Overheating of your diesel’s engine is a relatively common and potentially serious problem. Temperature regulation is a critical component that makes your diesel engine and fuel injection system function properly. You don’t want to drive a truck that is overheating until you find out what is causing this problem. Here are the most common reasons why your diesel engine is overheating.
- Problems with the engine
coolant. The most obvious cause of engine overheating is if there is any type of
issue with the engine coolant. You should perform the following checks since
coolant is such a critical part of your diesel’s cooling system.
- Look to see if there is enough coolant in the reservoir. A low coolant level could be an indication of a leak due to cracks in the engine or head gasket. Just add more coolant and keep checking the fluid level and ground underneath your truck for signs of any leakage. Another reason that your diesel’s coolant level is low is that air pockets or bubbles may have gotten into the radiator or reservoir causing a restriction of fluid flow. Coolant is made to flow freely through all the cooling system components without any air blockages. Air pockets are usually the result of an improper flushing procedure, a loose hose clamp, or deterioration of the cylinder liner.
- Check the coolant quality and consistency. The ideal mixture for your diesel’s coolant is fifty percent water, 44 percent antifreeze, and 6 percent coolant conditioner. The color, odor, and acidity of the coolant should be consistent with the right combination of fluids, and this mixture should be free of dirt or debris. A coolant test kit can be used to properly analyze a coolant sample to determine if a radiator flush is needed.
- Malfunctioning diesel fuel injectors. If your truck’s injection system isn’t releasing fuel properly, the engine might have to work harder to compensate, causing it to overheat. There are a variety of reasons that can cause fuel injectors to not work properly, like a build-up of deposits on the injector nozzle. An inspection of the diesel injectors is pretty quick and easy to perform to help identify if there are any injector issues that are causing the engine to overheat.
- A malfunctioning cooling fan. A problem with the radiator fan or fan clutch will cause the engine to overheat. You can check to make sure that the fan isn’t broken or loose and is in the right position. Other causes of the cooling fan not working properly are a defective coolant sensor, engine thermostat, or fan motor. Replacing a faulty cooling fan is an easy solution to stop your engine from overheating.
- A faulty water pump. The water pump helps circulate coolant throughout the engine components. If the pulley that connects the water pump to the fan clutch assembly spins freely without any resistance, the water pump seals are wearing out. An inspection of the water pump and pump housing will help identify any problems. The water pump might need to be removed to check if the hoses are clogged preventing the proper flow of water.
If you have done routine maintenance checks on your diesel and the engine keeps overheating, you should bring your truck to a certified diesel mechanic immediately. The certified mechanics at Gem State Diesel in Meridian, Idaho are ready to take care of all your truck’s service and repair needs. Just give us a call at 208-288-5555 or visit us online to set up an appointment today.