Troubleshooting Tips
Maximize your diesel engine's lifespan and get advice and answers to common problems and questions from the South Texas diesel engine and fuel injection system experts.Â
Problem or Symptom
Possible Conditions
Troubleshooting Tips
Engine hard to start (Electrical)
Engine crank is slow & hard to startÂ
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*Note:Â Diesel engines need 150rpm to start properly
-Check Battery Health & Voltage
-Check for Damaged / Corroded Cable
-Check Battery & Starter connectors
-Check / Replace Starter
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Engine Not Starting
Engine Has Excessive Air in Fuel Line
Pump is out of time with Engine
Turbocharger worn / malfunctioning
Low Engine Compression
-Check / Replace Fuel Lines
-Check Pump to Engine Timing
-Replace Turbocharger
-Check compression for excessive blow-by
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Engine Smoke is Black
Air filter is dirty / clogged
Injectors not working properly
Turbocharger worn / malfunctioning
Clogged EGR Valve
Low Engine Compression
-Replace air filterÂ
-Replace or Rebuild Injectors
-Replace Turbocharger
-Clean / Replace EGR Valve
-Check compression for worn or unseated piston rings
Engine Smoke is White
Injectors worn / not working properly
Incorrect Engine Timing
Coolant in combustion chamber
Oil in combustion chamber
-Replace or Service Injectors
-Check & Adjust Engine Timing
-Check Cylinder Head & Gasket leaks
-Check Valve Seals & Piston RingsÂ
Engine Has Low Power
Injectors worn / not working properly
Low engine compression
Turbocharger worn / oil Leak
Engine valves not adjusted properly
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-Replace or Service Injectors
-Check compression / Service Engine
-Replace Turbocharger
-Check valve adjustment
Engine Runs and Then Dies
Fuel Line Restriction
Diesel Fuel Low or Empty
Fuel Supply Pump Not Working
Air in Diesel Fuel
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-Check / Replace Fuel Lines
-Add Fuel / Check Gauge Accuracy
-Check / Replace Fuel Supply Pump
-Check / Replace Fuel Supply LinesÂ
Engine Surges
Engine Surges at Low Idle
Surge from Air the the Fuel System
Injectors Not Working Properly
Diesel Fuel Low
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-Adjust Low Idle Speed Higher
-Check / Replace Fuel Lines / Hoses
-Check / Replace Fuel Injectors
-Add Fuel & Check Gauge Accuracy
Diesel Fuel in Engine Oil
Cylinder Head / Valvetrain Problem
Fuel Supply Pump Malfunction
Injector Pressure Low (stuck open)
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-Repair Cylinder Head / Valvetrain
-Check / Replace Fuel Supply Pump
-Check / Replace Injectors
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Engine Runs Rough
Engine Time Not Set Properly
Fuel Supply is inadequate
Air in Diesel FuelÂ
Engine is Cold
Low Engine Compression
-Check / Adjust Engine Timing
-Check Fuel Flow and Line retrictions
-Check / Replace Fuel Lines & Hoses
-Allow to reach operating temp
-Diagnose Low Compression Cause Â