In most parts of the world, diesel cars are the preferred method of transportation. They boast a plethora of benefits such as better fuel economy and lower emissions. The thing about diesel engines is they are more efficient than their petrol counterparts.
The basic technology dates back to the late 19th century. Of course, today's diesels are somewhat more advanced and are all turbocharged. But, the principles of diesel combustion remain the same. As you can imagine, many people opt for diesel cars these days.
When they get maintained well, they can last forever. But, poor maintenance can often lead to expensive repair bills! Are you about to go and buy a diesel car soon? If so, you need to avoid ones for sale that have telltale signs of impending doom! The following are some examples of problems on diesel cars you should avoid like the plague:
Blocked fuel filter, damaged fuel pump
When you go out to look at a car to buy, you will no doubt take it for a test drive. This is important to do with a diesel car because you need to look out for any issues. One such example is when you notice a significant drop in power.
Usually, you may expect the reverse to be true when driving a diesel car from cold. But, if the diesel you drive has a lack of power after a few minutes, this means something is wrong.
The common reason for this problem is a clogged diesel fuel filter. It's crucial that diesel engines have a supply of fresh, clean diesel fuel going into the engine. The fuel filter's job is to block out any dirt or microscopic particles.
If you look at the car's manual, it should state how often the fuel filter must get changed. Check the service history on the vehicle. When was that filter last changed? If there's no record of it ever getting replaced, walk away. It's likely the owner knows there is damage to the fuel pump because of the clogged filter.
In case you wondered, a new diesel fuel pump can cost four-figure sums. Even if you do the work yourself! So, you might think a cost-effective solution to the problem might be to have a new fuel filter fitted.
But, in some cases, irreversible damage has already got done to the fuel pump.
Slow cranking
When browsing diesel cars for sale, it's important that you can start the engines on them. But, do you ever make a mental note of how quick they are to start?
Car dealers like A1 Carriages know that customers need to see and hear an engine running for peace of mind. They'll also want to test-drive them too! So, what happens if you try to start a car, and it takes several seconds for it to work?
Well, the first thing you should do is ignore anyone that tells you "it's too cold" or "it's too hot". Unless you live in Siberia or the Sahara, the car should start quickly.
What can cause slow cranking on a diesel car? Well, there can be many reasons:
•The battery needs recharging;
•The battery hasn't got a high enough amp rating;
•The starter motor is faulty;
•The wiring between the battery and the starter motor has damage to it;
•Glow plugs need replacing.
Those problems won't make a diesel car terminal. But, they will cost money to fix. If you decide that you still want that vehicle, get money knocked off the price to resolve those issues.
The engine keeps running when you turn the key off
Now this is one diesel car you must literally avoid! When this scenario happens, the vehicle turns into a "runaway." What happens is oil is entering the engine instead of diesel and it keeps it running. Why does it still run? Well, diesel is a heavy fuel oil. Engine oil like Mobil 1 0W40 can still make a diesel run, believe it or not!
The cause of the problem is often down to oil leaking from the turbocharger. It may also be entering the engine from another source.
If you want to know how to stop a runaway diesel, you need to choke its air supply. You can do this by removing the air filter and stuffing a piece of fabric in the intake. As with petrol engines, diesels need air to complete the combustion cycle. Without air, the engine will stop working.
The problem with runaway diesels is they will almost certainly make the engine terminal. This is unfortunate for the vehicle's current owner. But, it means that you'll have had a lucky financial escape!
The basic technology dates back to the late 19th century. Of course, today's diesels are somewhat more advanced and are all turbocharged. But, the principles of diesel combustion remain the same. As you can imagine, many people opt for diesel cars these days.
When they get maintained well, they can last forever. But, poor maintenance can often lead to expensive repair bills! Are you about to go and buy a diesel car soon? If so, you need to avoid ones for sale that have telltale signs of impending doom! The following are some examples of problems on diesel cars you should avoid like the plague:
 |
| Image Source: Wikimedia Commons |
When you go out to look at a car to buy, you will no doubt take it for a test drive. This is important to do with a diesel car because you need to look out for any issues. One such example is when you notice a significant drop in power.
Usually, you may expect the reverse to be true when driving a diesel car from cold. But, if the diesel you drive has a lack of power after a few minutes, this means something is wrong.
The common reason for this problem is a clogged diesel fuel filter. It's crucial that diesel engines have a supply of fresh, clean diesel fuel going into the engine. The fuel filter's job is to block out any dirt or microscopic particles.
If you look at the car's manual, it should state how often the fuel filter must get changed. Check the service history on the vehicle. When was that filter last changed? If there's no record of it ever getting replaced, walk away. It's likely the owner knows there is damage to the fuel pump because of the clogged filter.
In case you wondered, a new diesel fuel pump can cost four-figure sums. Even if you do the work yourself! So, you might think a cost-effective solution to the problem might be to have a new fuel filter fitted.
 |
| Image Source: Pixabay |
Slow cranking
When browsing diesel cars for sale, it's important that you can start the engines on them. But, do you ever make a mental note of how quick they are to start?
Car dealers like A1 Carriages know that customers need to see and hear an engine running for peace of mind. They'll also want to test-drive them too! So, what happens if you try to start a car, and it takes several seconds for it to work?
Well, the first thing you should do is ignore anyone that tells you "it's too cold" or "it's too hot". Unless you live in Siberia or the Sahara, the car should start quickly.
What can cause slow cranking on a diesel car? Well, there can be many reasons:
•The battery needs recharging;
•The battery hasn't got a high enough amp rating;
•The starter motor is faulty;
•The wiring between the battery and the starter motor has damage to it;
•Glow plugs need replacing.
Those problems won't make a diesel car terminal. But, they will cost money to fix. If you decide that you still want that vehicle, get money knocked off the price to resolve those issues.
 |
| Image Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Now this is one diesel car you must literally avoid! When this scenario happens, the vehicle turns into a "runaway." What happens is oil is entering the engine instead of diesel and it keeps it running. Why does it still run? Well, diesel is a heavy fuel oil. Engine oil like Mobil 1 0W40 can still make a diesel run, believe it or not!
The cause of the problem is often down to oil leaking from the turbocharger. It may also be entering the engine from another source.
If you want to know how to stop a runaway diesel, you need to choke its air supply. You can do this by removing the air filter and stuffing a piece of fabric in the intake. As with petrol engines, diesels need air to complete the combustion cycle. Without air, the engine will stop working.
The problem with runaway diesels is they will almost certainly make the engine terminal. This is unfortunate for the vehicle's current owner. But, it means that you'll have had a lucky financial escape!
 |
| Image Source: Pixabay |
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