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It’s every truck owner's nightmare when your engine isn’t working as it once was. Black exhaust smoke, knocking sounds from the engine, and even poor fuel efficiency are all signs that your heavy-duty truck’s engine is running on its last legs. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem, one that may be worthwhile depending at what point your Cummins, PACCAR, Volvo, or Caterpillar engine is at in its lifespan.
And that solution is an engine overhaul, a far less expensive option than replacing your engine. Engine overhauls are when the engine is disassembled, cleaned, defective parts are found and replaced with their high-quality counterparts, and reassembled all again. Contrary to popular belief, engine overhauls are an ideal solution to problematic heavy-duty truck engines, as the engine may last you another 100, 200, or even 300,000 miles or more.
But before you decide to get your engine overhauled by a professional diesel mechanic, it’s important to know all the signs that generally lead up to a rough running engine. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 12 signs to keep an eye out for when you need to overhaul your heavy-duty truck engine.
The presence of oil sludge on the dipstick or fill cap is a clear indication of engine trouble. This thick, black accumulation is a sign that certain engine parts are not receiving proper lubrication. If you notice oil sludge, it may be necessary to overhaul your engine to address the issue. Oil sludge can negatively impact engine performance, leading to problems such as increased fuel consumption and power loss.
If you find metal shavings in your engine oil, it generally points to two components that are rubbing against each other without sufficient lubrication. It is crucial you act quickly if you find metal shavings, as they can spread throughout the engine via the oil and cause damage to various parts. Ignoring this issue may result in extensive engine damage, which can’t be fixed with an engine overhaul.
A sudden increase in oil consumption by your diesel engine can indicate several underlying problems. This issue often arises from worn-out piston rings, which can lead to fuel leaks in the engine crankcase.
Excessive smoke coming from your truck’s exhaust pipe is a clear sign that an overhaul may be necessary. Different types of smoke can indicate different types of problems—blue smoke suggests the engine is burning oil, often a result of worn out piston rings or damaged valve seals, while white smoke is a sign of coolant or water entering the combustion chamber, typically from a blown head gasket. If your truck’s engine is suffering from worn fuel injectors, a defective turbocharger, or a clogged air filter, you might see black smoke coming from your exhaust.
If you hear loud knocking noises emanating from under the hood of your heavy-duty truck, it may be time to consider an engine overhaul. These distinct noises are much different from regular engine sounds, and you will definitely be aware of them if you hear them. The cause of loud rattling is when diesel burns unevenly in the combustion chamber, as a result of a poor air/fuel mixture.
Loss of compression often results in decreased power and overall poor engine performance. Fuel or coolant leaks can contaminate engine oil, raising the oil level in the crankcase. This situation typically indicates leaks in other engine components, such as worn-out cylinders that require repair. In this case, an engine overhaul can address cylinder leaks and help you restore performance.
Heavy-duty diesel engines are built to last, but most will require an overhaul or extensive maintenance after reaching a certain number of miles or operational years. Depending on the application of your truck and driving habits, frequent engine overhauls may not be a question of extending the life of your engine, but of necessity.
A spun rod bearing is one of the worst things that can happen to a diesel engine, and it often occurs when the bearing becomes displaced due to a loss of oil pressure and lack of lubrication in the crankcase. A spun rod bearing can wreak havoc in the engine, causing damage to the rod journal on the crankshaft, and it can even break the connecting rod. When damaged rods move around within the engine, your engine may be at risk of complete failure. To prevent costly damage, we suggest you overhaul your engine if this has occurred.
A dropped valve refers to a bent or sheared valve head that falls into the cylinder. This can cause significant damage to the entire engine system. Repairing components such as pistons, cylinders, and valves may be necessary to address a dropped valve, and ignoring this issue could ultimately lead to a replacement of the entire engine. In most cases, regular engine maintenance can help prevent dropped valves.
Turbochargers, commonly found in modern diesel engines, compress air to enhance performance during the combustion process. When a turbocharger malfunctions, it may start to vibrate—even slight movement can cause severe damage to the engine. If you see thick, black smoke coming from your exhaust, this is generally a result of turbocharger failure.
While some blow-by is normal in heavy-duty diesel engines, excessive blow-by is a sign of an issue with your heavy-duty truck. When combustion pressure exceeds the piston rings' capacity, excessive blow-by occurs, leading to increased output and pressure. A comprehensive inspection by a diesel mechanic can identify the root cause of the problem.
If your diesel heavy-duty truck experiences problems during idle, it may be time for an engine overhaul. Bouncing or difficulty turning off the engine indicates wear and tear throughout the various parts of your engine, and oil entering the combustion chamber can also prevent the engine from shutting down properly.
Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for an engine overhaul in your heavy-duty truck is crucial for maintaining its performance and preventing further damage. Issues such as oil sludge, metal shavings, increased oil consumption, excessive exhaust smoke, knocking sounds, loss of compression, maintenance milestones, spun rod bearings, dropped valves, turbocharger issues, extreme blow-by, and rough idle are all red flags that should not be ignored. By addressing these problems through an engine overhaul, you can restore your truck's engine to optimal condition, extending its lifespan and avoiding the need for a costly engine replacement. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your heavy-duty truck running smoothly for years to come.
