Enhance your diesel's fuel efficiency and performance and prevent major fuel system repair bills with a FASS Fuel System.
With the dramatic changes in fuel over the past several years, our vehicles are suffering in performance and efficiency. Talk to us to see how a FASS Fuel System can help turn that around for your truck!
Hi, I’m Jim the tech guy here at Shenandoah Valley Diesel & I'd like to give you some tips on your Diesels. FASS Fuel System.
If you own your own diesel you will soon find out the expense of replacing fuel related components. The newer the diesel engine, the closer tolerances you will have in the injection system components. The close tighter tolerances are needed due to the high pressures needed to atomize the fuel to make a cleaner burn in the combustion chamber. With lubricant being removed from diesel fuel to help protect the environment you now have created another huge problem and it has cost all of us.
Air bubbles in any fuel is not good because it cost you power and fuel mileage. Fuel sloshing around in the tank while you are moving the vehicle around cause’s air in the fuel. This fuel, (depending on your engine) is either sucked into the injection pump or is pushed by a transfer pump into your fuel injection system. The factory pumps, mechanical and electric pumps actually make air. Air was not as big of a problem until we got to the closer tolerances that we have now. Where there are air bubbles there is not as much lubrication to help protect the moving parts not to mention all the heat that builds up around the fuel system with a running engine. This is a recipe for disaster. Now add in the filtration systems that doesn’t filter the fuel down as far as it needs to be to get the debris out of the fuel, and you are headed into spending major money.
There is a way to make most of this problem go away. I have been using the FASS Fuel System along with selling and installing it for years now. Best money you will ever spend for your diesel. These pumps take air out of the fuel and also filter the fuel so much better. These systems are awesome. We are a dealer for them. You can call me any time to chat about these systems. You don’t have to purchase from us. I will still help you as much as possible. We are very busy, but we try to take time for everyone.
I will have good tips on the site from time to time. I’m sure you will find many things that will help you with your diesel.
Truck, Auto & RV Tune-Up
SVD is here to help make sure your Pick-up, RV, or Vehicle is ready for all your towing and travel needs. Routine maintenance, in addition to regular lube, oil and filter changes is extremely vital to avoid unnecessary breakdowns as well as saving you money over the long run.
AC Tips to It in Shape & Cold...
Watch High Engine Temperatures on Steep Grades: To many motorists, a summer getaway means heading for the mountains. If you’re traveling in hot weather uphill on a steep grade and your car is loaded with people and gear, keep an eye on the engine temperature. Running the air conditioner amplifies stress on your engine, which can contribute to the engine overheating. If you see the engine temp gauge rising, turn your heat on full blast for a few minutes to help lower the engine temperature and temporarily lessen the burden on the car’s cooling system.
Keep Ducts Under the Windshield Dry and Clear: The area where the hood and windshield meet is an optimum collection point for debris like pine needles and windblown leaves
When Odors are Detected, Act Quickly: Strange smells in your car’s air vents can be signs of significant problems,
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Musty or Mildew Odor
A musty smell could mean mold entered and remained undrained in the evaporator inside your cooling system. One such way to deal with this: You can run your heater on high for a little while to dry out the evaporator/heating core.
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Sweet Smell
A sweet smell can mean an antifreeze leak. A professional mechanic can run a leak test to confirm the issue and present service options.
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Gas Odor
When you smell gas coming from your AC unit, it could indicate a gas leak, which is hazardous. However, it could also mean your gas cap is not secure or is faulty. Either way, get the issue resolved quickly.
Open Windows to Flush Our Hot Air and then Start Driving: Then Turn on Your Air. Don’t expect the air conditioning to instantly cool the cabin during summer weather when the vehicle interior is blistering hot from sitting in the sun all day. You can give a head-start by opening your car’s windows to flush out hot air when you start the car and turn the blower on high. After a minute or so, close the windows and adjust the AC controls as needed to achieve comfort.
Use the Fresh Air Vent When Possible: Use recirculation when outside conditions (smoke, dust, odors, or high humidity) are present. Otherwise, select outside air. Recirculation mode can make the inside air stuffy, and window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended. Instead, use the outside air mode whenever possible.
Occasionally Run Defrost Mode: The defrost mode in your car does more than take the frost off your windows. It prevents mildew and clears up moisture inside the AC unit. Doing this once a week for 5 to 10 minutes can help you avoid mold, mildew, or other unpleasant odors in your car.
Use Coldest Setting & Adjust the Fan: Choosing the lowest temperature for your air conditioner is more efficient for the car’s cooling system and saves fuel. Why? Most cooling systems only cool the cabin by 30 degrees and then stop. If you reach that point, then set the temp higher, you also activate the heater. This dual effort causes stress on the system and uses more fuel. Instead, set the AC fan to low and rotate the vents away from you.
Change the AC Filter When Needed: Changing the cabin air filter is an essential part of car air conditioning maintenance. A typical replacement interval is 30,000 miles, but drivers (or passengers) with airborne allergen sensitivities might get filters more frequently to help prevent dust and pollen from circulating inside the car.
Read the Air Conditioning Section of Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual is full of recommendations and requirements for operating the vehicle, including its climate control and engine cooling systems.
Add Air Conditioning Checkpoints Maintenance Schedule: At a minimum, have the system checked at the start of each warm season. The service should include checking the drive belt tension, cleaning the condenser fins, and a performance test.
Additional Summer Maintenance
1. Change your oil and filters
Regular oil and filter changes are essential to keeping your engine healthy. Oil is important for picking up impurities as it lubricates and cools your engine, but as that oil ages it becomes less effective. Failing to replace engine oil can result in higher fuel consumption, poor engine performance and, possibly, cause severe engine damage or decrease the life of your engine.
2. Check your fluids
Checking your fluids goes hand-in-hand with changing your oil and filter. Check your power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer fluids and coolant. Top up any fluids that are low and flush/replace them as recommended in your car’s owner’s manual.
3. Tire maintenance
Spring tire maintenance starts with replacing your winter tires with your regular tires. But it’s also important to check and maintain proper tire pressure, rotate your tires and monitor for tread wear. Tires provide the only point of contact between your car and the road, so it’s critically important to make sure your tires are well maintained.
4. Replace your wiper blades
Wiper blades can take a beating during the winter. It’s a good idea to replace them in the spring when the onset of spring showers can lead to reduced visibility.
5. Check your battery
Your battery takes a beating in cold temperatures. Spring is a great time to have it tested and ensure it is mounted securely and its connections are strong and free of corrosion. Batteries more than five years old may need to be replaced.
6. Inspect your belts and hoses
Sub-zero temperatures can harden and damage rubber. In the spring, it is important to check all your hoses and belts for any damage. Replacing any belts may also require replacing the tensioner and pulleys to ensure the new belt does not slip.
7. Check your AC
Before the temperatures get too hot, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly. Nothing feels worse than getting into a hot car and not being able to cool it down!
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If you need help with any of these auto services, the expert mechanics at Shenandoah Valley Diesel are always happy to help. Simply stop by, give us a call and we will take care of the rest quickly and easily. We’re dedicated to making sure you and your family stay safe on the road all year long!