Diesel Engine Problems? - Five Easy Ways to Make Your Car Start and Run Better and Go Further

Follow these easy budget steps for better starting and more power

"My car is difficult to start and it seems to have lost power!"

This is one of the most common problems people get with diesel powered cars.

Here are some easy budget moves you can make to solve problems with your diesel powered car.

GLOW PLUGS DO JUST THAT - THEY GLOW 'RED HOT' AND CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME

As the name implies glow plugs do just that - they glow red hot! Difficult cold starting is a symptom that one or more glow plugs may need replacement.

They don't require maintenance but eventually they need replacement.

The glow plugs are crucial because they allow the diesel engine to start when cold. Diesel fuel is ignited when injected into compressed/hot air (in the cylinder) So the glow plugs help get the engine started when cold by warming the fuel; once running they are not needed until the next 'cold' start. Shop around to avoid spending more than you need.

HIGH MILEAGE CAN MEAN WORN INJECTORS or INJECTOR NOZZLES

If you get excessive black smoke from the exhaust and your car has covered more than a hundred thousand miles your injectors have done a lot of work and may need replacing. New injectors or nozzles can make your car drive like new and save money on fuel too. Visit the Diesel Injectors UK website to get more info on changing nozzles and injectors.

YOUR ENGINE NEEDS OXYGEN - HELP IT BREATH EASIER - CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT

A clean air filter is very important. Engines need oxygen.

If your engine can't 'breath' its like a fire without air. If the air filter is clogged the engine gets less air making it less efficient ( less power, it goes slower and uses more fuel) The filter is important to stop the dirt in the air clogging up the engine so you can either replace it or give it a thorough clean. If you choose to give it a clean get the vacuum cleaner out; it should do the job and save you money too!

CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER - DIESEL FUEL IS NOT AS CLEAN AS WE MIGHT LIKE TO THINK

Remember diesel fuel is a lubricant as well as being the fuel to run the engine. The injectors and the fuel injection pump have many moving parts; diesel lubricates them on it's way through...to reduce wear it's better for it to be as clean as possible.

Diesel Fossil Fuel (unlike bio-diesel) is refined from crude oil so it's not surprising there is a small amount of dirt (and possibly water) in the fuel. Diesels don't like dirt or water so as with the air filter so with the fuel filter. keep the fuel filter as clean as possible. This means a replacement filter at the proper service interval. Remember shop around to avoid spending more than you need.

I have known rotary diesels which have failed to start because the fuel filter is so clogged no fuel could get through to the pump! Don't let this happen to you!

CHANGE OIL AND FILTER - YOUR TURBO DEPENDS UPON IT!

Most diesel engines are now fitted with Turbochargers. The turbo improves the efficiency of the engine b/c even when you allow for the power used to drive the turbo there is a net gain in power output by the engine.

Modern turbos are often the variable nozzle type and spin at very high rpm...'clean' lubricating oil is their lifeblood. Another reason for keeping oil and oil filter regularly serviced.

(c) Andy Hewing B.Sc. February 2010

Diesel Injectors UK sell parts for diesels and provide problem-solving website information. Learn more about solving all kinds of diesel and car problems at http://dieselinjectorsuk.co.uk.

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