If you’re hearing a squeal, chirp, or grinding noise coming from the front of your diesel engine, there’s a good chance the belts – or the components they drive – are involved.
But not all belt noise is actually caused by the belt itself.
The challenge is figuring out:
EGR 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 EnginesIf one cylinder in your diesel engine is running hotter than the others, it’s not random.
It’s a sign of imbalance. In a diesel engine, imbalance means:
The important part is understanding why that one cylinder is different.
Continue reading Why One Diesel Cylinder Runs Hotter Than the Others (And What It Means)You’ve just been told that you need to replace your diesel engine fuel injectors, but what exactly caused the failure that led to this point?
Continue reading Diesel Engine Common Rail Injectors: Potential Failures & CausesWe 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?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?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?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 ProblemsOlder Cummins engines – especially Big Cam and NTC/N14-era platforms – used two different cooling system designs:
These systems are not just minor variations.
👉 They are fundamentally different in how coolant moves through the engine.
And that matters when you’re trying to solve overheating – or considering a conversion.
Continue reading Converting a Cummins Low-Flow Cooling System to High-Flow: What It Actually Takes
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 TurbochargersWe 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 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 Fuel
