The Causes of Engine Problems (Diesel Engine and Gasoline Engine)

The complexity of a diesel or gasoline engine sometimes makes it difficult to diagnose a failure when your engine no longer starts. We are giving you some ideas in order to see more clearly and perhaps to identify the causes of engine problems and a possible malfunction.

Once the problem is identified, the question will be whether your engine is repairable or not. Sometimes the cost of repairing your car, including the cost of spare parts and labor, will exceed the resale value of your car. In this case, it might be better to buy a new car. Because of the complexity of a car, it is often difficult to make up your own mind on the cost of repairs that your mechanic will diagnose.

Understanding the causes of engine problems can help you make a more informed decision. With these few tips, you can easily isolate a particular cause of an engine that no longer runs and check if a repair is possible.

A failing cylinder head gasket

We speak most often of a blown cylinder head gasket. This is a fairly common failure with more or less serious consequences. Outward rupture of the seal will cause a malfunction in engine lubrication and overconsumption of oil or water. It can also cause abnormal power loss. Understanding the causes of engine problems like this can help in identifying potential issues early.

In this case, it is a fairly easy repair and a mechanic might intervene on your engine to disassemble the cylinder head and replace the gasket. The cost of such an operation varies according to the age of your vehicle, but it will still cost between $500 and $1,000.

Failure of the cylinder head gasket usually results in:

• white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe;
• a significant decrease in the level of coolant;
• a significant drop in the engine oil level;
• an overheating engine;

Warning: If the coolant has entered one of the engine cylinders, the consequences will be more serious and may contribute to the causes of engine problems, potentially causing the engine to stop completely, as coolant is incompressible.

Coolant builds up pressure

As its name suggests, the cooling system allows heat to be evacuated from the engine and prevents the deformation of engine components. Failure of the coolant can cause an engine to overheat, which in turn will cause the cylinder head gasket to rupture with more or less serious consequences (as we have seen above).

One of the main causes of engine problems is overheating, and the pressure of the explosions that pass in the water circuit is often the result of a big overheating, causing a deformation of the cylinder head. In this case, it will be necessary to provide for a rectification of the cylinder head as well as a test, very often expensive operations.

Good to know: Changing your coolant frequently will strengthen your engine and ensure optimal operation. The coolant must be drained each time the cooling circuit is opened.

A casting connecting rod

Your engine is running but it makes strange noises or slams. It is probably a cast connecting rod. We advise you not to drive until this problem has been repaired. In summary, this is a situation where the connecting rod bearing and crankshaft have significant play, which could be one of the causes of engine problems. It will be imperative to check the oil level. A repair is possible, but it will then be necessary to disassemble the engine in order to change the crankshaft and the defective bearing.

A cracked engine crankcase

Your engine has stopped, and you observe a gaping hole in the block. In addition to that, a large amount of oil spilled on the ground. One of the causes of engine problems could be a connecting rod that has pierced the crankcase.

In this case, the engine will not be repairable. Depending on the mileage of your vehicle, we recommend that you look for used engines. Prefer a used engine accompanied by guarantees from the seller, offered by most professionals in the sector.

Abnormal oil consumption

Is your car consuming excessive oil and you have to replenish the levels regularly? The causes can be numerous, we will mention below only the main ones:

• A crankcase bleed screw: this is a fairly common problem usually resulting from a tired seal or too tightly tightening the screw (if the aluminum crankcase);
• A damaged crankcase;
• A cylinder head gasket: if the cylinder head gasket fails, oil may escape from the engine;
• A problem with the oil filter: easily accessible, it will be easy to check that it is in good working order.

Good to know: we speak of abnormal oil consumption when an engine consumes over 0.5 liters per 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

Your car is losing power

Your engine is still running, but your car is having difficulty on the hills. This could be one of the many causes of engine problems. Your engine is probably tired. You can try adding a ‘miracle’ additive to it, but the results may be insignificant if not zero. It will most likely be necessary to provide for the change of the engine.

Your diesel engine no longer starts

When your engine is cold and temperatures are low, it sometimes takes several attempts before you miraculously start your car. A large cloud of blue smoke then appears on startup. This is probably a decrease in cuts. It will then be necessary to have them checked and to plan for the replacement of the motor if they are bad.

A broken camshaft on a diesel engine

We do not wish anyone a broken timing belt. Usually, a diesel engine does not survive this and the consequences are disastrous for the engine components. In most cases, the valves are screwed up, the camshaft is broken, and the cylinder head is good for the trash. Understanding the causes of engine problems, like a broken timing belt, can help prevent costly repairs.

Having broken parts replaced costs $1,000 to $5,000. Depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle, this will not be cost-effective. Again, we advise you to look on the side of standard exchange or used engines.

Bent valves on a gasoline engine

A timing belt on a gasoline engine causes less damage than on a diesel engine. In theory, it is therefore possible to repair the damage. It will then be necessary to replace the valves which have been damaged.

In case of doubt, contact the Phoenix Diesel Repair teams for advice on the condition of your engine.