- February 7, 2023
- By Tess
- In Diagnostics, Diesel, Driving Tips, Engine, maintenance
- Tags Diesel Engine, Diesel Engine Maintenance, Diesel Engine Overhaul, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle Service, Vehicle Tips
- 391
- 0
If you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, there’s a good chance that it will last for years. The engines are built to withstand the rigors of daily driving and long-distance travel. However, over time, some parts of the engine will wear out and need to be replaced or overhauled before they fail completely. Most of the time, this is not an immediate concern; you can safely continue driving and enjoying your vehicle without worrying about your diesel engine dying in the middle of traffic. But after many years on the road, it might be time to consider an overhaul or replacement if certain signs start popping up regularly:
Blue, White or Black Smoke From Your Exhaust Pipe.
Blue smoke is a potential indicator that your engine is burning oil. This means diesel fuel could be flowing in the wrong direction and getting into your crankcase. Seeing white smoke from your exhaust suggests that coolant is leaking into the engine or that your gasoline isn’t always burning off absolutely. Black smoke from your exhaust is a sign that you have an incomplete combustion problem. This could be caused by a clogged fuel filter, dirty injectors, or even a bad turbocharger. Stop driving and have the problem diagnosed immediately if you see black smoke coming out of your tail pipe.
Noticeable Increase in Fuel Consumption.
A sudden increase in fuel consumption can be an indication of a failing component. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, but they still use fuel in large amounts. If you’ve been noticing that your engine is using more than usual, this may be a sign that something is wrong with it and needs to be fixed. The amount of extra fuel used will depend on what’s causing the problem with your diesel engine. For example: Low compression (also known as low compression loss), which occurs when there’s not enough pressure for combustion, can cause an engine to burn through more diesel per mile travelled than normal due to lack of power from the pistons working harder against less resistance–and thus burning through more diesel over time than would otherwise occur under normal circumstances. Excessive oil buildup in cylinders or valve covers could also cause increased idling speeds and decreased horsepower at certain RPM levels; this means that while new vehicles won’t see much difference when they first start off because they’re still warming up their fluids/oil dispersal systems (including lubricating gels), older models might experience higher exhaust temperatures due to these issues–which means increased idling speeds and decreased horsepower (or even possible failure) at certain RPM levels!
Your “Check Engine” Light Stays On.
If your vehicle’s “check engine” light stays on, it could be an indication of a problem. However, there are many reasons why a check engine light may stay on. It could be triggered by something as simple as a loose gas cap or dirty fuel injectors; in other cases, it may be indicative of serious issues with the vehicle’s emissions system. One of our skilled mechanics at Beyer Motorsports will be able to determine the cause based on the symptoms you’re experiencing and perform tests to identify the source of this problem.
A loss of power.
Another sign that you may need to overhaul your diesel engine is a loss of power. A loss of power can be caused by a number of things, including clogged filters, low oil levels and dirty fuel. If you experience this problem and do not take the necessary steps to fix it right away, damage may occur in the long run. If you notice that your vehicle seems to be running much slower than usual or has stopped altogether while driving on the highway, it is important to get your engine checked as soon as possible.
Engine noise.
The sound of your engine is often a good indicator of its condition. A rattling, knocking or grinding noise can be caused by an issue with the valves, rings or pistons in the engine. It may also indicate problems with the timing belt or other moving parts within the engine itself. If you suspect that an issue with your diesel engine is causing this kind of noise, bring it to a mechanic for inspection before things get worse, and you have more serious issues on your hands!
Early detection of problems with your diesel engine can save you time and money in the long run It is important to note that the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to fix. If left untreated, some problems can actually require replacing your entire engine. The best way to keep your diesel engine running smoothly is to keep an eye on it and make sure that there are no signs of trouble. If you notice any of these symptoms, give Beyer Motorsports a call!