If you’ve been experiencing problems with your diesel engine, it’s important to pinpoint the cause and have it repaired at your earliest convenience. You want to get back on the road as quickly as possible, after all—and the longer you leave these problems to fester, the worse they’ll get. There’s a long list of reasons why your diesel engine might be acting strangely, and you may have difficulty figuring out the exact cause of your problems. However, you can look for some telltale symptoms. This way, you can catch some of these common problems with diesel engines before they get out of hand.
Lack of Power
If you’re experiencing a lack or complete absence of power, there might be a problem with the engine’s fuel or fuel system. You should have it checked for:
- Dirty fuel filters
- Excessive lubrication
- Fuel injector problems
- Loose throttle linkage
These are some of the most common causes for a lack of power in diesel engines, but other, less common problems, like cylinder wash, can also make it harder for your vehicle to start and accelerate.
Oil Oxidation
If you leave your vehicle in the garage or driveway for too long, you might start experiencing problems with oil oxidation. Oil oxidation occurs when air makes its way into the oil and generates bubbles that impact the engine’s ability to stay lubricated. This problem can lead to serious engine damage if you don’t address it promptly.
Contaminated Fuel
Another common problem with diesel engines is contaminated fuel. The fuel your diesel engine uses is more viscous than gasoline, which makes it susceptible to contamination. The most common contaminants include glycol, soot, and water. If any of these contaminants breach the fuel system, you might start noticing a decrease in power, thick, black smoke coming from the exhaust, and other problems with the engine.
Excess Noise
Your diesel-powered vehicle will always be slightly louder than a gasoline engine, but it shouldn’t be excessively noisy. If you notice any knocking, pinging, or any other unusual, persistent noises, it could be a problem with the fuel injectors. If the fuel injectors are damaged, it can lead to an offset compression balance and a decrease in overall performance.
