{"id":5521,"date":"2023-06-30T23:49:41","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T06:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/?p=5521"},"modified":"2023-06-30T23:51:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-01T06:51:15","slug":"what-causes-a-diesel-engine-to-lose-power-while-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/what-causes-a-diesel-engine-to-lose-power-while-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes A Diesel Engine To Lose Power While Driving?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"what<\/span><\/p>\n

Diesel engines power some of the biggest sectors of the U.S. economy. From agriculture and construction to consumer products, the commercial trucking industry relies on durable vehicles and high-quality fuel to keep supplier chains running. Therefore, operators of heavy-duty vehicles need a reliable ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

For professionals who rely on a strong diesel engine, a loss of power can create dangerous problems. But what causes a diesel engine to lose power while driving?<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Possible Reasons Your Diesel Engine Is Losing Power<\/h2>\n

If your diesel engine is experiencing power loss, you may need to contact a <\/span>mobile diesel repair service in the Bay Area<\/span><\/a>. In the meantime, it may help to learn about the possible complications so you can develop a clearer idea of what might be going on. This article will discuss what causes a diesel engine to lose power while driving and possible solutions to your power problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fuel filter is clogged<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A clogged or dirty fuel filter is one of the most common causes of power loss in diesel engines. The fuel filter protects the engine from any impurities that have found their way into the fuel, but a clogged filter can no longer do its job effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

Although a clogged fuel filter<\/a> might not be the only thing preventing your engine from operating at full power, checking the filter when power issues arise is always a good idea. A lot of diesel engines contain two filters \u2014 one primary and one secondary \u2014 so if your engine has two, it\u2019s a good idea to replace both at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, if replacing the filters improves the loss of power, be sure to clean out the old filters and examine what might\u2019ve caused the clog. Depending on what you find, you may also need to drain and refill your tank to improve the fuel quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201ccheck engine\u201d light is on<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You may read this and think, \u201cIsn\u2019t this problem obvious?\u201d Of course, the \u201ccheck engine\u201d light is a clear indicator of an engine issue, but let\u2019s be honest: How often do you see it come on and ignore it?<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re all guilty of it. However, it\u2019s a safety feature designed to alert you to potential issues before they worsen. The problem may be small, but it\u2019s best not to ignore it regardless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

When the \u201ccheck engine\u201d light comes on, contact a professional repair service to determine the problem. It\u2019s always better to be safe than sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exhaust pipe is plugged<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What causes diesel engines to lose power while driving will vary depending on a vehicle\u2019s make, model, and age, but another common culprit is a clogged exhaust pipe. The engine\u2019s catalytic converter and muffler help reduce the toxicity of exhaust fumes. When the exhaust pipe is clogged, the system can\u2019t function as it should, and the engine struggles to reach full power.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

Carefully clean the exhaust pipe to remove any buildup. You can use soap and water to gently remove debris and a long brush to clear out dirt and other impurities.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are carbon deposits around the glow plugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Gas and diesel engines differ when it comes to fuel, but they also have different parts. In particular, diesel engines don\u2019t have spark plugs. Instead, they run on compression ignition. The glow plugs provide heat to the combustion chamber, which ignites with greater force and helps provide the power to haul heavy loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the anatomy of a diesel engine gives more opportunity for carbon deposits to form around the glow plugs, which can hinder the ignition process and cause a reduction in power.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

How you remove carbon deposits depends on which part of the engine needs cleaning. In most cases, you can remove deposits by using a fuel additive. Other areas, such as the throttle body, may require manual cleaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

The engine has an air leak<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re wondering what causes a diesel engine to lose power while driving, consider the intake air system. Most diesel engines contain a turbo that provides compressed air, but before reaching the engine, the air goes through the charge air cooler.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the name suggests, this feature cools the air so the engine can function normally. If you have a leak in the air system, you\u2019ll end up using more fuel while getting less power.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

This problem can create a bit of a hassle, as it often requires more work to fix. Generally, you have two methods of checking for leaks in the air system:<\/span><\/p>\n