Diesel engines are known for their durability and reliability, but they can still fail due to various reasons. Here are three common reasons why diesel engines fail.
Lack of Maintenance
First thing, first. Improper break-in procedures is a problem we see a lot. Many operators receive a new engine and fail to break the engine in properly. Each engine will come with its own set of instructions for this out of our shop so follow them closely to reduce the chance of an early failure.
Diesel engines require regular maintenance to perform optimally and avoid failures. Neglecting maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil, replacing filters, inspecting belts, and adjusting valve clearances, can lead to various problems. Over time, wear and tear on engine components can accumulate, causing reduced efficiency and eventual failure. Proper maintenance schedules and adherence to manufacturer-recommended service intervals are crucial for diesel engine longevity.
Operator Error
Often this connects to improper upgrades where owners are putting on different turbochargers or different injectors as well. And that causes the exhaust gas temperatures to generally climb up.
Overheating is a significant cause of diesel engine failures. High operating temperatures can damage engine components, such as the cylinder head, pistons, and valves. Common reasons for overheating include a malfunctioning cooling system, a blocked radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a lack of coolant. Proper cooling system maintenance and monitoring of engine temperatures are essential to prevent overheating issues.
Also just simply not watching gauges. Some well-used trucks will start getting higher engine temperatures. If unchecked, a lot of heat can build in the motor and cause premature head gasket failures.
Improper Upgrades
Ego might be one of the biggest downfalls of engine operators. Factory unauthorized repairs or upgrades, tuning and programming that don’t fit the engine and component parameters. We see everything from just a small failure to completely catastrophic. Generally, when they’re doing tunes, operators are putting on different turbochargers or different injectors as well. And that causes the exhaust gas temperatures to generally climb up.
We had a C15 Caterpillar engine in the shop where the owners used aftermarket programming to squeeze a little bit more power out of their engine. And then the engine creates a lot of carbon buildup. That carbon turns into an abrasive grit that could cause premature bearing failures and cylinder wall failures.
You could take your finger and just wipe on the inner front housing of the motor feel it on your fingers. This is all due to this aftermarket programming causing an inefficient burn in the cylinder from altered fueling rates and timing. We see this a lot, specifically on C15 engines.
Ultimately, there’s not a lot of evidence to go to aftermarket programming. And in the end, a lot of these customers are finding out that they’re spending tens of thousands of dollars. It’s costing people a lot of money, whereas you can build a quality engine within OEM parameters that’s going to perform better in the long run. We really love using PAI remanufacturing kits.
In Conclusion
There’s a plethora of things that take place that coincide with engine failure, but we often see that they relate to a few common things including improper break-in, maintenance and mechanical work and driver abuse.
Regular inspection, maintenance, and addressing issues promptly can help prevent these failures and extend the lifespan of diesel engines. Rely on the trusted technicians at Select Reman Exchange to provide quality service, parts and advice on all of your diesel engine needs.