We all know that the head gasket is important. It’s what creates the seal between the engine block and cylinder head to allow for combustion to happen. Without it, your diesel engine won’t run properly.
Continue reading What Problems Indicate Head Gasket Failure on C15 ACERT Diesel Engines?Category: Blog – Diesel Engine Diagnostics
When Should You Replace Your CAT C15 ACERT Diesel Engine Turbo?
As you probably know, one of the main differences between the Caterpillar C15 diesel engine and the C15 ACERT is the fact that the ACERT is designed with two turbochargers. That makes this component even more vital to the overall function and health of your diesel engine.
Continue reading When Should You Replace Your CAT C15 ACERT Diesel Engine Turbo?Why Your Diesel Loses Power When Hot (But Runs Fine Cold)
If your diesel loses power when hot but runs strong when it’s cold, you’re not imagining it.
This is a common issue and one that gets misdiagnosed all the time.
👉 The key isn’t just what’s failing
👉 It’s why it only shows up when the engine gets hot
Why is My Diesel Engine EGR Valve Failing?
Do you know why you need your EGR valve? It’s an important component of your EGR system that takes a ton of abuse because of its environment, and it’s gotten a bad reputation over the years. People often choose to delete it because of the problems it can cause your diesel engine and VGT turbo. But, did you know that this can end up costing you more money in the long run?
Continue reading Why is My Diesel Engine EGR Valve Failing?An In-Depth Look at Diesel Engine Common Rail Fuel Injector Problems
If you’re experiencing problems with your common rail fuel injectors, you’ve probably noticed a difference in the way your diesel engine performs. And you’re probably eager to get the issue taken care of.
Continue reading An In-Depth Look at Diesel Engine Common Rail Fuel Injector ProblemsWhy Oil Starvation Destroys Diesel Turbochargers
A turbocharger failure can look like a bad part.
Loss of power. Smoke. Noise. Oil leaking. Shaft play.
But in many heavy-duty diesel engines, the turbocharger is not the real starting point of the failure. The damage often begins somewhere else in the lubrication system.
The number one issue that destroys turbochargers is oil starvation. When a turbo does not receive a steady supply of clean, pressurized oil, internal damage can happen fast: sometimes within seconds under load.
Continue reading Why Oil Starvation Destroys Diesel TurbochargersCamshaft Failure Analysis: What Causes Excessive Lobe Wear (C15 Focus Included)
We all know how important camshafts are to engine performance – and when they fail, the damage can go far beyond the camshaft itself.
Whether you’re running a general diesel platform or a Caterpillar C15 diesel engine, one of the most common issues is camshaft lobe wear and pitting.
👉 And once it starts, it does not slow down – it accelerates.
Diesel Fuel Contamination Problems: What’s Lurking in Your Fuel
Diesel fuel contamination problems are more common than most people realize.
Even when it meets specification at delivery, contamination can develop during storage, transport, or in your own fuel system. Over time, these contaminants affect fuel lubricity, combustion quality, and component life.
The most damaging contaminants are not always visible, but they leave very real mechanical consequences.
Continue reading Diesel Fuel Contamination Problems: What’s Lurking in Your FuelInternational/Navistar DT466E Inframe Rebuild Kit: Wet Sleeve Wear, HEUI System Impact, and What to Verify Before Installation
The International/Navistar DT466E is known for its durability – but like all wet sleeve diesel engines, its longevity depends on cooling system condition, liner integrity, and fuel system performance.
When these engines start showing signs like blow-by, coolant loss, or hard starting, the issue is rarely isolated.
It’s typically the result of cylinder wear, liner sealing issues, or HEUI system inefficiencies affecting combustion.
If you’re planning an inframe rebuild, understanding these failure points is critical to avoiding repeat repairs.
Continue reading International/Navistar DT466E Inframe Rebuild Kit: Wet Sleeve Wear, HEUI System Impact, and What to Verify Before InstallationDiesel Engine Blow-By: How Much Is Normal and When Should You Be Concerned?
If you’re seeing vapor coming from the breather or crankcase vent, you’re probably asking:
Is this normal or is my engine going bad?
That’s where a lot of confusion comes in.
Some blow-by is completely normal. But excessive blow-by can point to internal wear, poor sealing, or a bigger issue building over time.
The key is knowing the difference.
Continue reading Diesel Engine Blow-By: How Much Is Normal and When Should You Be Concerned?Diesel Fuel Injector Failure Explained: Internal Leakage, Timing Loss, and Combustion Imbalance
Diesel fuel injectors do more than deliver fuel.
They control injection timing, atomization, pressure, and combustion efficiency.
When an injector begins to fail, the issue is rarely just “bad fuel delivery.”
It is usually a breakdown in one of three critical areas:
- Internal Sealing
- Injection Pressure Control
- Spray Pattern Formation
Understanding these failure modes is the key to diagnosing problems correctly – and avoiding repeat failures.
Continue reading Diesel Fuel Injector Failure Explained: Internal Leakage, Timing Loss, and Combustion ImbalanceDiesel Engine Noise During Clutch Engagement: Diagnosing Drag, Slip, and Hydraulic Failure
If you’re hearing noise when engaging the clutch, don’t ignore it.
What might seem like a minor issue – grinding, chatter, or a harsh engagement – can point to mechanical or hydraulic problems that will only get worse over time.
On heavy-duty diesel applications, clutch engagement issues typically fall into three categories:
- Clutch Drag (Not Fully Disengaging)
- Clutch Slip (Not Fully Engaging)
- Hydraulic System Failure Or Imbalance
Understanding the difference is critical – because each one leads to very different failure paths.
Continue reading Diesel Engine Noise During Clutch Engagement: Diagnosing Drag, Slip, and Hydraulic Failure
