No matter the size of your diesel truck, without functioning glow plugs, you won’t be able to get the engine started. Midline Truck & Trailer Repair advises that the purpose of the glow plugs is to warm the combustion chamber to get it to the temperature so that the diesel engine will ignite. Difficulty starting your diesel truck is an indication that the glow plugs are going bad and need to be replaced. If you do not replace them, eventually, you will be unable to get your diesel truck started at all.
Misfiring Engine
In order for your engine to start and run inefficiently without misfiring, the glow plugs need to heat the engine to a minimum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If the glow plugs are unable to do so, the combustion chamber will not reach a temperature that will enable it to start. Unfortunately, your engine will also misfire frequently if the glow plugs are unable to get the temperature to the required minimum.
Rough Idling
The glow plugs can burn out, get damaged, or be contaminated by carbon deposits. This can cause the engine to idle roughly if you can get it to start in the first place. In some cases, you may see white smoke come out of the exhaust pipe briefly when you get the engine started. More on this below. In the meantime, if your engine idle has suddenly become very rough, it’s possible that one of the glow plugs has burned out.
Reduced Fuel Economy
As you’ve noticed, your diesel engine relies on heat to run inefficiently. Unfortunately, if the glow plugs are unable to heat the engine to an optimal temperature, you may see a reduction in your fuel economy. Diesel fuel is very energy-dense. Faulty glow plugs can reduce the engine’s temperature and, as mentioned above cause performance issues that will use up more diesel fuel.
White Exhaust Smoke
We also mentioned above that bad glow plugs can create a condition where you see white exhaust smoke flow out of the tailpipe. This is because the diesel engine is not hot enough to burn the fuel efficiently. Unfortunately, alongside the white exhaust smoke, you may smell the diesel fuel in your vehicle’s exhaust. This problem can be caused by faulty glow plugs.
Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene, OR, would be happy to inspect your glow plugs and replace them if they need it. Call us today to schedule a service appointment for your diesel truck.