The turbocharger on a Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L engine does more than add power.
It controls airflow, and airflow controls combustion.
When the turbo isn’t performing correctly, the entire engine starts to fall out of balance.
Continue reading Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L Turbocharger: Symptoms, Failure Causes, and When to Replace
Cylinder head bolts don’t usually get the attention.
But on a Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E, they play a critical role in engine performance and reliability.
They’re not just fasteners.
They are what keep combustion sealed.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, 3406E Cylinder Head Bolts: Why They Matter More Than You Think
Low oil pressure isn’t something you ignore on a diesel engine.
On a Caterpillar C15 or 3406E, it’s often a warning sign that something deeper is going wrong inside the engine.
And in many cases, the issue starts with the oil pump.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15 and 3406E Oil Pump: Symptoms, Failure Causes, and When to ReplaceDiesel engines are built to run – not sit.
At Highway and Heavy Parts, we regularly work with engines that come out of storage with unexpected performance issues. In many cases, the root cause isn’t a failed part: it’s what happened while the engine wasn’t running.
Whether it’s a backup truck, seasonal equipment, or a unit waiting on work, extended downtime can quietly create problems that don’t show up until the engine is put back into service.
And in many cases, those problems get misdiagnosed.
From fuel degradation to DEF crystallization and internal wear, here’s exactly what happens when a diesel engine sits too long – and what to look for before putting it back to work.
Continue reading What Happens When a Diesel Engine Sits Too Long? (Fuel, DEF, and Internal Damage Explained)
Remanufactured diesel engine parts offer a practical alternative to new OEM components. To understand their value, you first need to understand what “remanufactured” really means.
Continue reading The Real Benefits of Remanufactured Diesel Engine PartsIf your diesel engine is running rough, smoking, or losing power, a failing fuel injector could be the cause.
One of the first questions most people ask is: How much does it cost to replace a diesel fuel injector?
The answer depends on your engine, injector type, and how far the issue has progressed. Some injector problems are caught early. Others turn into much larger repairs.
Let’s break down what actually impacts the cost – and what you can expect in 2026.
Continue reading What Does It Cost to Replace a Diesel Fuel Injector in 2026?
Diesel engines are built for durability – but excessive oil consumption is one issue that can quickly turn into a costly repair.
If you’re constantly adding oil, noticing blue smoke, or seeing a drop in performance, there’s usually an underlying mechanical reason.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 most common causes of excessive oil consumption in diesel engines, what each one means, and what to check before it turns into a major failure.
Continue reading 10 Common Causes of Excessive Oil Consumption in Diesel Engines
If your Cummins ISX is hard starting, losing power, or producing excessive smoke, failing fuel injectors could be the cause.
Injector issues don’t usually show up all at once.
They start small, but if ignored, they can quickly turn into major engine problems.
Understanding the symptoms – and addressing them early – can save you time, money, and downtime.
Continue reading Cummins ISX Fuel Injector Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Replacement GuideStop-and-go driving is one of the hardest operating conditions for a diesel engine.
A diesel engine is designed to run under load, reach stable operating temperature, and maintain consistent combustion conditions. In stop-and-go traffic, that rarely happens.
Instead, the engine repeatedly moves through:
Over time, this can increase wear, reduce efficiency, and shorten the life of critical components
Continue reading Why Stop-and-Go Driving Is Hard on a Diesel Engine
The oil cooler on a Caterpillar C15 or 3406E does more than regulate temperature.
It protects:
If the oil cooler fails, it doesn’t just affect oil temperature.
It affects the entire engine.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15 and 3406E Oil Cooler: How It Works, Failure Symptoms, and Why It Matters
The camshaft plays a critical role in how your engine runs.
On a Caterpillar C15 diesel engine, even minor camshaft wear can affect:
👉 If the camshaft fails, it can lead to serious internal engine damage.
A Caterpillar C15 camshaft replacement is not a small job. It requires proper timing, precision, and a clear understanding of the engine’s setup.
Before a Caterpillar C15 camshaft replacement, it’s important to confirm the failure.
Before jumping into a full replacement, it’s important to confirm the camshaft is actually the issue.
👉 If you’re not sure yet, this guide breaks down the symptoms and failure causes in detail:
Caterpillar C15, 3406E Camshaft Guide
Common symptoms include:
Even small wear can affect performance.
👉 As little as .001″ wear can change valve timing by several degrees, impacting how the engine runs.
Camshaft failure is rarely random.
Most failures are caused by:
👉 Before installing a new camshaft, always identify the root cause to prevent repeat failure.
This is a high-level process. Exact procedures may vary depending on your engine configuration.
Rotate the engine and lock it at Top Dead Center (TDC).
👉 This step is critical – incorrect timing can cause engine damage.
👉 This is where many installs go wrong – any scoring or damage can lead to premature failure.
👉 Camshaft bolt torque: ~180 ft-lbs (verify per spec)
When replacing a camshaft on a C15, pay attention to:
👉 One mistake here can lead to complete engine failure.
Most repeat failures are caused by:
👉 A camshaft replacement is not just a part swap – it’s a system repair.
At Highway and Heavy Parts, we help you identify the problem and get the right parts the first time.
Call 844-304-7688 or visit highwayandheavyparts.com to place your order today.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts.
Do you have a Series 60 engine from Detroit? For the most part, it probably runs great for you. This electronically controlled engine has a favorable history, shared between all three versions, and despite having been out of production for years now, it remains a popular choice for many operators.
Continue reading 7 Common Detroit Diesel Series 60 Problems
