Are Your Diesel’s Glow Plugs in Trouble

Diesel vehicles rely on glow plugs to get started and to keep running. When the glow plugs start to have trouble, there are some signs you might see of that trouble. Reiff Diesel Services has these tips to help you to spot potential issues.

The Engine Is Idling Rough

When glow plugs either have gone bad or are starting to, that can affect how well the engine works. From a driver’s perspective, that’s going to translate as a rough idle. The engine is likely to be a lot louder and there will probably be a bit more vibration. The engine might also sound different to you.

Fuel Efficiency Is Getting Bad

A rough idle is a symptom, as is fuel mileage. When the engine is having a tougher time running, it won’t burn fuel as well as it is supposed to. Bad glow plugs are just one of the ways that your diesel engine might have trouble with fuel efficiency. If you’re spotting fuel mileage that’s getting worse, checking the glow plugs should be one item on your list. 

There Is Excessive Smoke in the Exhaust

An extra smoky exhaust tells you a lot about what’s happening in your diesel’s engine. The color of the smoke can tell you a good bit, too. Dark black smoke in the exhaust can mean that the fuel mixture is off, and that more carbon is burning off than usual. White smoke can mean that there are either too few glow plugs working properly or that some have completely burned out.

You’re Having a Tough Time Starting the Vehicle

Gas engines use spark plugs to get the fire they need, and diesel engines use glow plugs in place of spark plugs. If enough of the glow plugs have gone bad or are in bad condition, that means that you’re going to have a much tougher time starting the vehicle. It might even be impossible to start the vehicle. The rough starts might be intermittent at first, but if the problem isn’t resolved, the situation just gets worse.

Reiff Diesel Services in Newburg, PA is here to help with all of your diesel service and repair needs. If you suspect that there’s something wrong with your diesel’s glow plugs or with anything else related to your diesel vehicle, call us today and set up an appointment for us to accurately diagnose the issue for you.