Pro Tips, News & Events

Is your excavator, loader, or tractor losing power or hard to start? A clogged fuel filter is a common cause, but dealer replacement costs can be shocking. This guide breaks down the real 2025 fuel filter replacement cost, comparing OEM parts to high-quality aftermarket alternatives. We’ll show you how to save up to 70% on the filter itself and eliminate the $100-$400 labor charge with our simple, step-by-step DIY guide. Stop overpaying and keep your machine running strong.

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.

If you own a John Deere Z445 or are planning to buy one used, this quick read collects the key specifications, problems that will happen, and must-have parts so both first-time owners and seasoned techs can keep the machine cutting clean.

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.

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.