Diesel engines are known for their great pulling power and long life. While modern diesel engines tend to be quite reliable, they can still experience performance issues. You might notice a bit of clunking, knocking, or general inefficiency while you’re driving. If so, here are four reasons why your diesel engine isn’t running smoothly.
Dirty Air Filter
If you have a diesel engine, it’s particularly important to replace its air filter on a regular basis. A clogged air filter can drastically hurt performance by disrupting the air-fuel mixture. Not only will the engine struggle to develop full power, but it will also begin to run roughly.
Ideally, you should check the condition of your air filter every 10,000 miles or so. If you’re often in dusty conditions, the air filter can become clogged sooner than usual. This will especially be the case if you do a lot of off-road driving. Aside from visually inspecting the filter, there are a few other ways to tell if it’s dirty. Be on the lookout for black smoke coming out the tailpipe. Sluggish acceleration is yet another telltale sign of a dirty air filter. When you get your oil changed you can ask them to quickly check your air filter and give you an idea if it needs to be replaced soon or not.
Compression Issues
To combust fuel properly, a diesel engine must be able to maintain the proper compression. Even a seemingly small loss of compression can cause trouble. When the compression starts to drop, repair is typically needed. It’s definitely not uncommon for the piston rings and valves to wear out. You could also be dealing with a blown head gasket.
Low compression can also stem from carbon deposits collecting inside the engine. Among the things that can cause these sticky deposits include low-quality fuel and infrequent oil changes. As a precaution, experts recommended regular use of a fuel treatment with detergent.
Dirty Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are among the most important components of a diesel engine. Unfortunately, they are prone to being blocked by tank sediment and engine varnish. Although cleaning can help in some instances, severely damaged common rail injectors will ultimately need to be replaced.
If your diesel engine becomes hard to stop or experiences roughly idling, there’s a good chance the fuel injectors have failed. You may also start to notice the smell of diesel inside the cabin. Take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can to prevent further damage from occurring.
Turbo Going Bad
Many of today’s diesel engines feature a turbocharger. While turbochargers dramatically enhance output, they can malfunction when routine maintenance is neglected. It’s critical that you change the motor oil at the recommended intervals. Dirt and other contaminants can gradually degrade the turbocharger’s seals and prevent your engine from operating at its best capacity.
If you want to keep your diesel engine running smoothly, never overlook the importance of routine servicing. It’s just as important to replace failing parts as soon as possible. With the proper care, your engine will deliver a strong performance for years to come.
