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Diesel Engine Diagnostics

Diesel vehicles are great cars – renowned for their torque (towing capacity) and fuel efficiency. However, they can occasionally present challenges that require expert attention. It’s important to find a mechanic who understands diesel engines and their intricate design.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, we are fully equipped and certified to work on, diagnose and repair your diesel vehicles. All our technicians are fully qualified diesel mechanics, certified through Repco’s Auto-Tech training program.

Certificate of Compeletion Diesel Diagnostics Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

With our diagnostic scan tools and comprehensive knowledge, just know that your diesel vehicles are in the best possible care at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service.

What do you know about Diesel Engines?

Did you know that it is not recommended to travel short distances daily with your diesel engine? The engine does not get warm enough for regeneration to take place, resulting in the diesel particulate filter becoming very quickly full of soot particles.

A diesel engine draws in large amounts of air to operate efficiently. Over time, carbon deposits build up on the inner walls of the induction system. This carbon (black soot, similar to what you would find in a chimney) restricts air flow, affecting performance, and if left untreated, carbon build up can decrease performance and economy.

These are 5 parts of your Diesel engine that you should know about:

  1. ECU (Engine Control Unit): This is essentially the vehicle's brain. The diagnostic scan assesses the ECU for any error codes, misconfigurations, or software issues that might affect engine performance.
  2. Fuel Injection System: Diagnostics check the timing, spray pattern, and operation of the injectors to ensure the fuel is being delivered to the engine properly, which is critical for maintaining fuel efficiency and engine performance.
  3. Turbocharger System: Scans the turbocharger for issues related to its operation, including reduced boost pressure and leaks that could result in decreased engine power and increased fuel consumption.
  4. Exhaust System (including DPF): Checks for blockages or malfunctions within the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and the entire exhaust system, which can lead to increased emissions and reduced engine performance.
  5. Cooling System: Evaluates the operation of the radiator, water pump, and thermostat to prevent overheating, which is vital for preventing engine damage.

What other issues can occur with Diesel Engines?

Some of the most common issues faced by diesel engines include:

  1. Poor Fuel Quality: Contaminated or low-quality diesel fuel can lead to clogged fuel injectors and reduced engine performance.
  2. Turbocharger Failure: Turbochargers can fail due to wear and tear, improper maintenance, or foreign objects damaging the turbine, leading to a significant loss of power.
  3. Overheating: Diesel engines can overheat due to cooling system malfunctions, such as a faulty thermostat or a clogged radiator, potentially causing severe engine damage.
  4. Starting Issues: Cold weather or faulty glow plugs can lead to difficulties in starting the engine, as diesel engines rely on heat for the ignition.
  5. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve Failure: The EGR valve helps lower the vehicle's emissions; however, if it becomes clogged or malfunctions, it can cause engine performance issues and increased emissions.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, we work towards extending the life of your diesel vehicle, by using our comprehensive knowledge and specialised scan tools, to take a deeper look at the problems occurring. The scan covers crucial components, such as the engine control unit (ECU; essentially the vehicle’s “brain”), fuel injection system, exhaust system, and more, providing a comprehensive health check that is essential for maintaining the vehicles performance. We can save you money by finding the problem early on!

Just know that when you bring your diesel vehicle into us at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, it is in the best care. We will communicate with you throughout the entire process and answer any questions you may have!

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