Most Common Issues on Diesel Vehicles

Diesel engines significantly benefit towing capacity while minimizing fuel consumption, especially when compared to gas power plants. In cars, small diesel engines achieve remarkable efficiency as a result of their unique fuel choice, reducing the number of stops drivers make at the pump. These benefits make diesel power a popular choice.  

What Is a Diesel Engine?

Diesel engines have different fuel injection systems than gas, require special fluids, and utilize complicated emissions control systems to reduce their impact on the environment. They also forgo the use of spark plugs for ignition, relying on the pressure and heat of the cylinder to ignite the fuel. 

Signs It’s Time for Service

The goal of regular maintenance is to prevent issues, and you should never wait until a problem arises to get your diesel truck serviced. However, there may be times when you notice a change in how your truck is running before you bring it in. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to bring your truck in for service ASAP. Many of these symptoms can be traced back to a lack of regular maintenance.

Black Exhaust

Although smoke emission is a common sight for diesel engines. An excessive amount of thick black smoke coming from your car is alarming. This usually happens when air and fuel mix at the wrong ratio, causing an increase in black exhaust. Issues like these are commonly due to fuel system failures such as faulty injectors.

Oil Oxidation

Oil oxidation happens when oil interacts with oxygen, causing a chemical change within the oil creating several problems, including formation of sludge and deposits that reduce engine efficiency and increase the risk of engine failure, Increase oil viscosity, which reduces fuel efficiency, Additive depletion reducing the oils effectiveness, Accelerated degradation causing you to change oil more often, oxidation occurs quicker in high temperatures, and in the presence of water.

Contaminated Fuel  

Contamination of fuel can be caused by a list of factors. Water can enter the fuel in different ways, through leaks, humidity, and water vapor that stays inside the tank. Microorganisms like yeast, fungi, and other bacteria are always in the air ready to contaminate fuel at anytime. Contaminated or low-quality fuel can hurt your diesel vehicle, potentially running it. 

Hard Starting 

Hard starting the engine refers to an engine that struggles to start, often taking longer than usual to crank over or failing to start at all. Hard starting is commonly caused by low compression, worn injectors, a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a weak battery. 

Vibration

Vibrations in a diesel vehicle are expected, however heavy vibrations within a diesel engine is commonly caused by misalignment, high oil pressure, low oil pressure, worn-out parts, improperly balanced components, and engine noise.

Diesel Service & Repair at Borst Automotive

Whether you drive a Dodge Cummins pickup or a VW TDI, the diesel experts at Borst Automotive are here to help. Give us a call or schedule an appointment at one of our shops in Tucson, Phoenix, or Mesa Today!