Diesel engines are known for their durability, but even the best engine has to be replaced every once in a while. At Harold's Used Auto Parts Inc in Philadelphia, PA, we want you to be aware of signs that your engine is about to call it quits.

Bad Compression

Compression is everything on a diesel engine - and can be compromised by a lot of different issues. The best case scenario is a blown head gasket...but even then, there are a lot of potential issues that come along with head gasket problems. A washed out cylinder due to a leaky injector, bad piston rings or cracked pistons, or worn cylinder walls from engine contamination, valve issues, and warped or cracked heads are also causes of compression problems - and all of them most likely warrant an engine replacement.

Excessive oil consumption

If you’re burning a lot of oil, there are underlying issues at play. Worn rings or cylinder walls are typically the roots of the problem, and there’s no simple fix for that - in addition, the oil buildup that results has likely damaged components or caused buildup everywhere it doesn’t need to be.

Knocking

A rod knock is the classic and most definitive sign of an engine that is about to go. The distinctive sound of a rod knock indicates there’s a piston connecting rod knocking around on the crankshaft, and that means a catastrophic failure is imminent.

Don’t wait until an engine gives up completely to have it replaced - if it locks up or completely lets go, there’s a good chance it’ll damage other expensive components in the process. If you think an engine replacement is in the cards for your Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins diesel pickup, let our technicians take a look. We have the knowledge and equipment you need at Harold's Used Auto Parts Inc in Philadelphia, PA.