Diesel trucks make an excellent choice for a vehicle in the current climate. Diesel has come down in price, and you get more power out of a diesel engine as well. They also tend to outlast petrol-powered engines; however, they’re not perfect. If there’s a problem with the engine and it’s not repaired correctly, it could lead to other issues, including fire. If you work with diesel trucks on your job site, it’s helpful to learn about some of the more common issues that might occur, and subsequently the repairs that you might need to undertake. Here are seven common diesel problems which should be looked at immediately by your friendly diesel repair mechanics.
1. Lack of Power
A fairly common problem manifests itself by exhibiting a lack of power. Problems like starting or accelerating can be connected to a loose throttle linkage, dirty fuel filters, excessive lubrication and problems with the vehicle’s fuel injectors.
2. Difficulty starting
Having a difficult time starting your truck is a sign of a fuel delivery problem or low compression. It’s normal for diesel engines to crank slightly when started, however, if you’re having a noticeably tough time starting the vehicle, or it won’t start at all, you’ll need to take it to a technician who is trained in diesel repairs.
3. Fuel Contamination
Because diesel is much more viscous than gasoline, it’s easier to contaminate. The four most common, equally dangerous, fuel contaminants include water, soot, dilution, and glycol. If any of these contaminants end up penetrating the fuel system, it can lead to major engine problems.
4. Oil Oxidation
Diesel trucks that are left sitting for a long period of time, or that aren’t driven regularly, usually have issues that include oil oxidation. This means that air gets into the oil, creating bubbles that interfere with the appropriate lubrication. When oil oxidation occurs, it can damage the engine. Even if you don’t think the oil has been affected, it should be changed if the vehicle has been sitting idle for an extended period.
5. Black Exhaust
Black exhaust is usually due to an imbalance of air to fuel proportions, typically caused by an excess of fuel and not enough air. A malfunctioning air filter, injector or injector pump, turbocharger or EGR valve could be causing the problem.
6. Excess Noise
The noise coming from a diesel engine can be considerable, and in some cases, it can be a sign that something’s wrong. If you notice an unfamiliar knocking or other inconsistent noises, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the fuel injectors, which will affect the compression balance and reduce performance.
7. Humidity
Water can also pollute the lubricant in a diesel engine sometimes causing major complications, including interfering with the lubrication process, leading to a seriously damaged engine. If the vehicle sits for too long in rainy or humid conditions, the moisture will increase oxidation and cause the engine to knock.
If you find yourself with any of the following diesel problems on your job site, it might be time to give a qualified diesel repair mechanic a call. The skilled team at Truckmech Diesel Repairs would be happy to chat with you on 1800 568 991 or contact us online here.