What are the reasons for a diesel engine emitting black smoke and lacking power?
3 Answers
The reasons for a diesel engine emitting black smoke and lacking power are insufficient air intake or excessive fuel injection. When this occurs, the vehicle owner needs to conduct an inspection. Diesel engines do not require spark plugs to ignite the combustible mixture; they lack spark plugs and rely on the high temperature and pressure at the end of the compression stroke to ignite the combustible mixture. This ignition method can be referred to as compression ignition. The maintenance items for diesel engines include: 1. Regularly changing the engine oil and oil filter; 2. Maintaining good crankcase ventilation; 3. Regularly cleaning the crankcase; 4. Periodically cleaning the fuel system; 5. Regular maintenance of the radiator; 6. Maintenance and cleaning of the fuel system.
I encountered similar issues when driving a diesel vehicle before, with black smoke and a noticeable lack of power, and there were quite a few reasons. If the air filter is clogged, air can't get in, and the diesel doesn't burn cleanly, resulting in smoke and the engine struggling. My old truck had a filter that hadn't been replaced in three years—cleaning it made a big difference. If the fuel injectors aren't working properly, like being clogged with carbon deposits or worn out, they can spray too much fuel that doesn't burn completely, leading to thick black smoke and loss of power. A faulty turbocharger can also cause insufficient air intake, which I experienced once—replacing it with a new part fixed the issue. Poor-quality diesel with too much water or impurities can also make the engine act up, like drinking spoiled soup. I recommend regular maintenance to avoid breaking down on the road and regretting it later.
I just bought a diesel SUV and encountered issues with black smoke and lack of power, finding that the root cause might be a problem with the fuel supply system. An aging or improperly adjusted fuel injection pump can cause excessive diesel to be injected into the cylinders, leading to incomplete combustion and naturally resulting in black smoke, making the car feel like it's being dragged. Another factor is insufficient air intake; a dirty air filter or a leaking turbocharger can restrict airflow—I solved the problem last month after cleaning the filter. If the car is equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), faulty sensors can also mislead the fuel injection quantity, so it's advisable to check the fault codes. Additionally, worn piston rings causing low cylinder pressure can also affect combustion efficiency, and this kind of major repair is quite troublesome. For prevention, I insist on a comprehensive inspection every 10,000 kilometers, which is both worry-free and safe.
