What are Common Problems with Diesel Engines?
Even though diesel engines do not have as many repair issues as gas-powered vehicles, they still require regular maintenance and care to keep them at their peak performance level. If regular maintenance is neglected, you could be spending hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, on diesel repairs.
So what are common problems with diesel engines? Here are several of the most common diesel problems:
- Loss of power. This is a common fuel-related problem that can be caused by dirty fuel filters, excessive lubrication, fuel injector problems, and loose throttle linkage.
- Glow Plug Failure. To get a diesel engine started in cold weather, the engines have glow plugs (they look a lot like spark plugs) which are basically tiny heaters in the pre-chamber or combustion chamber. These plugs wear out just like spark plugs.
- Hard-to-Start Issues. Incorrect weight viscosity can cause hard starting issues. The viscosity of diesel lubricants is a lot higher than that of gasoline so ask your diesel mechanic for advice.
- Contaminated fuel. Thicker than gasoline, diesel fuel can become contaminated more easily.
- Faulty lead/acid storage battery. This is a crucial part of the starter system so if it is faulty, you will have starting problems.
- Black exhaust. A clogged air filter, broken injector or injector pump, faulty turbocharger, or broken EGR valve, can cause an imbalance of the air/fuel ratio, creating black exhaust.
- Oxidation of the Oil. When a diesel vehicle sits too long and isn’t driven regularly, the oil can start to oxidize. This means that air is getting into the oil, causing it to “bubble,” preventing effective lubrication of the engine.
- Excessive noise. Diesel engines are known to be louder than gas-powered engines, but if the noise seems excessive, such as knocking sounds or other unusual noises, there could be a problem with the fuel injectors, effecting the compression balance which in turn reduces overall performance.
If your diesel engine is starting to experience any of the issues above, schedule diesel repairs as soon as possible so that a minor problem doesn’t turn into a bigger, more costly issue.
Have more questions about what are common problems with diesel engines? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repairs and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
Even though diesel engines do not have as many repair issues as gas-powered vehicles, they still require regular maintenance and care to keep them at their peak performance level. If regular maintenance is neglected, you could be spending hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, on diesel repairs.
So what are common problems with diesel engines? Here are several of the most common diesel problems:
- Loss of power. This is a common fuel-related problem that can be caused by dirty fuel filters, excessive lubrication, fuel injector problems, and loose throttle linkage.
- Glow Plug Failure. To get a diesel engine started in cold weather, the engines have glow plugs (they look a lot like spark plugs) which are basically tiny heaters in the pre-chamber or combustion chamber. These plugs wear out just like spark plugs.
- Hard-to-Start Issues. Incorrect weight viscosity can cause hard starting issues. The viscosity of diesel lubricants is a lot higher than that of gasoline so ask your diesel mechanic for advice.
- Contaminated fuel. Thicker than gasoline, diesel fuel can become contaminated more easily.
- Faulty lead/acid storage battery. This is a crucial part of the starter system so if it is faulty, you will have starting problems.
- Black exhaust. A clogged air filter, broken injector or injector pump, faulty turbocharger, or broken EGR valve, can cause an imbalance of the air/fuel ratio, creating black exhaust.
- Oxidation of the Oil. When a diesel vehicle sits too long and isn’t driven regularly, the oil can start to oxidize. This means that air is getting into the oil, causing it to “bubble,” preventing effective lubrication of the engine.
- Excessive noise. Diesel engines are known to be louder than gas-powered engines, but if the noise seems excessive, such as knocking sounds or other unusual noises, there could be a problem with the fuel injectors, effecting the compression balance which in turn reduces overall performance.
If your diesel engine is starting to experience any of the issues above, schedule diesel repairs as soon as possible so that a minor problem doesn’t turn into a bigger, more costly issue.
Have more questions about what are common problems with diesel engines? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repairs and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
