The glow plugs play an important role in getting your diesel engine started. Diesel engines need heat to fire up and run. When you turn the key in the ignition, the glow plugs immediately heat up the combustion chamber so the engine can start. United Diesel Repair advises that while the glow plugs do last longer than the spark plugs found in gasoline engines, they will go bad eventually. Here are signs that your diesel engine’s glow plugs need to be replaced.
Check Engine Warning
The check engine light may come on if the glow plugs are bad. This is because the diesel engine is having a hard time starting and running efficiently. Consequently, system sensors will report problems to the engine’s main computer chip and it will turn on the check engine light.
Difficulty Starting the Automobile
Naturally, if one or more of the glow plugs is unable to produce the heat the engine needs to fire up, you will have a hard time getting your diesel vehicle started. This is a very common sign that there is a problem with the glow plugs because your engine cannot start without them.
Misfiring Engine
In order for a diesel engine to run efficiently and without misfiring, the combustion chamber must be heated to a minimum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If the combustion chamber does not reach this temperature, your diesel engine will misfire and suffer from performance issues.
Idling Roughly
One of these engine performance issues is idling roughly. This can happen if one glow plug has burned out but the other plugs are fine. You need all of your plugs warming the combustion chamber properly in order for your engine idle to be smooth and the engine to perform easily.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
Unfortunately, these engine performance issues will decrease the fuel efficiency of the diesel automobile. When the engine is struggling to perform, it will use up the diesel fuel quickly. Consequently, you will end up at the service station more often.
White Exhaust
If the combustion chamber does not have enough heat in it, the fuel will not burn efficiently and you will end up with white exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is definitely a sign that your engine is not warming up to the 450 degrees it needs to burn the diesel fuel efficiently.
United Diesel Repair is the best auto service shop in Flowery Branch, GA, so call us today to schedule an appointment for your diesel automobile. We can inspect the glow plugs and replace any bad ones.
