Clean diesel continues to dominate the next generation thinking and innovation when it comes to fuel alternatives. Increased longevity, top engine performance, and effective emission controls make diesel a viable option for truck owners, van owners, and fleet owners. We have some things for you to consider when purchasing your next semitruck, truck, or diesel engine.
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When a diesel engine overheats big problems and expensive repair bills are on the horizon if the overheating issues aren’t fixed right away. More significant problems that can arise from your diesel engine overheating include broken head gaskets, camshaft swelling, damage to bearing and crankshaft, damage to the radiator core, and even cracked cylinder heads. For truck drivers, an overheating engine can also cause costly tow bills and delayed deliveries if you break down. For drivers, there is a specific list of causes of diesel engine overheating and ways to prevent overheating while out on the road.
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Changing the fuel filter in your diesel engine is a common activity in routine diesel engine maintenance. While you should have access to a vehicle owner’s manual that will explain how to change a fuel filter, some neglect to mention what to do after the fuel filter has been changed. If not done properly, some individuals have reported a diesel engine not starting after a fuel filter change. Hopefully, we can provide you with the necessary information needed to ensure your engine is running smoothly after changing the fuel filter.
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Beyond routine pre-trip inspections that check tire pressure and indicator lights, typical diesel tractor trailer engines are recommended to be brought in for servicing between 12-15,000 miles. This depends on each manufacturer’s suggested maintenance, and we cannot stress enough the importance of following their guidelines. We are referring to the servicing more than just basic oil and filter change. As tractor trailers advance technologically, it is recommended to let a certified mechanic keep your rig up and running.
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As a tractor-trailer owner/operator it’s inevitable that you’ll need to take your diesel engine to be serviced. While having a certified diesel engine technician perform regular maintenance can help your truck run longer and more efficiently, it’s commonplace to experience diesel engine problems resulting from normal operation of the vehicle. The positive news is that your diesel service company should be able to easily fix several common diesel engine problems. Knowing the signs of these common issues can help you and your technician more easily identify and diagnose the diesel engine problem and find a fast and affordable solution.
Diesel Fuel Injector Issues
Because newer diesel engines utilize common-rail fuel injectors, which fire more often than older diesel engines, your newer rig is more likely to have worse wear and tear on injectors over time. A fuel injector that is worn out or tired can be difficult to diagnose, as your engine may still run fine. A common way to pinpoint a worn or cracked fuel injector is an extended period to crank your engine caused by weaker combustion. Additionally, some customers with bad fuel injectors may notice fuel dilution in their oil represented by a rise in oil levels. This derives from fuel draining from the fuel lines and rails back to the tank after engine shutdown.
Decrease in Power
Experiencing issues with decreased power at start-up or when accelerating is a common diesel engine problem. A lack of power can be caused by several issues such as a loose throttle linkage, dirty fuel filters, or fuel injector problems.
Bad Glow Plugs
Your diesel engine relies on glow plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture, but if they go bad or you happen to install a defective on—your engine will have difficulty starting, especially when it’s cold outside. Outside of hard starting, having more than one glow plug go bad will make it even harder to start and cause extremely rough operation. Ensure that you buy premium glow plugs when replacing them, as the cheaper aftermarket glow plugs have been known to swell or even break causing costly piston-cylinder valve and/or head damage.
Fuel Contamination
Diesel fuel can become contaminated far more easily than gasoline due to its higher viscosity. Common fuel contaminates include water, soot, dilution, glycol, debris, and even microorganisms. Contaminants can find their way into your fuel through damaged caps, seals, or gaskets. Storing your diesel engine for long periods of time can also cause contamination, as will the weather. When contaminants penetrate your fuel system, it can lead to major engine problems and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Black Smoke
Heavy-duty, diesel engines are almost synonymous with smoke, as anyone who has driven by a diesel truck on the interstate can attest. While your diesel engine emanating black smoke can be simply a sign of over fueling, it can also be signs of more serious problems. If your diesel engine is continuously emitting black smoke, you should have your fuel injectors, air filters, valves, valve stem seals, and cylinder liners all checked to make sure there isn’t excessive wear and tear to these components. Having a technician perform regular preventative maintenance on your diesel engine will typically prevent these parts from failing.
Diesel Engine Repair and Maintenance
These are only a handful of the more common diesel engine problems that an owner-operator can experience while keeping a fleet on the road. At Certified Diesel Solutions, we service all makes and models of tractor-trailers from engine overhauls to drivetrain services and everything in between. If you experience any diesel engine problems, contact us today to schedule a certified diesel engine technician to diagnose and fix the problem. Give us a call at 865-964-6598 or contact us online HERE.
Chris Lackey began working with Rowe Transfer 12 years ago. He was originally hired for the rigging team, then one day a forklift broke. Chris was able to fix it, and he’s been fixing forklifts and the like ever since. When Certified Diesel Solutions came afoot in 2009, Chris moved over into the position of a mechanic. Though he did not go to school for mechanics, he is a natural. Chris has always been the type to work on stuff. He is part self-taught, part learning through observation, and part lessons learned. His motto is “if it ain’t broke, I’m still going to mess with it.”
His job with CDS is to evaluate mechanical issues on Rowe’s fleet or other fleets that come into the shop. Chris enjoys the mechanical planning and customer service aspects of his job. He loves that every customer that comes to Certified Diesel Solutions is treated as a family member. The team will spend time with you one-on-one to ensure that your mechanical services are done well. This family atmosphere of neither workers or customers being treated as a number is what keeps Chris with Certified Diesel Solutions.
When he’s not at work, there’s a good possibility he’s still covered in grease. Chris has 6 boats, 3 jet skis, 3 four wheelers, and 10 vehicles to keep his gear-oriented mind’s wheels turning. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Krystal, and 7-year-old daughter, Audrina. Chris also likes to go fishing in his free time, especially when it’s for crappie.
Have something with an engine that needs work? Give Chris and the CDS team a call! They’ll work for you to get the job done. Calls us at 865-964-6598 or click HERE to contact us online.
