Like gas-powered engines, diesel engines won’t stay in good shape indefinitely without occasional maintenance and repair work. If your engine is left to its own devices for long enough, it could start to suffer from serious issues.
With that in mind, Hays County-area drivers should familiarize themselves with a few common signs of diesel engine problems. Doing so will let you know whether your truck’s engine is in good shape — and you’ll be ready to deal with trouble before it gets worse.
Pay Attention to These Red Flags
When you experience these issues, there’s a good chance you need a diesel engine rebuild or other diesel engine repair services.
Strange Noises
Have you started to hear loud knocking sounds from under your truck’s hood? If so, you shouldn’t ignore the situation. Knocking sounds can indicate the presence of engine problems such as:
- Compression issues
- Malfunctioning fuel injectors
- Failure of wrist pins
- Poor bearings
Oil Sludge Build-Up
If you notice oil sludge on your vehicle’s dipstick or fill cap, you’ll need to take action. Oil sludge is a telltale sign of engine lubrication issues, and you may need to invest in an overhaul to protect your diesel engine’s health.
Metal Shavings in Oil
Much like oil sludge, metal shavings in your engine’s oil can indicate that your engine is poorly lubricated. Once you spot these shavings in your oil, it won’t be long before they have a chance to circulate throughout your engine. Since they can easily damage engine components along the way, you’ll want to get professional diesel engine repair as soon as possible.
Excess Oil/Coolant Usage
When your vehicle’s oil or coolant consumption spikes dramatically, it’s safe to say something’s up. Anything from oil leaks to worn cylinder liners can cause this particular issue, so you’ll need help from knowledgeable mechanics to determine the cause.
Compression Loss
No one who relies on a diesel-powered vehicle wants to experience compression loss, as this situation can severely affect your vehicle’s power and performance. When your engine develops this problem, you’ll want to set things right by getting an overhaul.
A Dropped Valve
Once valve heads are sheared and bent, they can drop into cylinders and wreak havoc on your engine. If this happens, you may need to replace your piston, valves, or cylinder (or your engine as a whole if you don’t immediately resolve the problem at hand).
Spun Rod Bearings
Spun rod bearings can seriously damage your diesel engine, especially when broken rods start to move around inside the engine. Generally speaking, this situation should be dealt with by scheduling an engine rebuild.
Is Your Engine Due for Replacement?
In many cases, dealing with issues like those described above simply requires diesel engine care, such as an engine rebuild. But even a rebuilt engine won’t last forever — eventually, you’ll need a total engine replacement.
If you’re wondering whether you need a diesel engine repair or an entirely new engine, start by considering your engine’s age. When your engine is approaching the 500,000-mile mark, scheduling an engine rebuild could help to extend its service life. On the other hand, if your diesel engine has been in use for closer to 1,000,000 miles, it’s almost certainly reaching the end of its life span.
Find the Right Shop for Diesel Engine Care
By now, one thing should be clear: if you want to protect your diesel engine’s health, you’ll need to make repair work a high priority. While keeping up on preventive maintenance can help, it’s also wise to look for the signs of diesel engine problems listed above. By doing so, you’ll be able to reduce your risk of engine failure and extend the engine’s life span.
Of course, the best way to take care of your diesel engine is to find a shop ready to handle your diesel engine repair needs. Look for Central Texas auto shops that offer:
- Knowledgeable workers. Finding an auto shop with trustworthy employees doesn’t have to be difficult — just ensure your shop employs ASE-certified mechanics.
- Convenient locations. Your auto shop should make engine repairs as stress-free as possible by providing locations in Buda, Kyle, and San Marcos, Texas.
- Opportunities to save. Instead of overcharging customers, reputable shops help them cut costs by sharing money-saving coupons.
- Service from people you know. The best auto shops are locally owned, making them a true part of the communities they serve.
Reliable Automotive offers every one of these benefits to its customers, and, as a result, we’ve been Central Texas’ go-to shop for diesel engine care since 2012. If you think your engine might need service, schedule an appointment online today!
