What Makes a Diesel Engine Hard to Start?
Because there are several possible reasons your diesel engine doesn’t start, it’s hard to answer this question without actually conducting a complete inspection of your diesel vehicle. Your mechanic may use a scan tool that will pick up relevant trouble codes that help pinpoint the cause of your starting problems.
With winter’s colder temperatures, there can be many challenges to the smooth running of your diesel engine. Here are a few issues of what makes a diesel engine hard to start:
- The colder temperatures have caused the oil to thicken up,
- Your battery is worn out and can’t function properly in colder weather,
- The injectors may have a leak, the timing needs adjusting, or they are dirty and need to be cleaned,
- You’re using summer-grade fuel,
- The glow plus system has gone bad,
- There may be air in the fuel due to leaks in the fuel lines or pump,
- The fuel filter is clogged (it should be replaced between every 20,000-40,000 miles),
- The solenoid may have gone bad and all you hear is a clicking noise when you turn the ignition,
The fuel may have become contaminated and is gumming up the fuel system.
Some diesel engine repairs are simple and inexpensive, such as replacing filters while others can be expensive and time-consuming. So don’t guess what could be the problem, but ask a certified diesel engine repair technician to help you with all your diesel service and repairs.
Worried about what makes a diesel engine hard to start? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
Because there are several possible reasons your diesel engine doesn’t start, it’s hard to answer this question without actually conducting a complete inspection of your diesel vehicle. Your mechanic may use a scan tool that will pick up relevant trouble codes that help pinpoint the cause of your starting problems.
With winter’s colder temperatures, there can be many challenges to the smooth running of your diesel engine. Here are a few issues of what makes a diesel engine hard to start:
- The colder temperatures have caused the oil to thicken up,
- Your battery is worn out and can’t function properly in colder weather,
- The injectors may have a leak, the timing needs adjusting, or they are dirty and need to be cleaned,
- You’re using summer-grade fuel,
- The glow plus system has gone bad,
- There may be air in the fuel due to leaks in the fuel lines or pump,
- The fuel filter is clogged (it should be replaced between every 20,000-40,000 miles),
- The solenoid may have gone bad and all you hear is a clicking noise when you turn the ignition,
The fuel may have become contaminated and is gumming up the fuel system.
Some diesel engine repairs are simple and inexpensive, such as replacing filters while others can be expensive and time-consuming. So don’t guess what could be the problem, but ask a certified diesel engine repair technician to help you with all your diesel service and repairs.
Worried about what makes a diesel engine hard to start? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
