Why Your Diesel Engine Is Malfunctioning

The complexity of a diesel or gasoline engine sometimes makes it difficult to diagnose a failure when your engine no longer starts. Understanding why your diesel engine is malfunctioning can help you see more clearly and perhaps identify the causes of 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 or mechanic will diagnose. If you’re wondering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, it can help narrow down potential issues. 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. When considering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, a blown gasket could be the cause. 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.

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 will cause the engine to stop completely, the coolant being 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). If you’ve ever wondered why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, a common cause could be the failure of the cooling system.

The pressure of the explosions passing through the water circuit is often the result of severe overheating, which leads to the 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 a significant play. If you’re wondering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, it could be linked to this issue. It will be imperative to check the oil level. A repair is possible, but it will then be necessary to disassemble the engine 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. Look no further, it is a connecting rod that has pierced the crankcase. In this case, the engine will not be repairable. Understanding why your diesel engine is malfunctioning is crucial in diagnosing such issues. 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, and one of them might be why your diesel engine is malfunctioning. 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. If you’re wondering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, 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 could be a sign of why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, possibly due to 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.

If you’re wondering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, these could be the reasons behind it. 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.

If you’re wondering why your diesel engine is malfunctioning, it’s important to have it properly inspected. In case of doubt, contact the Phoenix Diesel Repair teams for advice on the condition of your diesel engine.