Diesel Engine Problems I am often asked to diagnose vehicle problems over the phone, if only it was that easy. Main Dealers, specialists and garages equipped with expensive and sophisticated diagnostic equipment still seem to struggle. Computer generated fault codes only go a certain distance to point in the direction of the problem. After that, it is a process of elimination, unfortunately at your expense. The innovation of the computer generated fault diagnosis has led to a generation of mechanics that have often lost sight of the basic operating principles of the diesel engine. Unfortunately the fault codes dont always pin point the problem but rather bring up an array of codes that could be either this or that. Being told: we have tried this and it has not helped or the best one, sorry there are no fault codes so we cant find anything, is extremely frustrating and can be costly. I am not knocking the modern mechanic, nowadays diesel engines are extremely sophisticated and difficult to diagnose. I personally do not have any diagnostic equipment and all my knowledge comes from other peoples experiences and years of working in the diesel trade. I hope that the information below helps and does not just confuse you but at least it is something to start with and has not cost you anything. Below is a Troubleshooting chart that might help or just confuse you more, try searching our Blog section for tips, perhaps others have experienced similar problems. Diesel Troubleshooting uniteddiesel.co.uk/diesel-engine-problems The Answer is in the Smoke We can generally understand what is wrong with a diesel engine by the colour of smoke emitted from the exhaust. There are three basic colours - black, white and blue. Black Smoke This is due to a air to fuel ratio imbalance, either the fuel system is delivering too much fuel into the engine or there is not enough clean air (oxygen ) a few things to look for: Faulty injectors (injectors need attention at about 100.000 to 120 000 miles) Faulty injector pump Dirty air cleaner Turbocharger or intercooler faulty Problems within cylinder head, valves clogged up due to faulty EGR (exhaust gas recycling unit) White Smoke Normally means that the fuel injected into the cylinder is not burning correctly. The smoke will burn your eyes. Engine/pump timing out Fuel starvation to the pump causing the pumps timing not to operate correctly Low engine compression Water/petrol in the fuel Blue Smoke The engine is burning engine oil Worn cylinders or piston rings Faulty valves or valve stem seals Engine over full with engine oil Faulty injector pump/lift pump allowing engine oil to be mixed with the diesel
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:05:55 +0000
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