Category: Blog – Ask the Diesel Engine Experts

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Diesel Fuel Grades Explained: #1 vs #2 vs #4 (What You Should Actually Be Running)

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:

  • #1 Diesel
  • #2 Diesel
  • #4 Diesel

Understanding the difference matters: because the wrong fuel choice can lead to poor performance, fuel system issues, or even downtime in extreme conditions.

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Why Most Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks Use Inline-6 Diesel Engines

If 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.

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Choosing the Right Diesel Engine Common Rail Fuel Injectors

The common rail fuel injector system is a relatively new development in diesel engines, but it brings with it quite a few advantages. With a quality common rail system, you’ll see quieter performance, improved fuel economy, higher torque, and lower emissions. 

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Highway & Heavy Parts Answers Your Diesel Engine Questions: Fuel Systems

Recently, at Highway & Heavy Parts, we’ve expanded our product offering to our customers. We now offer more fuel system components for all major OEMs.

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Diesel Engine Common Rail Injection Explained

We’ve talked a lot about issues you might experience with your diesel engine common rail injectors. But it’s not all about the problems! You also get  a lot of benefits for having this kind of fuel injection system in your diesel engine.

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What to Know Before Buying Connecting Rod Bearings

Connecting rod bearings are one of the smallest components inside a diesel engine, but they play a massive role in long-term engine reliability.

Improper bearing selection, incorrect oil clearance, installation mistakes, or inaccurate measurements can quickly lead to oil pressure loss, crankshaft damage, metal contamination, bearing failure, and catastrophic engine damage.

That is why connecting rod bearing selection should never involve guesswork.

Proper bearing fitment depends heavily on crankshaft journal measurements, housing bore condition, oil clearance verification, engine application, and the condition of the surrounding rotating assembly components.

Quick Takeaway:
Connecting rod bearings must match the exact crankshaft journal size, oil clearance requirements, and engine application. Assuming “standard” always fits can lead to serious engine damage.
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Will An EGR System Delete Cause Diesel Engine Damage? (2025)

You probably heard the stories about how much trouble EGR valves are for your diesel engine. And their history has indeed given them a bad reputation.

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How a Diesel Cylinder Head Works: Airflow, Combustion Sealing, and Thermal Load Explained

A diesel cylinder head does far more than “sit on top” of the engine.

It is a structural, thermal, and airflow control component that directly impacts:

  • Combustion Efficiency
  • Engine Power Output
  • Heat Management
  • Long-Term Engine Durability

Every combustion event in a diesel engine depends on how well the cylinder head controls air, fuel, pressure, and temperature.

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Aftermarket vs OEM Diesel Parts: What’s the Real Difference?

When it comes to diesel engine parts, one of the most common questions is: why are OEM parts so expensive?

Many assume higher cost means higher quality – but that’s not always the case. In reality, the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts often comes down to manufacturing, distribution, and how the parts reach you.

If you’re comparing options right now, you can shop diesel engine parts to find high-quality components built for your specific engine and application.

Understanding that difference can help you make a more informed – and more cost-effective – decision when it’s time to repair your engine.

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Should You Replace the CHRA or the Entire Turbocharger? What Diesel Owners Need to Know

When a turbocharger fails, most people ask the same question:

Should you rebuild it with a cartridge (CHRA), or replace the entire turbo?

The answer depends on what actually failed.

And getting that wrong can cost you more than the turbo itself.

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