Top Signs of Diesel Engine Failure and Why They Happen

While diesel engines outperform gasoline engines, it doesn’t mean they are invulnerable to failure. Even if you take good care of your diesel truck, there’s no guarantee that it won’t break down at some point in the future. Here are some top signs of diesel engine failure.

 

Choate Engineering Performance is here to help with all your diesel engine needs. Call us at (901) 553 – 9847 or drop us a message here. 

 

Whether you frequent stop-and-go traffic in the city or travel country routes, it’s important to know what signs indicate engine problems and when it’s time for repairs. Here are some of the most common signs of diesel engine failure, their reasons, and how to properly address them.

 

Engine Oil Issues

 

If you notice your engine is leaking oil, it’s more than likely that gaskets need to be replaced. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and lower performance—a glaring sign of diesel engine failure.

 

Additionally, an improper amount of oil in your engine may cause damage if too much or too little is used. This leads to premature engine parts wear and decreases your vehicle’s life span.

 

It is important to note that choosing the right engine oil is no walk in the park. It can be tricky and tremendously confusing, but it is essential to the health of your engine. Luckily for you, our Choate Engineering Performance team knows exactly what your engine needs!

 

We offer revolutionary “oil change in a box” kits and oil analysis kits to maximize your engine’s performance and keep it running smoothly. That way, you can prevent costly problems instead of dealing with them unarmed.

 

Filthy Diesel Air Filter

 

A dirty air filter is another common sign of diesel engine failure and can offshoot other problems. If the filter is clogged with debris, it will expand the load on your engine’s fuel system, leading to increased emissions and reduced fuel economy.

 

The problem is that diesel engines are designed to run on only clean air. That’s why cleaning or changing your air filter every 10-15,000 miles is advisable. Failure to do so can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel mileage, and malfunctioning turbocharger.

 

Dirt and dust end up in the cylinders when they pass through the air filter. If you clog or restrict your air filter, you’ll wear out your turbocharger’s thrust bearings prematurely. 

 

An indicator that your turbocharger has failed is when you start seeing thick, black smoke. So, you better check and clean your air filter once in a while to avoid serious diesel engine failure.

 

Faulty Injector Pump

 

The injector pump is the heart of the diesel engine. When an injector fails, this can cause poor performance, poor acceleration, and high emissions, immediately causing diesel engine failures.

 

You can easily tell if it happens as it produces eminent signals you can’t fail to acknowledge. These include the vehicle won’t start, the RPM needle starts shaking, the engine sputtering, and power loss.

 

Some common causes of faulty injectors include:

 

• Injectors that have become loose or dislodged
• Bad injector timing
• Failed wiring connections between the injectors and their respective sensors

• Poorly designed or worn-out seals due to failure by oil pressure or heat
• Low fuel tank level
• Foreign objects penetrating the injector 

 

Excessive Exhaust Emissions

 

This can mean that your catalytic converter has failed, resulting in an excessively high amount of exhaust gases being released into the atmosphere. A diesel engine failure sign that’s often misunderstood as just the car’s common sign of aging.

 

If you notice white smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it’s likely due to a problem with your engine’s compression ratio. If black smoke comes from your exhaust pipe, this could be caused by an oil leak in the piston rings or cylinder head gasket. 

 

Either way, it’s not good news, so you should act fast before it worsens.

 

Diesel Engine Failure Conclusion

 

It’s extremely important to watch these four signs if you have a diesel engine, especially those who are diesel truck owners. If your vehicle often loses its cool and shows any of these signs, you might want to get it checked by a professional.

 

For more information about our diesel engine products and services, contact us at (901) 553 – 9847 or drop us a message here.