As tractor-trailer owner/operator it's inevitable that you have to take your diesel engine to be serviced. While having a certified diesel engine technician perform regular maintenance can help your truck run longer and more efficiently, it's likely that you'll experience diesel engine problems. The good news is that your diesel service company will be able to easily fix some of the most common diesel engine problems. Knowing the signs of these common issues can help you and your technician more easily identify and diagnose the diesel engine problem and find a fast and affordable solution.
Diesel Fuel Injector Issues
Because newer diesel engines utilize common-rail fuel injectors, which fire more often than older diesel engines, your newer …show more content…
A lack of power can be caused by several issues such as a loose throttle linkage, dirty fuel filters, or fuel injector problems.
Bad Glow Plugs
Your diesel engine relies on glow plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture, but if they go bad or you happen to install a defective one your engine will have difficulty starting, especially when it's cold outside. Outside of hard starting and a miss, having more than one glow plug go bad will make it even harder to start and cause very rough operation. Ensure that you buy premium glow plugs when replacing them, as the cheaper aftermarket glow plugs have been known to swell or even break causing costly piston-cylinder valve and/or head damage.
Fuel Contamination
Diesel fuel can become contaminated far more easily than gasoline due to its higher viscosity. Common fuel contaminates include water, soot, dilution, glycol, debris, and even microorganisms. Contaminants can find their way into your fuel through damaged caps, seals, or gaskets. Storing your diesel engine for long periods of time can also cause contamination, as will the weather. When contaminants penetrate your fuel system, it can lead to major engine problems. and should be fixed as soon as
Diesel Fuel Injector Issues
Because newer diesel engines utilize common-rail fuel injectors, which fire more often than older diesel engines, your newer …show more content…
A lack of power can be caused by several issues such as a loose throttle linkage, dirty fuel filters, or fuel injector problems.
Bad Glow Plugs
Your diesel engine relies on glow plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture, but if they go bad or you happen to install a defective one your engine will have difficulty starting, especially when it's cold outside. Outside of hard starting and a miss, having more than one glow plug go bad will make it even harder to start and cause very rough operation. Ensure that you buy premium glow plugs when replacing them, as the cheaper aftermarket glow plugs have been known to swell or even break causing costly piston-cylinder valve and/or head damage.
Fuel Contamination
Diesel fuel can become contaminated far more easily than gasoline due to its higher viscosity. Common fuel contaminates include water, soot, dilution, glycol, debris, and even microorganisms. Contaminants can find their way into your fuel through damaged caps, seals, or gaskets. Storing your diesel engine for long periods of time can also cause contamination, as will the weather. When contaminants penetrate your fuel system, it can lead to major engine problems. and should be fixed as soon as