It goes without saying, having your vehicle serviced regularly can prevent expensive repairs down the road. When you invest in a diesel truck, make sure to have a qualified diesel specialist do all of the manufacturer’s suggested routine truck maintenance service. That goes double when you need a diesel truck repair service for a specific issue or concern. Diesel engines have specialized components that are not found in standard gas engines. It takes an experienced diesel technician to do the job right, and get you back on the road quickly.

Diesel Truck Repair

The best way to keep your diesel truck running smoothly is maintaining them properly. But, even the best cared for vehicle can run into problems. Here are a few common repairs for diesel engines.

Knocking Noise

If you hear knocking, pinging or any other unfamiliar noise coming from your diesel engine, get it in for service fast. It could be a sign that an issue is developing that needs immediate attention. A few components that an experienced diesel technician should check are the engine’s compression, the fuel injectors, bearings, wrist pin bushings and the timing.

Lack of Power

If your beast of a truck is suddenly feeling slower than usual or seems to be working harder than it used to, it may be more than just normal wear. A lack of power is often a sign of a problem brewing. A service can rule out these common causes and get your diesel truck performing at its best again. 

• Dirty Filters
• Contaminated Fuel
• Dirty Fuel Pump or Injectors
• Low Engine Compression
• Faulty Turbocharger or Camshaft

Excessive Exhaust (Smoke)

Any excessive exhaust from your diesel truck should be addressed as soon as possible. Not only can it indicate an issue with your truck’s engine, it is an annoyance to your fellow drivers, and it can get you in trouble with law enforcement because of the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act is the primary federal law governing air pollution. Here are some common causes for excess diesel exhaust.

Black Smoke

The most common cause of black smoke is a poorly mixed air to fuel ratio resulting in incomplete combustion. Other items to check include:

• Faulty Fuel Injectors or Fuel Injector Pump
• Dirty Air Filter
• Faulty EGR Valve
• Bad Turbocharger

Blue Smoke

The most common cause of blue smoke is burning excessive oil. Other items to check include:

• Worn or bad Valve Guides, Gaskets & Seals
• Faulty Oil Filter
• Worn Pistons
• Bad Turbocharger

White Smoke

The most common cause of white smoke is burning excessive fuel resulting in improper combustion. Other items to check include:

• Fuel Injection issues
• Incorrect Timing
• Low Compression

Diesel Truck Maintenance

Let’s face it, we love our trucks. They work hard for us on the job site, the campsite, and everywhere in between. The least we can do is give them a little care and maintenance in return. Your owner’s manual will provide invaluable information for what specific components to check, how often and what to replace it with. If you are handy in the garage, do these steps yourself. If you don’t have the time or inclination, take it in for service.

• Check fluids & filters
• Check tires for wear, low pressure
• Wash the body, undercarriage, windows
• Grease/lube joints
• Check suspension, shocks, springs

200,000 Miles Milestone

Is it unreasonable to want to get over 200,000 miles out of my diesel truck? Absolutely not. But you won’t get there with just high hopes and good intentions. It will take dedication and a willingness to put in some time, energy and a bit of cash to keep your diesel truck running great all year – and for many years to come.

Take the first step

Wentworth Automotive has served the residents of greater San Diego since 1998. Our facility’s expert diesel repair technicians provide the best possible service at affordable, competitive prices. Visit our website or call 858-541-1044 for an appointment today.