Understanding Diesel engine Noises

If the engine rattles during acceleration, the fuel may ignite in the cylinder prematurely.

Diesel engines have many advantages over their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, diesel engines are much louder than gas-powered engines. But how can one tell whether the noise indicates an underlying repair issue?

Read on to learn about some diesel engine noises that indicate a problem brewing under the hood.

Rattling noises

If the engine rattles during acceleration, the fuel may ignite in the cylinder prematurely. This premature ignition can bleed into a range of problems and damage the valves, pistons, and connecting rods located inside the engine.

Fortunately, the cause of this issue typically stems from simply filling the vehicle with the incorrect kind of fuel. Therefore, a quick chat with a qualified mechanic should remedy the issue and stop it from happening in the future.

Ticking noises

Unless it’s coming from a wristwatch, the last thing a driver wants to hear from a diesel engine is a ticking sound. Fortunately, the most common source of this noise is simply low oil. If there’s insufficient oil running through the engine, then the valvetrain components will lack lubrication. This concern is an easy fix. All that’s required is a quick oil check and top-up.

If low oil levels aren’t the cause of the problem, it could be a faulty connecting rod or lifter making the noise. Unfortunately, fixing the problem requires a total engine rebuild if that’s the case. Naturally, this is a significant issue and won’t come cheap.

Engine knocking

Knocking noises are common in diesel-powered vehicles. Typically, the sound is generated by the injectors mounted on the engine head. Fortunately, this sound can be eradicated by using high-quality fuel and ensuring the injectors are well-lubricated. While the sound may persist for the first fifteen minutes while the vehicle warms up, it should fade away if quality fuel is used and the injectors are adequately lubricated.

If these steps have been taken, but the knocking sound persists, then replacing the injectors altogether is the solution. Luckily, injector replacement is simple and inexpensive. Be sure to contact a professional repair firm for the best advice.

KTS Enterprise in Phoenix offers comprehensive mobile fleet truck maintenance and repairs catering to client needs, from preventative service to major repairs.