New/used diesel maintenance

[OregonAaron]

A couple months ago I bought a 1520 diesel that runs real good and operates great as well. As far as I can tell the maintenance history was is decent as well. I am new to diesel equipment, I have owned plenty of gas powered equipment and vehicles, but no diesel. Is there any sort of maintenance items that I should address first? Maybe an additive to the diesel fuel to clean & lubes the injection pump? I have learned from reading on here that I should definitely use JD fluids and not universal stuff. Any random thoughts for a guy new to diesel engines?

 

[Randy G]

If you live in a cold climate treat the diesel with an anti gel treatment. Also if you use a bio diesel use a bioside treatment. I too was a gas user and found out the hard way these treatments for diesel are mandatory!!!

 

[SVcummins]

Run a pint of atf or two cycle engine oil with each tank of
diesel

 

[MF243RedTop]

I would change all the filters, start with all fresh clean ones... Especially the fuel filter.

 

[OregonAaron]

How much 2 stroke oil or atf per gallon of fuel? Is there an approximate measurement to follow?

 

[Tx Jim]

It the last few decades it has become increasing important to keep antifreeze PH in correct range so as to avoid electrolysis(cavitation) which can create holes in cylinder liner walls allowing coolant into combustion chamber &/or crankcase.

 

[Fordy20]

NAPA has coolant test strips but you need to check the date on them to be sure they haven't expired. NAPA also has the coolant additive that increases the PH. I bought a 2520 at auction once that the cavitation was so bad it ruined the block. They had put stop leak in it to hide the problem. I don't think the owner (large farm) knew about it and the employees tried to hide it from him. Had a John Deere dealer do the work and having the block machined and taking a chance was within $1000.00 of a new engine so that's they way I went.

 

[Dan in Ohio]

Use 15W40 oil, I like to use Rotella oil or John Deere Plus 50 II when you change oil.

 

[Dan in Ohio]

Congrats on the new to you tractor, that is a handy sized utility tractor.

 

[SVcummins]

I like to dump half a quart in each time regardless of Gallon .
In the winter I don’t because it makes the fuel that much
thicker

 

[SVcummins]

Run John Deere cool gard two for antifreeze it is good for
6000 hours

 

[OregonAaron]

Thanks for the info. I will be doing maintenance over the winter on this tractor. I would like it to last a very long time!