When a head gasket fails, most people look at the gasket.
But in many diesel engines, the real issue isn’t the gasket at all: it’s improper clamp load caused by incorrect bolt stretch.
If clamp load isn’t correct or consistent across the cylinder head, combustion pressure will find a way out.
This is where understanding bolt stretch vs. torque becomes critical.
Continue reading Cylinder Head Bolt Stretch vs Torque: Why Your Head Gasket Keeps FailingEGR systems are a standard part of modern diesel engines – but they are also one of the most common sources of frustration.
These systems are designed to reduce emissions and meet EPA regulations. However, they also introduce additional components that operate under high heat, pressure, and contamination.
Over time, this combination can lead to performance issues, costly repairs, and system failures.
Continue reading Problems with EGR Systems in Diesel EnginesAgricultural equipment is perhaps the most critical machinery in use today, directly providing for someone’s livelihood. Properly functioning diesel fuel injectors for your Case or New Holland farm equipment are just as important.
Continue reading Product Spotlight: Case and New Holland Diesel Fuel InjectorsHow much do you know about diesel engine fuel pumps? This part is one of the most vital components, allowing for combustion to occur.
Continue reading Diesel Engine Fuel Pumps ExplainedAre you looking to replace the fuel injectors on your CAT 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT diesel engine? If so, it’s probably fair to assume that you want the best quality, highest functioning injectors you can get. And, if you’re spending money on quality injectors, you want them to work correctly.
Continue reading Replace the Injector Hold-Down Bolts on Your Diesel InjectorsWhat do you do when you need new injectors for your DD13, DD15, or DD16 diesel engine? If you’re like a lot of people, you head to the dealership to get the OEM parts. But that’s not always convenient and can be expensive. In fact, you could end up paying way more at the dealership then some of your other supplier options.
Continue reading Original OEM Diesel Injector Compared to Genuine Bosch InjectorHard starts in cold weather are one common diesel complaint.
And a lot of times, it comes back to one thing:
Glow plugs not doing their job.
Glow plugs are responsible for heating the combustion chamber so the engine can start when it’s cold. If one or more fail, you’ll start seeing issues like long crank times, white smoke, or rough startup.
The good news is: testing them is straightforward if you follow the right process.
Continue reading How to Test Glow Plugs on a Diesel Engine (Step-by-Step Guide)Resurfacing a cylinder head is a precision machining process used to restore a flat, uniform sealing surface between the cylinder head and engine block.
In diesel engines, this surface is critical.
👉 Even minor irregularities can lead to head gasket failure, compression loss, or coolant leaks.
If resurfacing is required, it must be done correctly – both in preparation and execution.
Continue reading How to Resurface a Diesel Engine Cylinder Head (Step-by-Step Guide)Not all diesel fuel is the same.
Most people think diesel is just diesel – but in reality, there are different fuel grades, and each one behaves differently inside your engine.
The three main types you’ll hear about are:
Understanding the difference matters: because the wrong fuel choice can lead to poor performance, fuel system issues, or even downtime in extreme conditions.
Continue reading Diesel Fuel Grades Explained: #1 vs #2 vs #4 (What You Should Actually Be Running)Elevation directly impacts diesel engine performance because it changes one critical variable: air density
As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. This reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion inside the cylinder.
Diesel engines depend on oxygen – not throttle restriction – to control combustion.
👉 When oxygen availability drops, engine performance changes.
Continue reading How Elevation Affects Diesel Engine PerformanceHere at Highway & Heavy Parts, we sell a lot of turbochargers. We carry a number of the industry’s leading brands for all major OEMs, and have helped diagnose a lot of our customers’ turbo failures. We provide solutions to help get them back on the road.
Continue reading Highway & Heavy Parts Answers Your Diesel Engine Questions: TurbochargersIf you look at almost any modern long-haul truck in the United States, you’ll find one thing in common:
👉 An inline-6 diesel engine under the hood.
That’s not a coincidence.
It comes down to balance, torque delivery, efficiency, and long-term durability – all critical factors for moving heavy loads over long distances.
Continue reading Why Most Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks Use Inline-6 Diesel Engines
