One of the nice things about diesel engines is that they use glow plugs instead of spark plugs. The glow plugs last much longer because they are only used when you start up your automobile. Spark plugs are continually used in a gasoline engine, which means they wear out quicker. RI Automotive is going to list the signs that your glow plugs are going bad below. We can replace them if necessary.
Difficulty Starting the Automobile
The glow plugs generate heat to warm up the diesel engine’s combustion chamber because it needs more heat to fire up than a gasoline engine does. You’ve probably noticed this when it’s cold outside. If the glow plugs are malfunctioning or have died completely, you won’t get the extra heat that the engine needs to fire up. Consequently, it will be difficult to start your automobile.
A Misfiring Diesel Engine
Your diesel engine’s combustion process must be timed correctly in order for the engine not to misfire. A diesel engine has a higher rate of compression and heat production than a gasoline engine does. If the combustion chamber is not hot enough, the engine will misfire. Generally, the engine must be at a temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit in order to fire correctly.
An Engine That Idles Roughly
The misfiring can cause your engine to idle roughly and so can a burned-out glow plug. If one or more of the glow plugs is also damaged or caked with carbon, they may not be able to produce enough heat to maintain the combustion discussed above. Consequently, you will end up with rough idling when you are sitting at a stop in your diesel automobile.
Poor Fuel Economy
Obviously, since the worn glow plugs are affecting your engine’s performance, you will see a reduction in your diesel fuel economy. Unfortunately, you will continue to get poor fuel mileage until you replace the malfunctioning glow plugs. This can be frustrating, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Excess Exhaust Smoke
Finally, faulty glow plugs can cause excess exhaust smoke to flow out of the tailpipe. You will either end up with white or black exhaust smoke. In the case of white exhaust smoke, this is a sign that the glow plugs are not generating enough heat in the engine to burn the fuel. Black exhaust smoke indicates that you have an imbalance between the air and fuel found in the combustion chamber.
Don’t worry. RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your diesel automobile.
