Pro Tips, News & Events

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.

A failed blower motor isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue. In 2025, a replacement on heavy machinery can cost anywhere from $400 to over $2,500. This guide breaks down every factor, from labor and parts (OEM vs. aftermarket) to hidden costs, giving you the knowledge to save money and get your equipment back to work fast.

A blower motor is an electric motor that heats, cools, and circulates air by driving a fan or blower. It ensures air circulation in the cockpit and provides a comfortable operating environment for the driver. The blower motor might be small, but it plays a big role in keeping your machine—and you—comfortable. Whether you are in winter or summer, the blower motor is heating and cooling your cab and always providing you with fresh air. In this article, we will introduce the function, working principle, classification, and application scenarios of the blower motor in detail. Finally, we also prepared some basic blower motor maintenance tips and problem answers for you to help you fully understand this key component.

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.

If you’ve ever rebuilt a high-performance diesel or dealt with repeated head gasket failures, you’ve probably heard someone mention fire rings. But what exactly are these mysterious metal rings, and why do some diesel engines absolutely need them while others run fine without them? At FridayParts, we’ve supplied thousands of head gaskets and fire ring kits over our 16 years, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right sealing solution can make or break an engine build. Let’s demystify fire rings and help you understand when they’re necessary, how they work, and whether your diesel could benefit from this upgrade.

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.

Do you know the difference between your equipment’s two main air filters? While both are crucial, they protect entirely different systems. The engine air filter acts as the lungs of your machine, protecting the engine from damaging dirt and debris to ensure peak performance. The cabin air filter is the guardian of your health, purifying the air you breathe inside the cab. This guide explains everything you need to know—from their distinct functions and locations to the critical signs that it’s time for a replacement.

An air compressor aftercooler is a device that cools the hot, compressed air coming from a compressor to reduce its temperature and moisture. The air compressor is the heart of the pneumatic tool system. The air coming out of the compressor is very hot and contains a lot of water vapor. High heat and harmful moisture usually cause silent damage to your equipment. Aftercoolers are the solution to these problems for your equipment.

Discover the real differences between aftercoolers and intercoolers in diesel engines. Learn how placement, performance, and maintenance impact your machinery’s power and reliability—clear, expert insights for every owner and mechanic. Click to get the facts and boost your engine’s efficiency!

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.