Did you know that diesel engines go 25 to 30 percent further on a gallon of fuel than a gasoline engine can?

It is no surprise that diesel engines are the choice for tasks like long-haul trucking. To maintain that level of efficiency, it is important that you get regular engine maintenance. It is the best way to avoid making engine maintenance mistakes that cost you a pretty penny.

The money you’ll spend on engine maintenance costs pales in comparison to what wholesale repairs will cost you when your engine breaks down. This is why it is vital for you to provide proper care for diesel engines.

Continue reading to learn about eight common engine mistakes that you should avoid with your diesel engine.

1. Allowing Debris Buildup

One of the most important things for keeping an engine running strong for a long time is keeping it clean. Over time, an engine will develop a buildup of grease, grime, and other debris inside of the engine bay.

If this debris remains unchecked it will start leading to additional wear and tear on the components of your diesel engine. This is why it is important that you’re regularly checking on diesel engines.

The best maintenance to avoid debris build-up and costly repairs is by making sure that your engine’s fuel, oil, and air are all clean.

2. Not Changing Fuel Filter

Diesel is different from gasoline in that it needs to run through a clean fuel filter in the engine as a way to make sure that it’s clean. If it is a newer diesel engine then it likely has two clean fuel filters as a way to give your engine extra protection.

An important component of engine maintenance is to know how many miles you’re able to go before replacing engine filters in your diesel engine. The best approach if you have two fuel filters is to replace both of them at the same time.

Taking this approach ensures the cleanest fuel possible is delivered to your diesel engine.

3. Running Engine With Low Coolant

One of the most important fluids for a diesel engine is the coolant. It is crucial for your diesel engine that you check your coolant level on a regular basis. Coolant in diesel engines tends to become acidic over time.

Using coolant in your engine that has become acidic will lead to extra wear and tear on your engine’s components. A good rule of thumb for proper maintenance is to keep your coolant tank filled and remove coolant when it starts to become acidic.

4. Not Warming Up Engine

When you have a vehicle with a diesel engine it’s important to remember to warm the engine up before using it. Warming up the engine helps the engine components function at the highest levels. 

Driving your vehicle before the engine has time to warm leads to issues like warping that cause additional wear and tear to your diesel engine. Let your engine warm-up for three to five minutes before you begin driving.

5. Towing Too Much

Another thing to be careful of when using a vehicle with a diesel engine is avoiding towing more than your engine is capable of handling. While one of the biggest strengths of diesel engines is their ability to tow heavy loads, there is a limit.

By towing more than your engine can handle you’re putting severe levels of strain on the engine and its components. This strain impacts your vehicle’s stopping power which makes your vehicle dangerous to you and everyone around you.

In order to maintain your engine, it is highly recommended that you stay below the recommended maximum weight that your vehicle is rated for towing.

6. Not Changing the Air Filter

While the fuel filter is important for ensuring that your diesel engine receives clean fuel, the air filter also plays an important role. You need to check your air filter and change it regularly in order to avoid engine maintenance mistakes.

Air filters experience the same issue that fuel filters face. Over time and with lots of driving, the air filter begins getting clogged with dirt and debris. A clean air filter is vital for allowing your engine’s turbo, pistons, and valves to function at optimal levels.

If you need help with changing your diesel engine’s air filter there are many great diesel service technicians that are able to help.

7. Not Doing Routine Oil Replacement

It is a great idea to sit down with your diesel mechanic after you’ve purchased your new vehicle and set up a maintenance schedule. Following a maintenance schedule will help you avoid problems related to a lack of oil in your diesel engine.

Knowing how long your vehicle should go before it requires an oil change is an essential part of owning a vehicle. This is especially true when you’re using your diesel engine for duties like towing heavy loads.

Activities like towing large and heavy burdens use a lot more oil than normal, everyday driving. Be sure to get your oil replaced in your diesel engine on a consistent basis.

8. Not Monitoring Diesel Engine Performance

It sounds obvious, but monitoring your diesel engine’s performance is something that a lot of owners forget to do. It is the most telling thing for determining the health and maintenance of your diesel engine.

If you notice changes in the gas mileage or acceleration of your vehicle, those are signs that your vehicle needs diesel engine maintenance. Keep an eye out for performance issues, as these signs will save you from high engine maintenance costs and repairs.

Don’t Make These Engine Maintenance Mistakes

The last thing that you want to do after investing a lot of money in a vehicle is to damage it from engine maintenance mistakes. Diesel engines are built for and tasked with heavy-duty tasks, but they need regular maintenance to stay up to the task.

Regular engine maintenance will keep your vehicle performing at peak levels for years to come. Luckily, the kind professionals at Diesel Performance Specialist are here to help. Click here to schedule your diesel engine maintenance appointment today.

Mistakes to Avoid When Working on Your Diesel Engine

As much as we all love to take care of our diesel engines, there are some mistakes that we can make while working on them. Even the most experienced mechanics can find themselves in a situation where they’ve made an error or two when it comes to their engine maintenance and repairs. It's important to be aware of common mistakes so you can avoid them and keep your engine running in top shape for years to come.

In this article, we'll discuss the basics of a diesel engine, common engine problems, some of the most common mistakes people make when working on their diesel engines and how you can avoid them.

We understand that sometimes, you want to get your hands dirty. Fixing your diesel engine can also be a great way to save money. But it's not always as simple as it looks on YouTube. So, before you start working on your diesel engine, here are five mistakes to avoid.

What is a Diesel Engine?

Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that work by compressing only the air, not the fuel. This process is what makes them more efficient than gas engines. The air is compressed to such a degree that when the fuel is injected, it ignites spontaneously due to the heat of compression.

In 1858, Rudolf Diesel was granted a patent for his design of the engine that bears his name. The first diesel engine was built in 1893. It ran on peanut oil and was later modified to run on coal dust.

Diesel engines were first used in trains and ships but are now found in various machines, including cars, buses, trucks, and generators.

Workings of a Diesel Engine

There are four strokes in a diesel engine – intake, compression, power, and exhaust.

The intake stroke begins when the piston moves downward, drawing air into the cylinder through an inlet valve. The piston then compresses the air as it moves upward. This increases the air temperature.

At this point, fuel is injected into the cylinder via an injector. The high pressure and temperature of the air ignite the fuel without a spark plug.

The power stroke occurs as the piston is pushed downward by the expanding gasses. This turns the crankshaft, which in turn powers the vehicle.

The final stroke is the exhaust stroke. The piston moves upward, pushing the exhaust gasses out of the cylinder and into the atmosphere through an exhaust valve.

The fuel injection and air intake timing must be carefully coordinated for a diesel engine to work correctly. If not, the engine will run less efficiently and produce more emissions.

Most Common Diesel Engine Problems

Now that you understand how heavy-duty diesel engines work, you should also be aware of the most common problems associated with it. These issues can range from minor annoyances to major failures that can lead to costly repairs and downtime. Here are some of the most common problems experienced by diesel engine owners:

Engine Overheating

Engine overheating is the most common problem experienced by diesel engine owners. This can be caused by several factors, including inadequate cooling systems, clogged radiators, faulty thermostats, and water pumps, as well as a build-up of sludge in the engine oil, which restricts flow and creates additional heat.

Other causes include overworking the engine or running it at high RPMs for prolonged periods of time, running the engine at too low of an oil level, or using the incorrect grade of oil.

Lack of Power

A lack of power is another common problem with heavy-duty diesel engines. This can be from several different issues, including worn components such as piston rings, valves, and injectors that are no longer able to provide efficient combustion; worn turbochargers; clogged fuel filters; faulty fuel pumps; and excessive exhaust back pressure.

Other causes include poor fuel quality, incorrect fuel injector timing, and incorrect fuel injection settings.

Excessive Smoke

Excessive smoke from a diesel engine’s exhaust is another common complaint among owners. This can have several different causes, including worn piston rings or valves that are no longer able to create an airtight seal; clogged air filters; faulty injectors; worn turbochargers; and incorrect fuel injection settings. In some cases, the smoke can be caused by unburned fuel due to a lack of oxygen in the combustion chamber.

Excessive Noise

Excessive noise is another common issue experienced by diesel engine owners. This can have several different causes, including worn bearings or other components that are no longer able to provide adequate lubrication; clogged air filters; faulty injectors; worn turbochargers; and incorrect fuel injection settings. In some cases, the noise can be caused by a build-up of carbon deposits in the engine, which restricts airflow and creates additional friction.

Diesel Engines Parts Known to Have Problems

As with any piece of equipment, diesel engines require regular maintenance and upkeep. While some parts are more reliable than others, there are certain diesel engine parts known to have problems that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed in a timely manner. In this section, we will discuss the most common diesel engine parts known to have problems and how they can be prevented or fixed.

Fuel Injection System

The fuel injection system is one of the most important components in a diesel engine, as it is responsible for delivering fuel to the cylinders. Due to its complexity, this system is prone to various problems. The most common issue involves clogged or worn-out injectors and/or high-pressure pumps, which can lead to poor fuel consumption, reduced power output, and misfiring. In addition, faulty sensors can also cause issues such as hard starting or stalling.

Timing Belt

The timing belt is another important part of the diesel engine that can experience problems if it is allowed to deteriorate due to age or lack of maintenance. A worn-out timing belt can lead to misfiring, rough running, and even stalling. Plus, an improperly installed or tensioned timing belt can also cause these issues as well as decreased fuel economy and power output. It is, therefore, critical for any diesel engine owner to have their vehicle’s timing belt inspected on a regular basis.

Piston Slap

Piston slap is a condition that occurs when the pistons in a diesel engine start to wear down due to age and lack of lubrication. This problem can result in abnormally high levels of noise, vibration, and reduced fuel economy. In addition, it can also cause damage to other parts, such as the cylinder head gasket or connecting rod bearing, which can lead to costly repairs.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head can experience problems due to excessive heat and pressure. When this occurs, it can cause valve or gasket failure, which can lead to decreased power output, increased emissions, and even engine damage. In addition, a worn-out cylinder head may also result in oil leaks which can further exacerbate any existing issues.

Bearings

Bearings are critical components in any diesel engine, and they can suffer from wear and tear due to lack of lubrication, heat, or age. When this occurs, it can lead to increased noise levels as well as reduced fuel economy. In addition, a worn-out bearing may also cause the engine to misfire or even seize up altogether if not addressed in a timely manner.

Gasket

The gasket helps to keep all of its components sealed and protected from dirt and debris. Unfortunately, due to its location in the engine, this part can be prone to leaks which can cause oil loss or even coolant leakage. In addition, it may also experience warping or cracking due to excessive heat or pressure, which can lead to further problems such as decreased fuel economy and increased emissions.

Worn Out Piston Rings

Piston rings are found between the pistons and cylinder walls, and they are responsible for sealing in engine oil. Unfortunately, due to their proximity to the heat of combustion, these components can wear out over time which can lead to poor fuel economy as well as increased emissions. In addition, if a piston ring is worn out too much it may cause further damage, such as misfiring or even engine seizure.

Mistakes to Avoid While Working on a Diesel Engine

Now that you understand how your diesel engine works, it's time to get to work on maintaining and repairing it. However, even the most die-hard do-it-yourselfers can make mistakes while working on their diesel engines. Here are four mistakes to avoid:

1. Not changing the air filter regularly

One of the most important maintenance tasks for a diesel engine is changing the air filter. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and can cause all sorts of problems, from decreased fuel economy to increased emissions. To make matters worse, a clogged air filter can even cause engine damage. It will put a strain on the engine, which can lead to a loss of power and decreased performance.

Imagine trying to breathe through a straw; it's the same idea. The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to check your air filter regularly and change it according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. However, if you have an old diesel engine, it's a good idea to change the air filter more frequently. The main reason is that older engines tend to have leaks, and dirty air can get into the engine.

2. Failing to check fuel lines and filters

Another common mistake people make when working on their diesel engines is failing to check the fuel lines and filters. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in the fuel lines and filters, restricting fuel flow and causing many problems. In some cases, it can even lead to engine damage. To avoid this mistake, be sure to check your fuel lines and filters regularly. If they seem dirty or clogged, replace them.

3. Not changing engine oil and other fluids regularly

Another essential maintenance task for a diesel engine is changing the oil and other fluids. Just like with air filters, failing to change the oil and other fluids can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and even engine damage.

Remember that engines run on oil, and if it doesn't have enough oil, it will overheat and seize up. To avoid this mistake, be sure to check your engine's oil level regularly and change the oil accordingly.

4. Oil sludge

The main reason for oil sludge is the lack of maintenance. It happens when people don't change their oil regularly or use the wrong type of oil for their engines. Over time, the oil breaks down and forms a thick, gooey mess that can clog up your engine and cause all sorts of problems.

Even if you add fresh oil, not removing or cleaning the oil sludge can cause your engine to overheat and seize up. To avoid this mistake, be sure to change your oil regularly and use the correct type of oil for your engine. If you notice any oil sludge, remove or clean it as soon as possible.

5. Bad maintenance

It's obvious, but it bears repeating: inadequate maintenance is one of the worst mistakes you can make when working on your diesel engine. Bad maintenance does not just mean ignoring maintenance; it can also mean that during the maintenance process, something was done incorrectly. And it's not just oil and filters that need to be changed; all fluids and parts need to be inspected and replaced as necessary.

For example, neglected spark plugs can lead to engine damage, and failing to torque bolts properly can cause leaks. Also, an off-timing belt, over-revving the engine, and using the wrong type of oil can all cause serious problems. The bottom line is that if something is done incorrectly during the maintenance process, it can lead to big problems down the road.

6. Trying to cold start

Last but not least is the mistake of trying to cold start a diesel engine. This is a bad idea for two reasons. First, it's hard on the engine, and second, it can cause damage from your starter, battery, pistons, and cylinder heads to your alternator.

If you must cold start your engine, be sure to use the proper procedure. First, turn on the glow plugs and let them heat up for a minute or two. Then, crank the engine over slowly until it starts. Don't rev the engine too high; just let it idle until it warms up.

Or you can use an engine block heater, which is a device that helps heat up the engine block before starting. This is a good idea if you live in a cold climate and will be starting your engine regularly in cold weather.

Conclusion

Working on your diesel engine is not a bad idea. It saves you a lot of money, and you get to know your engine better. That being said, there are some mistakes that you can make while working on your diesel engine. In this article, we have listed six of the most common mistakes people make. Heavy Duty Pros has all the parts you need to keep your diesel engine in top condition.

FAQs

How does a diesel engine work?

A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses compression to ignite the fuel. The air is compressed first, and then the fuel is injected into the cylinder. The heat of the compressed air ignites the fuel, and the resulting explosion pushes the piston down. This motion turns a crankshaft, which in turn powers the vehicle's wheels.

What are the major components of a diesel engine?

The major components in a diesel engine are the air compressor, fuel injector, cylinder, piston, and crankshaft.

What makes a diesel engine more efficient?

There are a few things that make diesel engines more efficient. One is that they use compression to ignite the fuel, which results in less wasted heat. Another is that diesel engines tend to be built with thicker walls, which helps them withstand higher temperatures and pressures