How-tos

Check engine light on and your car is running rough? It could be a faulty VVT solenoid. Before you spend hundreds at the shop, learn how to diagnose the problem yourself with 5 simple tests. This guide shows you how to use basic tools, like a multimeter, to find out if your solenoid is truly the culprit, saving you time and money.

If you work with off-highway equipment, you’ve likely encountered thermostat replacements more than once. A quick online search often reveals a puzzling range of prices—some surprisingly low, others shockingly high. This wide gap usually comes down to several key factors: part quality, labor rates, machine model, and even hidden fees. Knowing what really drives the cost of thermostat replacement is essential if you want to avoid overspending.

A P2459 code on your 6.7 Cummins means the DPF is trying to regenerate too often. It’s usually caused by a bad sensor, clogged filter, or DEF system issue. Catch it early to avoid poor fuel mileage and costly emissions repairs.

Your engine’s water pump might be small, but it’s mighty important. Think of it as your engine’s heart – it keeps coolant flowing through your system, preventing your engine from turning into an expensive paperweight. When your water pump starts failing, you need to act fast. Let’s dive into the telltale signs that your water pump needs attention and what you can do about it.

That 17-digit VIN on your diesel truck holds more secrets than you think. While it’s a great starting point, it doesn’t tell the full story. This guide breaks down how to read your VIN, introduces the best free decoder tools for Ford, GM, and RAM, and explains why the Engine Serial Number (ESN) is often the real key to ordering the right parts.

When you start your excavator for a day’s work and suddenly hear abnormal engine noises, experience unstable RPMs, or even occasional stalling, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. You might worry the entire fuel system is damaged—but in most cases, the issue lies with a clogged fuel filter. In the early stages, fuel filter blockages are hard to notice. But over time, restricted fuel flow can seriously affect engine performance and even cause long-term damage. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of a failing fuel filter early. In this article, we’ll break down the warning signs and offer practical tips to help you prevent costly repairs.

An oil cooler leak in heavy machinery is more than a minor drip; it’s a critical warning sign that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This definitive guide walks you through identifying the key symptoms, recognizing the causes, and provides a complete, step-by-step replacement process. Learn how to fix it right to prevent costly downtime and protect your engine’s health.

A water pump leak on your off-road machinery is more than a minor annoyance—it’s a critical warning of potential engine failure and expensive downtime. This guide provides a complete overview for equipment owners, detailing the common causes from worn seals to coolant contamination. Learn to recognize all the symptoms, understand the serious risks of overheating, and follow our expert, step-by-step instructions for a permanent replacement. We explain why temporary fixes are not the answer for heavy-duty engines and how to prevent leaks from happening again.

Your Cummins Engine Serial Number (ESN) is the master key to ordering the right parts and avoiding costly mistakes, but finding it can be a challenge. This definitive guide ends the search. We provide detailed maps showing the exact ESN location on every major Cummins series, from the ISX and X15 to the ISB and QSK. You’ll also learn how to decode your data plate, use the free Cummins QuickServe tool like a pro, and understand why the Control Parts List (CPL) is critical. Stop wasting time and money on the wrong components—use our expert guide to get the right information, the first time.

The oil cooler may not look like much, but it plays a big role in keeping your heavy equipment running smoothly. Keeping engine oil cool and flowing helps prevent overheating, reduces wear on engine parts, and even improves fuel efficiency. But when an oil cooler starts to fail—due to cracks, clogs, or age—you’ll start noticing real trouble: rising oil temps, overheating, strange smells, and even unexpected breakdowns.

That sinking feeling when your diesel starts pushing coolant, running rough, or showing white smoke is something no equipment owner wants to experience. At FridayParts, we’ve seen thousands of failed cylinder heads come through our doors over the past 16 years, and the damage patterns tell a story – usually one of preventable failure. Whether you’re dealing with a warped head that won’t seal or severe pitting that’s eating through material, understanding what causes these failures can save you from a $3,000-10,000 repair bill. Let’s dive into the real reasons cylinder heads fail and, more importantly, how you can prevent your engine from becoming another casualty.

The water pump and thermostat work together in the cooling system to ensure that the equipment has enough coolant circulating so that the engine does not easily exceed the maximum temperature it can withstand, 220 degrees Fahrenheit. They work together to maintain the good operation of the equipment cooling system, but sometimes, when cooling system problems occur, it is difficult to distinguish which one of them has a problem. Therefore, through this article, you will learn how to clearly distinguish which one of them fault when a problem comes, how they work together, etc., to help you make a quick judgment and replace the broken parts in time.