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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.

3 Biggest Challenges and Solutions for a Diesel Mechanic Shop Owner

Diesel mechanic shop owners in this competitive machine and repair industry is not an easy feat. But when it comes down to it, recognizing what obstacles to expect and knowing how to overcome them is essential for your business to continue to grow and thrive.

This article touches on the three biggest challenges of owning a diesel mechanic shop and the best ways to resolve them.

1. Hiring Mechanics

One of the biggest problems for diesel mechanic shop owners is hiring qualified personnel. Of course, this problem can be found in virtually any industry, as Mike Rowe – famed host of the TV series ‘Dirty Jobs’ – has so acutely pointed out. But finding the right people for skilled trades, ones with the right skillsets and specialty knowledge is easier said than done.

Business owners invest millions of dollars annually to determine who their customers are. We spend so much time scrutinizing our customer base and know our clientele from the inside out. We know they eat at steak houses on Friday night, pick up lumber at Lowes Saturday morning, and haul their boat back from the lake Sunday afternoon.

That being said – the same approach should be taken when hiring mechanics. 

Employee retention is simply higher among enthusiasts of the industry. Instead of combing through job sites and ending up with a guy “just looking for a job,” go to a race track. There you’ll find someone willing to spend all their hard-earned money 1/4 of a mile at a time and work late on a Friday night just to make a pass – and that’s exactly the kind of person you want to work with within this industry.

We strongly encourage you to check out your local 4H if you are in a rural area. Those kids all grew up working on tractors, and a good work ethic is a standard issue on a farm. The most remarkable trait is dependability; nothing is more important for an employee than being someone you can rely on.

2. Parts Shortages

In the last two years, we have seen firsthand the challenges that global shortages have caused. From auto manufacturers that have shut down production due to a lack of electrical components to lead times so long that you start to question the feasibility of buying a horse and buggy instead – delays are frustrating. And not just for the customers but for the owners as well.

For shops that are limited to space and bays, the last thing you want to do is to tie up your lifts with cabs hanging in the air, waiting for parts that keep getting pushed back. The good news is: Choate can help with this!

Though we are best known for our tough and high-performing engines, one of our best-kept industry secrets is actually our parts department. Choate builds numerous engines, which in turn helps us get better pricing with our manufacturers. We stock plenty of different parts consistently, so we’re confident we can take care of you in time to get your customer back on the road. If you need something and you don’t see it on our website, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We can most definitely work something out.

3. Customer Acquisition

Customer acquisition is the lifeblood of any business. While spending money on ads is a good investment, there’s no denying the power of word of mouth. Think about the endless possibilities if every customer came to you through a referral!

On that note, did you know that our Preferred Installers (PI) receive leads for engine installs whenever they team up with Choate? That’s right – not only can you have confidence in knowing that you’re installing the best engine, but you can also be confident about who is installing it.

To learn more about our nifty PI plan, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Final Thoughts for Diesel Mechanic Shop Owners

Building and sustaining a successful diesel mechanic shop is largely about identifying barriers and knowing the right action to conquer them. With this article, we hope we’ve provided you with valuable insight and keen advice to benefit you and your business in the long term.

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

Our Top 10 Tips for Diesel Mechanics

We’ve assembled a list of the top 10 tips for diesel mechanics. This list contains practical tips to help you get started as a mechanic or improve your existing skills!

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. 

Top 10 tips for diesel mechanics:

1. Safety first

We cannot stress this enough: safety is paramount in this line of work. You’re dealing with machinery that can be hazardous and expensive to repair. 

Hence, it’s critical to know exactly how the machines work. Always wear safety gear to protect yourself from injury and ensure a first aid kit is handy in an emergency. 

2. Start small

It can be anything from learning how to change the oil on your own truck or working in the shop. The more comfortable you become with simple tasks, the more likely you will feel confident tackling larger projects—such as rebuilding an engine or rebuilding a transmission.

So don’t be afraid of asking questions. Everyone has gone through what you’re going through now! 

3. Know how to use each of your tools properly

In addition to knowing your tools, it’s also important to know how to use them properly. A torque wrench is a must-have for your toolbox. Learn how to use a torque wrench to accomplish your automotive projects.

It’ll also reduce time spent looking around for tools when needed most: while working on an engine! The same goes with manuals; having access makes finding information much easier than having no references!

4. Repetition is everything

Repetition is the key to learning. The more you repeat something, the better you will get at it. And just like anything else, you can only improve with practice. Practice makes perfect!

If you want to be a diesel mechanic and have some strong knowledge of how engines work, then repetition is essential. You should practice every day until it becomes second nature for you to know how everything works together in an engine.

5. Watch your posture and technique

Mindfulness is a buzzword, but it’s really important in diesel mechanics. You need to be aware of your positions and what you’re doing with your hands, arms, shoulders, and back. 

It’ll quickly become hard-to-break habits if you aren’t using proper techniques for certain tasks like tightening bolts. Paying close attention helps prevent this and saves time in the long run!

6. Communication is key

It always helps to communicate with your customers, your team, and other professionals to get the job done right. Here are some ways you can improve your communication skills:

• Be a good listener
• Read body language
• Use the appropriate tone of voice
• Know what you want to say before you say it

7. Continue learning while you’re working

The more you know, the better your chances of success. If you’re working for someone else, that’s great! Just keep learning on the job. 

If you’re self-employed or starting a business, keep learning on your own time. You never know when something new will come up that needs to be mastered quickly.

Also, remember to become certified. It enhances your trust ratings among your peers and customers.

8. Treat your workplace as a place of business

The best way to treat your workplace as a place of business is to treat it with respect. Respect everyone and always do the job to the best of your ability. 

If something needs to be done, do it right away. So it doesn’t pile up and become overwhelming. 

Keep track of all the work orders that come in so that you know what needs to be done first. Then tackle those tasks in order of priority.

9. Know your customer base

When you know your customer base, you will be able to understand what they need and expect from you. You can also identify the pain points that they are experiencing.

In addition, knowing what your customers want to achieve will help you provide the best service possible. It’ll allow you to create a relationship with your customers and make them feel comfortable working with you.

10. Have pride in your work

It’s important to have pride in your work as a diesel mechanic because it helps you stay motivated, which is important for any job.

When you’re proud of what you do and your job, staying motivated is easier. It helps you keep working hard and doing your best, even when things get tough.

Tips for Diesels Mechanics Conclusion

So, that’s our top ten tips for becoming a diesel mechanic. As you read through these, we hope you’ve found them useful and inspiring for your career plans. 

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

Upgrading Your Diesel’s Turbo

Are you a diesel owner that’s fed up with your turbo lag? You’re not alone. The turbo lag that comes with using the factory turbo can hurt your take-off and, ultimately, your fuel economy.

At Choate Engineering Performance, we use only the highest-quality materials (and that’s why our turbochargers last so long) to give you peace of mind regarding your investment. For more information about our products and services, call us at (901) 553 – 9847 or drop your message here.

Luckily, an easy way to fix that lag is by upgrading your turbocharger. Read on to learn more about how it can give you the power of a big truck.

What is a turbocharger?

A turbocharger is a device that uses the power of exhaust gas to drive a turbine and compress air. It compresses the air, which then forces the fuel into the engine.

The more fuel you can force into an engine, the more power it produces. That’s why it’s one of the most popular engine upgrades.

The compressor that works with this system is called a turbocharger because it uses kinetic energy (energy of motion) to compress air.

How does a Turbocharger work?

What are the parts components of turbo?

• The turbine wheel.
• The turbine housing.
• Exhaust gas.
• Exhaust outlet area.
• The compressor wheel.
• The compressor housing.
• Forged steel shaft.
• Compressed air.

It’s best to understand its inner workings by knowing its important parts. A turbocharger has three main components: the compressor, turbine, and exhaust manifold.

Exhaust gases from your engine drive the compressor. It then compresses incoming air into a smaller area to burn it more efficiently.

The turbine is connected to the compressor and drives it by expanding exhaust gases through its blades. Finally, the exhaust manifold connects the turbine to your engine’s exhaust system.

The more speed your engine produces, the faster the blades can spin and the more air they can move. That causes more oxygen to be pulled into your engine, which means you get more horsepower!

So what happens when you go over a hill? You lose some power because there’s less oxygen available.

But with a turbocharger, when you go over that hill, it won’t matter. Your engine will have all the power it needs!

Why upgrade?

If you are planning to upgrade your diesel turbo, there are several reasons to do so. Some of the most common reasons are listed below.

• Better performance: With a new turbocharger system, you can expect an increase in power and torque.
• Increased fuel efficiency: A new turbocharger may lead to lower fuel consumption rates thanks to increased horsepower and torque.
• Improved reliability/durability: The better the compressor wheel is, the longer it will last before having to be replaced.
• Less wear and tear: Since more air is being compressed into the cylinders during each stroke, less heat will also build up inside them. That means less wear and tear on other components like pistons or cylinder heads!

How to pick the right turbocharger?

When you’re looking for a new turbocharger, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. The first question is: How big should it be?

There are many different sizes available. Each one will produce a different amount of horsepower.

The next question is: What style of turbocharger do you want? A ball bearing or journal bearing design will provide more horsepower at lower RPMs than the other type, but they cost more and have shorter life spans.

If performance is important to you and money isn’t an issue, then get yourself a journal-bearing system. Otherwise, stick with ball bearings.

You also need to consider how much fuel economy you care about. The smaller the compressor housing size (the metal part where air enters), the less power output can be achieved from each revolution.

It’s due partly to its increased resistance against incoming airflow throughout its length. Thus, there’s an increased exhaust gas temperature during operation and reduced thermal efficiency.

Conclusion

So, what do you think? Are you ready to upgrade your diesel turbo? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!

We have everything you need to get started today: from turbochargers and kits to professional installation guides. You may reach us at (901) 553 – 9847 or drop your message here.

The 1,000+ Horsepower CHOATE 6.7 Powerstroke upgrades for Cass-quatch

If you’re looking to get a new Ford truck, you might be wondering if you should upgrade it with the Choate’s 6.7 Powerstroke Cass-quatch engine. This engine has been highly praised by many in the community. This 6.7 Powerstroke upgrades the stock engine to a high-performance beast.

At Choate Engineering Performance, our professional diesel mechanics are experts in mechanical repairs and engine overhauls, so you can be sure that everything is done right the first time around. Get a quote today by calling us at (901) 553-9847.

It is a great option for those looking for a powerful diesel engine that can last a long time. If this sounds like what you need, then read on!

What is it?

Choate’s 6.7 Powerstroke Cass-quatch is a new generation of diesel engines that can be used in any Ford Super Duty vehicle manufactured from 2011 to 2019. 

The new engine will also have a higher power output than the current engine and lower emissions. That means you get more power without sacrificing fuel efficiency or doing anything good for the environment!

Why do I need one?

If you want to improve your truck’s performance and reduce maintenance costs—the Cass-quatch is for you. You can buy one directly on our website and, send it to you, or have it installed by a professional.

Additionally, it’s a great choice for heavy-duty work applications, such as construction and agriculture. The fuel injection system ensures accurate fuel delivery to the engine, which helps optimize performance and longer runtime. 

This engine is built to last, so you can count on it to get the job done efficiently and without fuss. It features an innovative design that enhances performance and reliability while minimizing noise and emissions. 

Additionally, the Cass-Quatch offers a number of other benefits, such as reduced emissions, better performance in cold weather conditions, greater durability, and a longer life span.

What is it capable of?

It is also capable of powering most applications and tasks that you might need it for. It features an updated cylinder head and piston design, which has given it increased performance capabilities. 

It can produce over 1,000 horsepower at the flywheel, which is no small feat. Not many vehicles on this planet have that much Horsepower. 

Supercars that have 1000+ Horsepower go for millions of dollars. Imagine having this diesel engine installed in your vehicle.

It was designed as an absolute monster: a beast of a machine that will give you all the power and torque you need to go around town or tow heavy loads. It’s an engine for those who want their trucks to stand out in a crowd—and it does it all with ease.

This engine was designed as a monster and it can do everything you need it to do. The only limits of this engine are what your imagination can dream up!

What is included in the 6.7 Powerstroke upgrades in Cass-quatch?

For more details, you can find a description here. The Cass-quatch upgrades include:

• O-ring heads
• Chromoly Pushrods
• Stage 3 Camshaft
• Choate Engineering Billet Flex plate
• Arp Mains Studs
• Carrillo Connecting Rods
• O-ring Block Machining
• Heavy Duty Valve Springs

The build also includes the following:

• • Our BUILT-IN-HOUSE Heads. Magnaflux and Pressure Test Heads, Grind Valves, New Induction Hardened Seats, All New Valve Guides, Install New Valve Seals, Test Spring Tension, New Freeze Plugs, New Injector Cups.

• ARP head studs included in our Cass-Quatch build, New Head Gaskets

• Full CNC blueprint machining, (bore, deck, hone, and line honed) 

• • Carillo Connecting Rods, New Damper, and Billet Flex plate for Automatic transmission. All Manual will be charged the appropriate charges and will be balanced to a stock flywheel we have in stock, or you will need to send in your Aftermarket first. 
  • New Upgraded Pistons: 10 – .30″ over. NEW Pistons, Rings, and Pin retainers weight matched before crank balancing.

• New OE Lifters, Lifter Guides, OE Crank Flange Bolts, updated 9.800 OE Pushrods 

• • Crankshaft. Balanced with the Rotational assembly, checked for run-out and inspected for fatigue. The crankshaft is Polished and ground to .0005 concentricity or less.
  • Stage 3 Camshaft. Polished and Inspected

• New Rod, Main, and Cam Bearings

Conclusion for 6.7 Powerstroke Upgrades

Now you have a better understanding of what a Cass-quatch is and how it might be able to benefit your truck. They’re expensive, but if you have the cash and have a need for a reliable engine for heavy-duty jobs, go for it!

We have a huge selection of diesel engine parts at Choate Engineering Performance. We have a full-service repair shop with certified technicians who can do anything you need to be done. Call us today at (901) 553-9847 for a quote!

Travel Trailer: Why You Should Upgrade Your Diesel Before Your Trip

If you’re planning a long road trip, you’ll need to ensure that your diesel truck has the performance to get you where you need to travel. And if your diesel engine isn’t running at its peak, it might not be able to handle all of that extra weight. 

If you’re looking for a company specializing in diesel engines, contact Choate Engineering Performance today at (901) 553-9847. We offer custom solutions to all your needs related to diesel engines.

When traveling with a trailer, there are many factors beyond just getting from point A to point B. It can be how much fuel you’ll use and if the trailer is too heavy for the vehicle pulling it. Here are some ways upgrading your diesel will make sure your next trip goes smoothly.

Enjoy Smoother Ride With by Replacing Old Parts

A remanufactured engine is a more extensive machining job than rebuilding because the engine is pulled out of the vehicle and returned to factory conditions and blueprint specifics. Everything with potential wear is replaced to bring the engine back to its original standards. This can be expensive, but it’s worth it if you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

When a diesel engine is rebuilt, all of the old parts are replaced with brand-new ones. The rebuilt part will look exactly like the original, but it should run even smoother and last longer. 

Once this procedure has been completed at a good auto repair shop, you’ll notice that your vehicle starts more easily and accelerates more quickly. That is even evident while towing a heavy trailer behind it!

You might also notice that fuel efficiency improves when driving around town or on highways after having your diesel motor remanufactured. It could mean savings on fuel costs and the peace of mind of knowing that nothing else will go wrong with your diesel engine anytime soon!

Your Diesel Engine Will Work Like New Before You Travel

It’s common that parts in your engine will wear down over time—especially if your truck has high mileage. If you’re about to embark on a long drive with an extra bit of weight behind your vehicle, it will need all the help it can get.

And since diesel engines produce more torque than gas engines, they’re more likely to break down due to overuse or poor maintenance than other vehicles. If you plan on traveling with a trailer or moving across the country in the near future, it’s important that your diesel engine is in top condition at all times so that it doesn’t break down during one of those long journeys.

Lower Emissions

A diesel rebuild can also make your engine run cleaner and more efficiently. It will produce fewer emissions, which makes it environmentally friendly. 

Because the engine is cleaner, it’s less likely to fail due to its reduced wear and tear. And since you’ll be using less fuel to get where you’re going, your wallet will also benefit from its lower operating costs.

More Power and Towing Capacity

Diesel engines are known for their extreme pulling power, which is why they’re used in trucks and heavy machinery. A diesel engine that has been remanufactured can increase horsepower and torque by up to 30 percent.

A higher-horsepower rating means you’ll be able to tow heavier loads (like a boat or camper), while increased torque will give you greater pulling capacity on steep grades or sandy terrain. This added capability helps ensure that your diesel will perform as expected throughout your travels, no matter where they take you!

Conclusion in Diesel Travel

So whether you’re headed out for a weekend in the woods or taking a cross-country trip, make sure your truck has the performance to get you where you need to go. You don’t want to be stuck in a remote area with a broken-down vehicle where there’s nobody around. 

Your truck’s default stock engine builds are made with towing capabilities but aren’t designed for towing all day, every day, for long periods. The Workhorse builds done by Choate are manufactured with daily towing in mind.

A diesel engine rebuild ensures you get the most out of your vehicle. If you have any questions about our services, feel free to reach out to us at (901) 553-9847 or drop us a message through this form.