Struggling To Start? Diesel Truck Repair Issues You May Be Experiencing
Diesel engines offer many benefits, for both commercial and private use, including better fuel economy, improved torque, and greater engine durability. Many diesel truck owners also appreciate the fact that these powerful engines offer a different type of ignition system that frees them from the need to replace the spark plugs and other ignition parts commonly found in gasoline engines.
A lack of spark plugs does not, however, ensure that starting issues cannot be a problem. If you own and drive a diesel truck that is beginning to struggle to start, here are three possible repair issues you may be facing.
Fuel quality issues
Diesel truck owners who are experiencing starting difficulties for the first time should immediately suspect that a fuel quality issue may be at fault, especially if the problem was noted soon after the truck was refueled. In some environments, diesel fuel can be prone to bacterial growth that can contaminate the fuel and clog injectors, fuel filters, and the injection pump. While the use of chemical fuel treatments known as biocides can be helpful in preventing fuel quality issues from developing, truck owners who are already experiencing starting issues will likely need to replace fuel filters and have their fuel system drained and cleaned to remedy the problem.
Fuel line leaks
Another common issue that can make diesel engines difficult to start is when small leaks have formed in the fuel lines. In addition to wasting fuel, these small leaks allow air to enter the fuel lines and interfere with the flow of diesel fuel necessary to start the engine. Diesel engines that are suffering from this type of fuel line leak often sputter and die during the start-up process, with the problem worsening as the leak expands and more air enters the fuel lines. Addressing this type of diesel engine starting issue is best done by having all fuel lines and connections inspected by a qualified diesel repair technician so that necessary repairs can be made and excess air can be removed from the fuel system.
Fuel pump or solenoid failure
High mileage diesel trucks that continue to experience starting issues after fuel quality issues and fuel line leaks are ruled out may be showing signs of fuel pump or solenoid failure. Both of these components can create intermittent starting issues before complete failure occurs. Since fuel pump failure and solenoid failure can exhibit similar behavior in high mileage diesel engines, truck owners can rely on the expertise of a qualified diesel truck repair service to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
For more information on diesel truck repair, contact a company like Tagesen Trucking.