Diesel engines can seem intimidating—especially if things start going wrong. However, being aware of the main problems that can occur with diesel engines and how to resolve them will provide you ease of mind. Here are a few common diesel engine problems and solutions that you should be aware of.

Overheated Engine

The number one issue that occurs in diesel engines is overheating. As the powerhouses for hefty vehicles, it’s not uncommon for diesel engines to be pushed to their absolute limits. This puts a great deal of strain on the engine, in addition to generating an incredible amount of heat. These are common things that can result from an overheated engine:

• Bearings and crankshaft sustain damage.
• Pistons expand and scrape against cylinder walls, creating excessive friction and crushing the head gasket in the process.
• Cylinder heads swell, warp, or break.
• General wear and tear accelerate due to the strain.

To avoid overheating your engine, simply reconsider the stress you’re placing on your engine—perhaps your truck is simply not suited for the job you need done. You can also examine the cooling fan and sensor to ensure they’re working properly.

Oil Issues

Oil leaks and supply issues are other common diesel engine problems, and the solution is ensuring components like seals and gaskets remain in good condition, replacing them when necessary. Otherwise, age and wear can weaken or damage these parts, allowing oil to leak and reducing the efficiency of your engine.

You may also have issues supplying your engine with enough oil. This could simply be because you need an oil change or you’re using the wrong type of oil. Furthermore, if your engine is not primed, it will run on air instead of oil, which will inevitably damage and break your engine.

The Wrong Fuel

You may be using the wrong fuel if your engine is having constant problems. Misfuelling can severely damage a diesel engine and may require you to replace the engine entirely. When refueling, double-check to ensure you’re using the correct diesel fuel for your truck.

Now that you know three common diesel engine problems and their solutions, you are better equipped to maintain your engine in prime condition.

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