our Annual Tire Sale is back!

July 1 - 31

The Service Company's annual semi truck tire sale is back! All tires in all sizes are on sale for the month of July. Including drive tires, steer tires, trailer tires, and lift axle tires. We also install tires! Come by our shop to see what's available.

Learn More

December 1, 2022

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

The heavy-duty trucking industry is well known for its overwhelming demand, and as such, it’s not surprising that many drivers fall behind on their preventive maintenance regimen for their Kenworth trucks. Whether it be due to tight delivery schedules or complex logistical problems, sometimes routine maintenance is left on the back burner. However, falling behind on preventive maintenance isn’t something to take lightly. It may result in premature wear and tear and may even cause damage to your Kenworth truck’s critical components, like your engine and transmission. For these reasons, among others, it’s important for fleet managers and drivers to be able to identify wear and tear when it happens. Catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run, and for those who push the boundaries of their preventive maintenance regimen, that know-how is a necessity.

Let's examine some of the most typical vehicle repairs that fleet managers encounter. 

Starter Issues

As the colder months approach, the starter motor in your Kenworth truck should be checked out more often. In the winter, starter failure may become a frequent issue. The operator will likely become aware of obvious problems with a starter motor initially, and the difficulty will only grow worse as the outside temperature drops. To identify the issue, non-essential systems, like your radio and HVAC system, should be switched off during the motor start phase. 

Kenworth truck starter issues are often associated with the cooler winter months. They may, however, happen at any time of the year. A broken battery or a loose or corroded battery connection is often to blame for the problem, which can usually be fixed by swapping out the offending part. However, there are times when the starter itself is the problem, such as when brushes are worn out, armatures are damaged, coil windings draw too much current, or magnets rub against other parts of the machine, increasing internal friction. The engine may thus crank slowly, noisily, or not at all, thanks to a damaged starter. 

Regardless of the weather, the starting mechanism has to be checked often to prevent major ignition issues down the road. To ease the strain on the starter and battery during the motor start phase, radios and other non-essential electrical devices should also be turned off. 

Engine Overheating 

A Kenworth truck may have a variety of aftereffects from an overheated engine. Nevertheless, if the issue is ignored for too long, this might eventually result in engine failure. As a result, it's essential to assess and resolve any overheating symptoms with a maintenance expert. Long-term, this may save you a lot of money and avert failure at a crucial moment. 

Modern diesel truck engines are incredibly effective and durable, but they are not maintenance-free. Overheating is a common issue that may be brought on by anything from a ruptured gasket to a coolant line leak. The most common causes of engine overheating are typically fan hub issues, fan clutch issues, and plugged radiators.

Tire and Wheel Bearing Wear

Wheel bearings are crucial components that enable your wheel to roll down the road with the least amount of resistance possible. The bearings may be worn if the driver detects unusually loud noise coming from the wheel wells when the vehicle is in motion. Unsteady road movements or a vehicle that seems jerky might also be signs of wear. As for your heavy-duty tires, be sure to keep an eye out for uneven tread wear. Uneven tread wear is an indicator of steering and suspension misalignment and should always be taken seriously. 

Brake Adjuster Wear

Brake wear is one of the easier problems to identify, for the symptoms are very obvious. Before each trip, you should be inspecting your brake adjusters for damage. They hang quite low and are prone to damage from road debris and road-based contaminants. The signs of brake adjuster wear and damage include busted seals, boots, operating mechanisms, and visible misalignment. 

Final Thoughts

In general, thorough and regular maintenance is the greatest strategy to prevent problems or stop them from becoming worse. The best practices include performing inspections before and after each trip as well as having expert maintenance performed on a regular basis. When your Kenworth truck does need new parts, always choose high-quality replacements to ensure durability and reliable operation.

Similar posts

Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop

Finding A Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop That’s Right For You

When your business depends on a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, choosing the right repair shop is essential. Find one that understands your vehicles, is reliable, and provides excellent service. Here are key questions to ask and why The Service Company in Greenville, Ohio is a perfect fit.

Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

The Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

For reliable cylinder head counterboring services, contact The Service Company. We specialize in resolving liner protrusion and damaged block issues. Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.

Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

The Benefits Of Using A Professional Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

Discover the benefits of hiring a professional for repairing your heavy-duty trailer chassis. Learn how worn chassis parts can impact truck performance and how professional mechanics can use specialized techniques to restore them. Ensure your truck is brought back to its original functionality through proper repairs. Read on to understand the advantages of entrusting your heavy-duty trailer chassis repairs to experts.

Peterbilt Model 579

The Peterbilt Model 579 - Is It The New Benchmark For 2022?

Peterbilt's new Model 579 truck has undergone a significant redesign, incorporating driver and fleet feedback. It features a sleek, aerodynamic front end, improved rear-view mirrors, and enhanced comfort and productivity elements inside the cab. The truck's fuel efficiency has been boosted up to 7% with new aerodynamic features. The Model 579 is a significant improvement from its predecessors and represents a major step forward for Peterbilt.

18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Common Issues That Can Be Identified Through 18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Preventive maintenance is the key to recognizing potential problems before they can cause disruption and minimizing fleet downtime. As the majority of overland freight in this country relies on timely departures and deliveries, truck drivers and fleet managers need to ensure their vehicles stay on the road.

Heavy Duty Trucks Maintenance in Winters

7 Preventive Maintenance Tips For Winters - Heavy Duty Trucks

Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your fleet on the road throughout the year. Spotting and resolving problems early helps minimize associated costs and downtime for your fleet. Here are our top tips for efficient winter maintenance for heavy-duty trucks. 

Truck Engine Overhaul

5 Signs That You Need To Overhaul Your Truck Engine

Using an older truck is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it does mean that you need to look out for signs indicating a need for maintenance. Engine problems are among the biggest potential issues heavy-duty truckers could be facing. To spot potential issues early, look out for these five signs that may indicate your engine needs an overhaul. 

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

The suspension system in a Peterbilt truck increases tire-road contact friction, increases passenger comfort, and provides steering stability. If your suspension is worn or damaged, you may notice the following signs and symptoms. 

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

Semi-truck models come in a wide variety of features tailored to various applications. But the most important aspects of a truck, whether you are making a short or long trip, are its durability and torque.

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Today we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about your truck’s coolant system, including its anatomy, how it all works, and what symptoms to look out for should it start to malfunction. 

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

In this blog post, we will discuss six common indicators that your heavy-duty truck needs a wheel alignment. Keep reading to learn more!

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

It’s important for fleet managers and drivers to be able to identify wear and tear when it happens. Catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run, and for those who push the boundaries of their preventive maintenance regimen, that know-how is a necessity. Let's examine some of the most typical Kenworth repairs that fleet managers encounter. 

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

There are many ways to make heavy-duty trucks more efficient and reduce their emissions. Here are seven steps that trucking fleets can take to maximize efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

There are several ways in which you can actually improve your truck’s performance as well, rather than maintain its factory power output. Here are seven excellent suggestions to help you enhance and even maximize the performance of your heavy-duty diesel truck. 

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

Through a combination of preventive maintenance and careful inspection, you can ensure your Freightliner truck continues to run at peak performance and efficiency for years to come. To help you undergo this process, we’ve put together a series of steps that if followed, will prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money. 

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR heavy-duty trucks come along with superior transmission technologies. When you are about to get one of the PACCAR heavy-duty trucks, it is better to have a basic understanding of those transmission options.

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

You often rely on your heavy-duty truck to travel hundreds of miles every day, and because of this, it’s important to ensure that your wheels are properly balanced. If you don't, you may face unpleasant repercussions. Finding the right diesel repair shop to perform wheel balancing can sometimes prove to be difficult. We've put together a list of 4 things to consider while looking for a wheel balancing service provider.

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

There are few engines as capable or as fuel-efficient as the Paccar MX 13 turbo engine. Designed specifically for the needs of truckers, this engine is ideal for transporting large loads over long distances.