Although diesel-powered trucks are powerful and efficient, there will come a time when you’ll need to bring them to a mechanic near you for maintenance or repair. These vehicles may have long lives, but they aren’t immune to defects, failures, wear, and tear.
Here at Tier 1 Services, we specialize in diesel truck repairs and maintenance. Our team deals with various diesel engine problems daily, and our experienced mechanics can quickly restore your truck’s performance. We’ll help you get back on the road in no time!
SIGNS YOU NEED A DIESEL TRUCK MECHANIC NEAR YOU
Diesel trucks are known for their reliability, but like any other vehicle, they can also break down. Watch for these common signs that you need to bring your car to a diesel truck mechanic near you.
CONTAMINATED FUEL
One of the worst enemies of diesel trucks is fuel contamination. Microorganisms, wax, water, and other debris or particles in the fuel could lead to engine problems. Some signs of contaminated fuel are black exhaust smoke, increased fuel consumption, and foul-smelling fuel.
If your diesel truck runs on contaminated fuel, you’ll find it challenging to start the vehicle, and it won’t run as smoothly. If the engine’s performance declines, then you’ll have more problems if you don’t address this concern immediately.
If ignored, engine parts may start to deteriorate and lead to engine damage, which is irreparable and requires total replacement. The best way to fix contaminated fuel is to bring it to a reliable diesel truck mechanic near you. The mechanic will empty or clean the fuel.
UNUSUAL NOISES
Diesel trucks are louder than their gasoline counterparts. However, if you notice any unusual noises that are louder than normal, it’s time to bring them to a diesel truck shop near you. The problems you’re facing depend on the kind of noise you’re hearing.
Knocking sounds may indicate that the fuel injectors are poorly lubricated or need replacement. Ticking sounds mean the connector rod is defective, or the valvetrain component does not have the proper lubrication due to low oil levels.
Rattling noises could be due to using the wrong fuel or a problem with the belt tensioner. Meanwhile, weird sounds from the timing chain mean something is loose. Bring your vehicle to Tier 1 Services and have these unusual noises checked and fixed to prevent them from becoming major diesel engine problems.
OIL OXIDATION
Diesel trucks that remain idle for a long time experience oil oxidation. It is a chemical change that takes place when oil mixes with oxygen. The oil becomes thick, and sludge starts to form. The process happens more rapidly with high temperatures and the addition of water, acids, and other catalysts.
When oil starts to oxidize, the engine becomes less efficient, and there’s an increase in the risk of engine failure. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance from a reliable diesel truck mechanic near you is crucial in staving off the oxidation process. In addition, using oils with high-quality oxidation inhibitors helps slow the oxidation process.
BLACK SMOKE
Black smoke is a general sign of a problem with your vehicle. It means there’s an imbalance between the supply of fuel and air. The most common culprits are faulty injectors, pumps, air filters, EGR valves, or turbochargers.
Take your car to a diesel truck mechanic near you when your vehicle emits black exhaust smoke, as it might be necessary to replace some engine components depending on what’s causing the smoke.
ENGINE OVERHEATING
The temperature gauge moves into the red zone when the engine gets too hot. A diesel engine overheats because of insufficient coolant or antifreeze. Aside from that, there are other factors worth considering.
A broken radiator hose, coolant fluid leaks, failing water pump, faulty cooling fan, defective thermostats, and clogged diesel injectors may cause engine overheating. Overheating heating in diesel engines can quickly lead to major costly repairs. Therefore, it’s essential to address excessive heat signs before they become more significant.
START-UP PROBLEMS
There are many reasons why your diesel engine is difficult to start or won’t start at all. Common causes include a bad fuel filter, faulty glow plug system, defective injector, or fuel delivery problems.
Visit a reputable diesel truck mechanic, so your vehicle gets the specialized attention it needs. The pros know how to diagnose these perplexing troubles and get your car back on the road in no time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Familiarize yourself with the most common signs of diesel engine problems, such as contaminated fuel, unusual noises, oil oxidation, black smoke, overheating, and start-up problems. Then, find a trusted diesel truck mechanic near you if you see any of these signs. An experienced and skilled mechanic can determine and resolve the issue so you can be back on the road in no time.
If you’re a proud owner of diesel trucks and believe something may be amiss, address the issue immediately before your vehicle grinds to a halt. At Tier 1 Services, our well-trained mechanics work on diesel engines, and you can rest easy knowing that your truck is in good hands.