Common Issues a Diesel Engine Will Experience

Posted April 26, 2024

Diesel engines are popular because they are good on gas mileage and don’t often have as many repair issues as gas-powered engines. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel fuel accounted for about 25% of total energy consumption in the U.S. in 2021. Even though they have these benefits, they still require regular maintenance and care. Diesel engines do experience some performance issues. Let’s look at some common diesel problems you might encounter.

Loss of Power

One of the regular maintenance tasks that can’t be ignored on diesel engines is fuel filter cleaning. If the fuel filter gets dirty, it can cause a loss of power. Loss of power can also be attributed to excessive lubrication, fuel injector problems, and loose throttle linkage.

Glow Plug Failure

To ensure that a diesel engine will start in cold weather, these vehicles require something called a glow plug. They are similar to spark plugs. These are tiny heaters that are placed in the pre-chamber of the combustion chamber. These wear out just like spark plugs do. When they wear out, they must be replaced.

Contaminated Fuel

Since diesel fuel is thicker than gasoline, it’s more easily contaminated. When this happens, the engine will have problems. It’s important to make sure you’re using high-quality fuel from a reputable provider.

Faulty Battery

Just like with other vehicles, you need a functioning battery in order to start the vehicle. You may have issues starting your vehicle if the battery is dying. If the vehicle won’t start at all, you might need a new battery installed.

Noisy Operation

Although diesel engines are known to be loud, you’ll be able to recognize if the noise is louder than usual. Excessive noise and knocking sounds could mean there’s a problem with the fuel injectors. This will affect the compression balance. When the compression balance is off, the overall performance of the vehicle will be off as well.

Getting diesel repair done quickly is essential to the performance and longevity of your vehicle. You’ll want to connect with reputable diesel repair mechanics in your area for services.

These are just a few problems you might see with your diesel engine. If you’re looking for a quality diesel repair shop in your area, please contact us today at AM-PM Automotive. We are here for your automotive needs.