Top Ten Things to Know About Your Cummins Before You Drive Another Mile

Top Ten Things to Know About Your 5.9 Cummins Before You Drive Another Mile: Increase the efficiency and longevity of your 5.9 Cummins diesel

by Tim Pletcher

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Cummins engines are known for their power, durability, and reliability. They are used in a wide variety of applications, from pickup trucks to semi-trucks to industrial equipment. If you own a vehicle with a Cummins engine, it is important to understand the basics of how it works and how to maintain it properly. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top ten things you need to know about your Cummins engine before you drive another mile.

1. How to Check Your Oil Level

Checking your oil level is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Cummins engine. The oil level should be checked regularly, especially before long trips. To check the oil level, simply pull out the dipstick and wipe it off. Then reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the "min" and "max" marks on the dipstick.

2. How to Change Your Oil and Filter

Changing your oil and filter is another important part of maintaining your Cummins engine. The oil and filter should be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or more often if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions. To change the oil and filter, simply follow these steps:

1. Gather your materials, including new oil and filter, a wrench, and a drain pan.
2. Place the drain pan under the engine oil pan.
3. Unscrew the oil drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the pan.
4. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
5. Locate the oil filter and unscrew it using a wrench.
6. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new filter.
7. Screw on the new filter and tighten it securely.
8. Add new oil to the engine until the oil level reaches the "max" mark on the dipstick.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil.

3. How to Check Your Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for keeping dust and dirt out of the engine. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. The air filter should be checked regularly, especially if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions. To check the air filter, simply remove it from the air filter housing and inspect it for dirt and debris. If the air filter is dirty, it should be replaced.

4. How to Check Your Coolant Level

The coolant level should be checked regularly, especially before long trips. To check the coolant level, simply look at the coolant reservoir. The coolant level should be between the "min" and "max" marks on the reservoir.

5. How to Check Your Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel. A dirty fuel filter can restrict fuel flow and reduce engine performance. The fuel filter should be checked regularly, especially if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions. To check the fuel filter, simply remove it from the fuel filter housing and inspect it for dirt and debris. If the fuel filter is dirty, it should be replaced.

6. How to Check Your Batteries

The batteries are responsible for starting the engine and providing power to the electrical system. The batteries should be checked regularly, especially if you are experiencing any electrical problems. To check the batteries, simply use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 13.2 volts. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the batteries should be recharged or replaced.

7. How to Check Your Tires

The tires are responsible for providing traction and support for the vehicle. The tires should be checked regularly for wear and tear. The tires should also be inflated to the proper pressure. To check the tire pressure, simply use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tire. The tire pressure should be between 30 and 35 psi.

8. How to Check Your Brakes

The brakes are responsible for stopping the vehicle. The brakes should be checked regularly for wear and tear. The brake pads should also be inspected for thickness. If the brake pads are less than 1/4 inch thick, they should be replaced.

9. How to Check Your Lights

The lights are responsible for providing visibility at night and in bad weather. The lights should be checked regularly to make sure that they are working properly. To check the lights, simply turn them on and off and make sure that they are all working. The headlights should be aimed correctly so that they provide adequate lighting without blinding oncoming drivers.

10. How to Troubleshoot Common Problems

Even the most well-maintained Cummins engines can experience problems from time to time. If you are experiencing any problems with your Cummins engine, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and find a solution. Some of the most common problems that Cummins engine owners experience include:

• Hard starting
• Black smoke from the exhaust
• Blue smoke from the exhaust
• White smoke from the exhaust
• Loss of power
• Knocking or pinging noises from the engine

If you are experiencing any of these problems, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the fuel level.
2. Check the air filter.
3. Check the oil level.
4. Check the coolant level.
5. Check the battery voltage.
6. Check the tire pressure.
7. Check the brake pads.
8. Check the lights.

If you have checked all of these

Top Ten Things to Know About Your 5.9 Cummins Before You Drive Another Mile: Increase the efficiency and longevity of your 5.9 Cummins diesel

by Tim Pletcher

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	38 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE