How-tos

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.

Reusing head bolts: a smart save or a costly mistake? This guide gives you the clear answer. Learn to spot which bolts you must replace and how to safely inspect the rest to get the job done right the first time.

Ever been on the phone trying to order parts, and the person asks for your engine serial number? You’re standing there, grease up to your elbows, searching every visible surface of your engine like you’re on a treasure hunt. At FridayParts, we’ve guided thousands of customers through this exact scenario over our 16 years in business. Engine serial numbers aren’t just random digits – they’re the DNA of your diesel engine, telling its complete story from birth to present day. Let’s decode the mystery and show you exactly where to find these crucial numbers and what they mean.

As temperatures rise, it’s a smart move to upgrade the radiator in your equipment’s cooling system. But once you start searching online, the choices—and opinions—can get overwhelming fast. Which radiator core is right for my machine? Should you go with a 2-core or 3-core radiator? Which materials offer the best durability? Don’t worry—this article covers. Whether you’re a machine owner, maintenance tech, or parts buyer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in plain, practical terms. By the way, we share the latest trends in cooling system components to watch for in 2025.

Don’t let a cryptic Thermo King code disrupt your operations. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential alarm, fault, APU, and reefer codes you’ll encounter. Learn to distinguish between critical red alerts and non-critical yellow warnings, understand what your equipment is telling you, and turn complex diagnostics into simple, manageable repairs. Master these codes to minimize downtime, protect your cargo, and keep your fleet running efficiently.