.

Fuel Filter: Every 10 to 15K miles a routine maintenance visit should be scheduled with a diesel performance technician, where both primary and secondary fuel filters should be replaced.

For a Clean Engine: A clean engine is important for preservation and performance. Allowing dirt and grime to rest on a diesel engine’s components will decrease the life of a vehicle. Check for clean fuel, clean oil and clean air.

Call our diesel performance shop to discuss a routine maintenance plan, or to discuss our recommendations for extending the life of your diesel engine. Committing to caring for a diesel engine is committing to extend the life of your investment.

Water-Methanol Injections for Increase Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions

Diesel performance is often sought after with new expertise and innovation. While technologies are always changing, many of our best diesel performance tricks are decades old.

If on a search for increased fuel economy and lower emissions, diesel truck owners may want to consider a water/methanol injection. A combination of water and methanol is sprayed into the intake of the engine. As the liquid enters the intake it absorbs heats and travels with the air, entering the cylinder, continuing to absorb heat energy. As the piston compresses the mixture and the liquid absorbs more heat energy, the liquid becomes gas when the fuel is injected into the cylinder and ignited. Therefore, more power is developed with the same amount of diesel fuel.

Resulting in high combustion efficiency; water/methanol injections achieve increased fuel economy and lower emissions – as mentioned above – as well as less regens and a cleaner running truck. The diesel fuel being burned after a water methanol injection is burned during combustion and will not leave the exhaust pipe as black smoke. The water-methanol steam also cleans the manifold/valves/combustion chamber for a clean running diesel free of carbon build up.

At Banghart Diesel and Performance, our diesel performance technicians can advise on increasing performance with water/methanol injection, and can make recommendations based on a truck’s make, model and use (work/competition). Give us a call today and see how our technicians can help!

Fuel Additives for Enhanced Diesel Performance

Diesel engines have different needs than that of a gasoline vehicle. Over time these engines suffer from fuel system issues caused by minor impurities in the diesel fuel. Today’s modern diesel fuel can also lack sufficient lubrication due to the removal of sulfur since the introduction of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel a decade ago. When an engine is switched off, fuel remains in places like the fuel line, fuel filter – and most importantly the injectors.

Our Omaha diesel performance technicians are trained and passionate about diesel vehicles and understand the value of keeping a diesel engine in optimal condition for either work or play. For the longevity and performance of a diesel engine we recommend diesel fuel additives, to help protect injectors and other components in the fuel system from premature failure.

A diesel fuel additive is a chemical that can change the properties of untreated diesel fuel. There are several types of additives to address different properties such as added lubrication, increased cetane, algae growth preventer, and cold flow improvement during freezing temperatures. The slightest amount of contamination or lack of proper lubricity can affect the injection timing and spray pattern, which ultimately affects combustion. This leads to reduced performance, lower fuel economy, and possible major engine failure.

Most diesel additives work fine, but there are a few that do not contain enough of the correct ingredients to properly protect a fuel system. Our diesel performance Omaha shop can advise on the correct diesel fuel additives you need to be using, and assess your diesel vehicle for proper performance. We also offer diesel fuel cleaning services for those that want to ensure their system is clean and in good condition. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

2017 Annual Open House and Charity Dyno Day

Our diesel performance shop is excited to announce our Annual Open House September 9 from 10 am to 6 pm. Benefiting the Saunders County Lost Pet Organization in Wahoo, we hope to help this local organization fund resources for its shelter animals.

Our Open House always promises a good time, with Dyno, free food, prizes and raffle drawings. Our diesel performance techs will be around for the party. So bring your diesel truck and your family and join us September 9th! Banghart Diesel Open House September 9