One of the best things about a diesel-powered vehicle is its ability to generate more power using less fuel, making them more efficient. There are, however, some common problems that you have to watch for. Diesel-powered engines have several advantages over gasoline-powered ones. One of them is its ability to generate more power with little fuel consumption compared to its gasoline counterpart. Its slow fuel burn and high compression design allow it to generate better torque than other engines. This is the reason why large and small trucks use diesel engines. Another advantage is that its risk of catching fire due to overheating or faulty injectors is lower. Since they are sturdily built and feature lower rotating speeds, the likelihood of breaking down is lesser. This does not mean, though, that you do not need to be on the lookout for certain issues. Diesel-powered vehicles have their share of engine problems, and these are some of them:
High Compression Ratios
Ironically, one of the features of diesel-powered vehicles which made it more desirable can also become a future problem. While high compression ratios give engines more power, greater torque, and better fuel efficiency, they can cause fuel injector problems. A faulty fuel injector can cause huge damage to your diesel vehicle’s engine and render it totally unusable. Since they are precision components, replacing diesel fuel injectors can be an expensive proposition. However, if the need becomes very apparent, there is no other way around it except to replace such component.
Fuel Contamination
Another common problem with diesel-powered vehicles that some people are not aware of is fuel contamination. Compared to regular gasoline or any other type of fuel like ethanol, the viscosity of diesel is higher. Because of this characteristic, it can easily get contaminated and cause some issues in the engine. Dilution, glycol, soot, and water are four of the most common forms of contamination. Any of these can seriously damage major engine components such as diesel injectors and fuel pumps.
Slow Acceleration
While rapid acceleration is not among the strengths of diesel vehicles, slow acceleration indicates some problems. When your diesel vehicle does not accelerate like it used to, it might be caused by a clogged catalytic converter. It could also be that your diesel engine’s fuel filter needs to be changed. If your diesel-powered vehicle is not overheating and is slow to accelerate, it could be a transmission problem. Any of these reasons can cause slow acceleration.
Many of these problems can be solved by simply subjecting your diesel-powered vehicle to regular maintenance. In some cases, however, you might need to replace worn-out or damaged parts to get your vehicle back on track. If you have been experiencing some issues with your diesel vehicle, visit a diesel repair shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Expert mechanics can properly diagnose what seems to be the problem and provide you with a good solution. This way, your diesel-powered vehicle will once again perform like on the day you bought it.
As soon as you start experiencing some issues with your diesel vehicle, bring it to a diesel repair shop immediately. There are cases, which when left unchecked, can become huge problems. Before they do, have an expert mechanic correctly diagnose the problem and apply the necessary repairs. Sometimes, engine components just need to be cleaned, or filters just need replacement. These are minor repairs that will not cost you that much. Having your diesel vehicle properly maintained or repaired will help retain its peak performance. You also get to enjoy more years of raw power under the hood.
