Common Diesel Engine Problems

Taking care of your diesel engine is the best way to ensure it lasts a long time. If you think you might have any of these common diesel engine problems, you should visit a mechanic right away.

Oxidized Oil

The oil in your diesel engine is designed to lubricate all the moving parts. When you leave a vehicle sitting for too long, air bubbles can build up in your oil and cause it to lose its lubricating properties. This is a common problem for vehicles that have been left sitting for more than a single season.

Lack of Power

A lack of power is a problem that can affect any engine. While it may seem strange for a normally powerful diesel engine to lack power, that’s a problem a lot of drivers face if they don’t maintain their engines. Every once in a while, you need to have a diesel engine service expert change the fuel filter in your engine to make sure you’re getting clean fuel in your engine.

Bad Batteries

Diesel engines need batteries just like other cars do, so there’s always a chance you could have a problem with the battery in your vehicle. If you’re having trouble getting your vehicle started without a jump or you don’t seem to have enough power for all the lights and other auxiliary functions on your vehicle, there’s a good chance you’ve got a battery problem.

Black Exhaust

While some people may think black exhaust is simply a result of the way diesel engines work, that’s not the case. This black exhaust is generally caused by an improper fuel to air mixture in your engine, which can lead to you getting a fine for violating a clean air ordinance. You should have a diesel engine service shop look at your vehicle as soon as possible if you have black exhaust.

Wrong Oil

If you’re using the wrong oil in your diesel engine, you’re going to have problems just like you would in a gasoline engine. Having the right viscosity oil is crucial to making sure your vehicle is properly lubricated, so you should always refer to your owner’s manual before putting oil in your vehicle.

There are a lot of problems that can befall a diesel engine, but these are some of the most common. As long as you keep an eye out for these problems, you’re well on your way to keeping your diesel engine clean and running smoothly.

Will Hopstetter
Will is an automotive market enthusiast living in the United Kingdom. He holds a diverse background in automotive and enjoys utilizing that to produce insights into the inner workings of the industry.