Ask any car enthusiasts to recommend a truck with real grit, and many of them will likely mention diesel trucks in their top selections. Automobiles that rely on diesel come with specially designed engines that enable them to burn fuel more efficiently and direct more torque to their driveshafts. That is why they are associated with more direct power and, subsequently, optimized acceleration and power maintenance. Unfortunately, diesel trucks will develop wear and tear over time, just like other machines. As a result, every truck owner should prepare for several common issues, including the following.

1. Contaminated fuel

Diesel fuel is susceptible to three main contaminants: water, organic debris, and inorganic debris.  Water contamination in diesel engines has numerous telltale signs, including erratic idling, rough starting, and lagging acceleration. If you notice any of these, take your truck to the nearest garage for repairs immediately. Otherwise, the contaminated fuel will lead to a host of other issues, including fuel filter distortion, blockages, and corrosion. Organic debris like rust or sand particles and inorganic debris from fuel breakdown and deterioration are also common causes of diesel contamination and, therefore, are something to watch out for.

2. Power loss

One of the features that make diesel machines outstanding is power. Today, manufacturers equip diesel trucks with potent engines, some of which produce an astonishing 900+ pound-feet of torque. Simply put, if your vehicle is delivering less power than you are used to, it has a problem. Power loss in diesel engines mainly arises from clogging. Your truck is highly likely to perform poorly when components like the fuel filter, air filter, and exhaust pipe are blocked. When your vehicle has inefficient cylinder compression or dirty spark plugs, the same might happen.

3. Excess exhaust

When diesel burns, it produces exhaust: a mixture of particulate substances, vapors, gases, and aerosols. Therefore, it's pretty standard for a truck that uses this fuel to produce some exhaust. However, too much black smoke coming out of your automobile's exhaust pipe is a clear indicator of an underlying issue. That can be a faulty fuel delivery system with clogged-up or damaged injectors or dirty air filters interfering with air and fuel circulation and mixing. Other culprits include excessive carbon deposits and broken MAF sensors.  

Get Help

Diesel truck issues are more complicated than regular-sized vehicle problems. As such, letting skilled and certified repair technicians troubleshoot and recommend the best fixes is important. Hiring a diesel truck repair expert ensures the job gets done quickly and more efficiently than if you or any other untrained individual attempts to fix the truck. Plus, professionals use quality parts and products, minimizing the need for future repairs.

Contact a company like Tagesen Trucking to learn more.

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