{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Spring Diesel Maintenance Most Truck Owners Forget","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/spring-diesel-maintenance-most-truck-owners-forget","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DIESE2694152309.mp3","description":"Hot Shot’s Secret chats with us about a commonly overlooked part of \nmaintenance - Spring cleanout. All Winter your diesel truck endured cold\n starts and increased idle time. What does that do to a fuel system? \nDoes engine oil take a beating as well? We cover a Spring checklist to \nensure your diesel truck doesn’t skip a beat.\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":12.4,"endTime":17.6,"type":"concept","title":"freezing diesel fuel","url":"/glossary/freezing-diesel-fuel","quote":"...we had talked a couple of times about freezing diesel fuel and all the issues that we have in winter.","canonicalId":"concept:freezing-diesel-fuel","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diesel fuel can gel or partially freeze in cold weather, restricting flow to the fuel system. That can lead to hard starts, loss of power, and potential damage if the engine is repeatedly cranked while fuel can’t move properly.","simplifiedExplanation":"In winter, diesel can get thick and start to gel. When that happens, the truck may be hard to start because fuel can’t flow the way it should."}},{"startTime":291.8,"endTime":295.46,"type":"term","title":"lubricity additive","url":"/glossary/lubricity-additive","quote":"I'm sorry, injector cleaner, c-tain booster, water demulsifier, lubricity additive,","canonicalId":"term:lubricity-additive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lubricity additives increase the lubricating properties of diesel fuel, which helps protect fuel system components like pumps and injectors. This is especially relevant with ultra-low sulfur diesel, which can have reduced natural lubricity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lubricity additives help diesel act more like a lubricant. That can protect the precision parts in the fuel system from extra wear."}},{"startTime":341.0,"endTime":347.1,"type":"term","title":"injectors","url":"/glossary/injectors","quote":"...all the way to the rail through the injectors, get everything flushed out and give you a clean start for the year.","canonicalId":"term:injectors","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diesel injectors are the components that precisely meter and spray fuel into the combustion chamber. Deposits or partial clogging can cause poor spray quality, rough running, and reduced efficiency, which is why injector-focused cleaning is a common maintenance idea.","simplifiedExplanation":"Injectors are the parts that spray fuel into the engine. If they get dirty, the engine can run rough or not burn fuel as well."}},{"startTime":563.3,"endTime":584.5,"type":"term","title":"DPF","url":"/glossary/dpf","quote":"...we see so much more idol hours and you're right, you're sending a lot more particulate to the DPF, if it's a emissions truck... So, um, now on a DPF system, it's going to actually be cleaning itself out with","canonicalId":"term:dpf","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. It traps soot (particulate matter) from the exhaust and periodically burns it off through regeneration so the filter doesn’t clog.","simplifiedExplanation":"DPF means a filter that catches the dirty soot from a diesel exhaust. Over time it has to clean itself out, or it can get clogged and cause problems."}},{"startTime":641.6,"endTime":646.8,"type":"company","title":"diesel extreme","url":"/glossary/diesel-extreme","quote":"So, uh, diesel extreme is the product that you'd use, um, that's going to clean up all that soot and carbon deposits that are left behind. Now it's not going to clean out your DPF.","canonicalId":"company:diesel-extreme","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diesel Extreme is mentioned as a specific product used to clean soot and carbon deposits. The speaker frames it as a way to improve spring readiness, while noting it won’t replace proper DPF cleaning/regeneration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Diesel Extreme is a diesel additive/product the host recommends to help clean out soot and carbon. They also say it won’t fully “fix” a DPF if the filter isn’t regenerating correctly."}},{"startTime":746.7,"endTime":753.4,"type":"term","title":"lubricating the fuel","url":"/glossary/lubricating-the-fuel","quote":"Like the, the adding side just comes from the C-tane boost and the lubricating the fuel that's keeping the pump, you know, lubricated.","canonicalId":"term:lubricating-the-fuel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Many diesel fuel treatments include lubricity additives to improve the fuel’s lubricating properties. This matters because diesel fuel lubricates components in the fuel system (especially high-pressure pumps), reducing wear."}},{"startTime":746.7,"endTime":753.4,"type":"term","title":"C-tane boost","url":"/glossary/c-tane-boost","quote":"So there's two gains that you get from the diesel extremes... Like the, the adding side just comes from the C-tane boost and the lubricating the fuel that's keeping the pump...","canonicalId":"term:c-tane-boost","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“C-tane boost” refers to raising the diesel fuel’s cetane rating (often via additives). Higher cetane generally improves combustion quality, which can help cold starting and smooth running, especially after winter.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cetane is a property of diesel fuel that affects how easily it burns. A “cetane boost” additive is meant to help the engine burn the fuel more cleanly and reliably."}},{"startTime":900.8,"endTime":907.7,"type":"term","title":"additive solution","url":"/glossary/additive-solution","quote":"...a lot of times people don't look for an additive solution until [907.7s] they have a problem.","canonicalId":"term:additive-solution","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fuel additive is a product added to diesel to improve performance or protect against issues like microbial growth, water contamination, or fuel degradation. In practice, additives are often used as a preventative measure, but the speaker notes many people wait until they already have a problem.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fuel additive is something you pour into the tank to help keep the fuel in better shape. The point here is that people often wait until the truck is already acting up."}},{"startTime":1248.8,"endTime":1251.7,"type":"term","title":"stabilizing","url":"/glossary/stabilizing","quote":"...demulsifying, stabilizing and rust inhibiting does all of those.","canonicalId":"term:stabilizing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel stabilizers slow down fuel oxidation and degradation during storage. For diesel owners, this matters when trucks sit for periods or when fuel quality varies by season and supply chain."}},{"startTime":1248.8,"endTime":1251.7,"type":"term","title":"rust inhibiting","url":"/glossary/rust-inhibiting","quote":"...stabilizing and rust inhibiting does all of those.","canonicalId":"term:rust-inhibiting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rust inhibitors are additives that help protect metal surfaces in the fuel system from corrosion. This is particularly relevant when water contamination is present or when fuel sits for long periods."}},{"startTime":1251.7,"endTime":1256.3,"type":"term","title":"cents per gallon","url":"/glossary/cents-per-gallon","quote":"So, uh, yeah, I get it. ... you’re talking a few cents per gallon to treat.","canonicalId":"term:cents-per-gallon","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cents per gallon” is how additive products are often priced and compared to fuel cost. It helps owners evaluate whether the treatment cost is reasonable relative to the potential benefits (cleaning, lubricity, water handling, etc.).","simplifiedExplanation":"Additives are often priced as a small amount per gallon of fuel. That makes it easier to judge if it’s worth it compared to the cost of diesel itself."}},{"startTime":1481.4,"endTime":1485.66,"type":"company","title":"Hot Shot Secret","url":"/glossary/hot-shot-secret","quote":"...And then with a company like Hot Shot Secret and your dealer network, now","canonicalId":"company:hot-shot-secret","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hot Shot Secret is a well-known diesel fuel additive and filtration brand in the U.S., often associated with products used to help protect diesel fuel systems. The host mentions it in the context of having a dealer network that can provide broader real-world data.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hot Shot Secret is a company that sells diesel-related products, like additives. They’re mentioned because their network can help collect information from many trucks, not just one."}},{"startTime":1496.1,"endTime":1500.1,"type":"concept","title":"R and D","url":"/glossary/r-and-d","quote":"if there's consistent issues out there and we're all kind of. That, that's what feeds our R and D here.","canonicalId":"concept:r-and-d","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"R and D stands for research and development—the process of improving products through testing and iteration. The speaker says customer issues and data feed into their R and D, implying they use field experience to refine diesel-related products.","simplifiedExplanation":"R and D means research and development. It’s how a company tests ideas and improves products based on what customers are experiencing."}},{"startTime":1510.5,"endTime":1514.4,"type":"company","title":"hotshotseeker.com","url":"/glossary/hotshotseeker-com","quote":"So we sell direct on our websites. You can go to hotshotseeker.com and buy our products.","canonicalId":"company:hotshotseeker-com","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker mentions hotshotseeker.com as a direct-to-consumer sales channel. For truck owners, this is often where diesel performance parts and accessories are marketed and sold without going through a traditional dealership.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying you can buy their products online directly from their website. That means you don’t have to go through a store or dealer to get diesel parts."}},{"startTime":1576.9,"endTime":1581.4,"type":"concept","title":"canaries in the coal mine","url":"/glossary/canaries-in-the-coal-mine","quote":"They're the ones finding the issues with these vehicles before they, before it's widely known, um, and you're right, our, our shops, our diesel, uh, partners that are our dealers are our best like canaries in the coal mine.","canonicalId":"concept:canaries-in-the-coal-mine","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Canaries in the coal mine” is a metaphor for early warning. In this context, dealers and repair shops see symptoms first in real-world use, before the broader industry fully recognizes the pattern. That early detection helps identify root causes and triggers fixes like TSBs."}},{"startTime":1741.8,"endTime":1744.9,"type":"brand","title":"DFC diesel","url":"/glossary/dfc-diesel","quote":"[1741.8s]  DFC diesel is a sponsor of the podcast.\n[1744.9s]  We worked with them, you know, hand in hand on doing episodes, answering\n[1747.7s]  technical questions, they have a complete lineup of Cummins, Duramax and Power","canonicalId":"brand:dfc-diesel","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"DFC diesel is presented as a sponsor and an aftermarket supplier for diesel truck engines. The host says they provide remanufactured engines and support technical questions for customers.","simplifiedExplanation":"DFC diesel is a company that sells diesel truck parts and engines for people who want upgrades or replacements. In this episode they’re sponsoring and helping with technical info."}},{"startTime":1775.8,"endTime":1778.2,"type":"concept","title":"OEM engine","url":"/glossary/oem-engine","quote":"[1775.8s]  sometimes the options\n[1775.8s]  that are out there, it's just, it's a basic OEM engine.\n[1778.2s]  You want a little bit more.","canonicalId":"concept:oem-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer—meaning the engine is built to the factory design/spec. The host contrasts a basic OEM replacement with upgraded options to avoid repeating the same failure.","simplifiedExplanation":"An OEM engine is the factory-style engine, built to the original design. The host is saying that sometimes you want something more than the basic factory spec."}},{"startTime":1812.1,"endTime":1816.3,"type":"concept","title":"better fuel economy","url":"/glossary/better-fuel-economy","quote":"[1812.1s]  So you can add that into your build and be able to get better fuel economy,\n[1816.3s]  you know, increased power, increased torque and better engine life out of it.","canonicalId":"concept:better-fuel-economy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel economy is how efficiently an engine converts fuel into usable work, usually measured as miles per gallon (or similar metrics). The host connects the piston/engine build choices to improved fuel economy, implying efficiency gains from better combustion and airflow."}},{"startTime":1814.0,"endTime":1816.3,"type":"concept","title":"increased torque","url":"/glossary/increased-torque","quote":"[1812.1s]  So you can add that into your build and be able to get better fuel economy,\n[1816.3s]  you know, increased power, increased torque and better engine life out of it.","canonicalId":"concept:increased-torque","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, which strongly affects how strongly a truck accelerates and how well it pulls at low to mid speeds. The host groups increased torque with the other benefits of the upgraded engine/piston setup."}},{"startTime":1874.9,"endTime":1879.7,"type":"company","title":"fastride.com","url":"/glossary/fastride-com","quote":"Visit fastride.com to find the perfect fuel system upgrade for your truck.","canonicalId":"company:fastride-com","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host directs listeners to fastride.com to find a fuel-system upgrade for their truck. It’s positioned as a way to match the right system to the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re pointing you to a website where you can shop for a fuel upgrade. The idea is to find the right setup for your truck."}},{"startTime":1949.1,"endTime":1953.0,"type":"term","title":"urea and water","url":"/glossary/urea-and-water","quote":"[1949.1s] You know, death fluid itself is is urea and water.\n[1953.0s] It's a very poor product or it's just some nasty stuff, but it","canonicalId":"term:urea-and-water","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"DEF is made from urea dissolved in water. This specific chemistry matters because DEF is injected into the exhaust system and must behave correctly for the emissions process to work as intended.","simplifiedExplanation":"DEF is made by mixing urea with water. The truck relies on that exact mixture to make the emissions-cleaning system work."}},{"startTime":2247.1,"endTime":2251.6,"type":"term","title":"fuel dilution","url":"/glossary/fuel-dilution","quote":"We're dealing with, uh, so we're looking, we're dealing with, uh, fuel [2250.6s] dilution. [2251.6s] Um, we're looking at water in the system.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-dilution","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel dilution is when diesel fuel leaks past the combustion process and mixes into the engine oil. It typically happens more during cold starts, idling, or short trips, and it can thin the oil—reducing lubrication and increasing wear risk.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel dilution means some diesel fuel ends up mixed into the engine oil. That can make the oil thinner than it should be, which isn’t great for protecting engine parts."}},{"startTime":2264.8,"endTime":2268.3,"type":"term","title":"detergent","url":"/glossary/detergent","quote":"One thing is a little different on the oil side that I think a lot of people [2264.8s] forget is that in your diesel oil, um, we have, we have detergent.","canonicalId":"term:detergent","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Detergents are additives in diesel engine oil that help keep contaminants suspended and reduce deposit formation on internal surfaces. The host is emphasizing that diesel oil isn’t just “lubrication”—it also has chemistry designed to manage cleanliness.","simplifiedExplanation":"Detergent is an additive in oil that helps keep the engine cleaner by preventing gunk from sticking to parts. It helps manage buildup from normal diesel operation."}},{"startTime":2522.3,"endTime":2526.3,"type":"term","title":"oil filter","url":"/glossary/oil-filter","quote":"So then it just gets picked up in your oil filter or once you get done with that interval, when you dump your oil, all that nasty gunk is coming out with it.","canonicalId":"term:oil-filter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An oil filter traps suspended contaminants as oil circulates through the engine. The speaker is describing a cleaning mechanism where loosened deposits end up captured by the filter or removed at the next oil change."}},{"startTime":2666.9,"endTime":2671.2,"type":"term","title":"oil analysis","url":"/glossary/oil-analysis","quote":"But as soon as you introduced oil analysis, uh, which doesn't cost much, I, we do analysis at, at cost here at hot shots.","canonicalId":"term:oil-analysis","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Oil analysis is a lab test of a used engine oil sample to check wear metals, contamination, and oil condition. For diesel truck owners, it helps catch problems early and confirm whether maintenance intervals are appropriate for how the truck is actually used.","simplifiedExplanation":"Oil analysis is when you send a little sample of your used oil to a lab. They look for signs of engine wear or dirt in the oil so you can spot issues before they become expensive repairs."}},{"startTime":2676.8,"endTime":2684.1,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"These kits are, I think 25 bucks. Um, and that even comes with like a prepaid mailer. So comes you fill it up on your oil change and you just drop it in the bag","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is the routine replacement of engine oil and (usually) the oil filter. In the context of oil analysis, the sample is taken during or after an oil change so the lab can evaluate what the oil collected while it was in the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change is when you drain the old oil and put in fresh oil. It’s part of keeping the engine clean and lubricated."}},{"startTime":2704.6,"endTime":2706.3,"type":"term","title":"baseline","url":"/glossary/baseline","quote":"because the first oil analysis is kind of like, yeah, it's kind of like a shot in the dark. It's kind of a baseline kind of see a snapshot of time where we're at.","canonicalId":"term:baseline","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In oil analysis, a baseline is the first test result that establishes a reference point for your specific engine and operating conditions. Later tests are compared against this snapshot to spot trends like increasing wear or contamination.","simplifiedExplanation":"A baseline is your first oil test result that acts like a starting point. After that, future tests are compared to see if things are getting better or worse."}},{"startTime":3310.6,"endTime":3314.4,"type":"company","title":"kershaw.kaiusa.com","url":"/glossary/kershaw-kaiusa-com","quote":"Make sure and head on over to kershaw.kaiusa.com. [3314.4s] Use code 20 TD eight FR 26 to get 20% off your order.","canonicalId":"company:kershaw-kaiusa-com","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the sponsor’s website for Kershaw products. The hosts are directing listeners there using a discount code, so it’s relevant for anyone following the show’s sponsor offers.","simplifiedExplanation":"That link is the sponsor’s store website. They’re telling you where to go to buy something with a discount code."}},{"startTime":3323.8,"endTime":3327.1,"type":"term","title":"EDC","url":"/glossary/edc","quote":"Whether it's a new knife or EDC hunting, fishing, something around the job [3327.1s] side around the house, they've got you covered","canonicalId":"term:edc","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EDC stands for “everyday carry,” meaning a small, practical item you keep with you regularly. In this context, it refers to knives designed for daily use rather than only hunting or specialty tasks.","simplifiedExplanation":"EDC means “everyday carry.” It’s the kind of knife you’d keep with you for normal daily tasks."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"The Diesel Podcast","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/spring-diesel-maintenance-most-truck-owners-forget/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}