Diesel Engine SOS: 10 Telltale Signs You Need a Mechanic

Is your diesel engine sending you a repair SOS?  and need repair? Diesel engines come with unique issues due to their intricate design, and it’s crucial to identify and address them promptly to prevent lasting damage to your vehicle. At Bob’s Automotive Repair, we’re here to assist you. Here are ten essential problems that indicate you need professional diesel truck repairs:

Oxidized oil is a common concern in diesel engines, especially when a vehicle has been idle for an extended period. When air enters the oil, it forms bubbles, disrupting lubrication and potentially damaging the engine. To resolve this issue, it’s essential to replace the oil entirely. Even if your vehicle has been sitting for a while, it’s a straightforward and cost-effective task that you can handle yourself or with the help of a mechanic.

Seeing black exhaust fumes coming from your vehicle is never a good sign. Not only does it create a foul odor, but it can also pose health risks and lead to fines for emissions violations. Black exhaust fumes typically indicate an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio, with too much fuel and insufficient air. Possible culprits include damaged injectors or injector pumps, air filters, turbochargers, or EGR valves.

Experiencing a lack of power in your vehicle is a common issue that points to fuel system problems. Inadequate diesel supply to the engine can result from dirty or clogged filters, fuel injector issues, or excessive lubrication. When facing this problem, it’s advisable to seek professional services to diagnose and resolve the diesel repair issue accurately.

Diesel engines typically crank a bit during startup, but if your engine struggles to start or takes an extended time to do so, it could indicate low compression or a fuel delivery problem. This isn’t a problem you can tackle on your own; you’ll need the expertise of professional diesel services and repairs.

Diesel fuel has higher viscosity than gasoline, making it more susceptible to contamination. Common contaminants include water, glycol, soot, and dilution, all of which can severely impact your engine’s performance. If you suspect fuel contamination, it’s crucial to drain the tank and replace the fuel before continuing.

The lead-acid storage battery in a diesel system undergoes significant stress and is crucial for the starter system. Using a worn-out, old, or defective battery is not recommended, as it can disrupt the compression ratio, leading to starter system issues.

Diesel engines generate more power than gasoline engines due to their high compression ratio, typically around 20:1 compared to 8:1 for gas engines. While this high ratio provides efficiency and strength, it can lead to problems like engine knocking and fuel injection system issues if not properly managed.

Humidity can introduce moisture into engine fluids, leading to contamination. Water in the engine lubricant can accelerate oxidation and damage additives, eventually causing engine knocking. To prevent this issue, practice basic diesel truck care by keeping the engine away from high-humidity areas and avoiding long periods of idleness.

Unlike gas engines that use spark plugs, diesel engines rely on glow plugs. These plugs heat up when an electric current passes through them, aiding cold weather starts. Defective glow plugs can become problematic in colder months, so it’s wise to have them checked before winter arrives.

Difficulty starting the engine or prolonged starting times can be attributed to incorrect viscosity in diesel engine fluids. Diesel fluids have higher viscosity than gasoline engines, so it’s essential to use the correct fluids to avoid starting issues.

When you identify any of these problems, don’t hesitate to schedule diesel truck repairs with Bob’s Automotive Repair. Our experts are well-versed in diesel engine performance, and we’ll provide precise testing and troubleshooting to get your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us for a quote today!