This topic is often the most common cause of a machine operator's headache.
Incorrectly identified engine faults can lead to a very costly breakdown, which in turn results in equipment immobilization and serious financial losses. How to diagnose a construction machine engine and whether all engine ailments are always associated with a very costly repair? We invite you to our guide.
Oil pressure - technical documentation will be useful
The most common problems with the engine of a construction machine related to difficult start-up, leaks, leaks and strange noises. None of these signs should be underestimated! The fault may be associated with a minor neglect, but equally well with the need to call a specialist service.
What you should always start diagnosing the engine with is checking the oil pressure. There may be some trouble with this, as the correct values vary depending on the specific engine.
In many cases, the minimum oil pressure oscillates around the value of 1 bar, for example two quite popular cases - the first is Liebherr brand combustion engines, which require a minimum value of 1.5 bar.
The second example is the quite popular Cummins unit with a capacity of 5.9 liters, which requires pressure above 0.8 bar, where in Liebherr machines at such a value we already have a critical state.
If you do not know how to diagnose the engine of a construction machine in terms of oil pressure, refer to the technical documentation of the device.
Diligent service is the basis
No decent engine should suffer a sudden and costly breakdown. The reality, however, is that there is a lack of time for diligent inspections on a daily basis. Hence the later problems.
So if we notice, for example, that the engine starts to smoke black, let's start by checking the basic elements, starting with the air filter. A clogged one can give such an effect. In addition, smoking can be caused by a faulty injection pump, faulty injectors, a faulty timing system.
So let's remember to regularly check all, even basic elements of the engine and its equipment. In many situations, this will avoid costly repairs.
How to diagnose a construction machine engine that is not working well?
The most common problems with the engine concern difficult start-up. This can be caused by a failure of the fuel system, but equally well by wear of the injection pump or clogged fuel and air filters. A common cause is also simply contaminated fuel.
If the engine is not working well after starting and lacks power, it is worth looking for leaks in the fuel system. In more complicated cases, you need to look at the condition of the turbocharger or gas controller. A similar effect will also give a leak in the intercooler.
When the engine suddenly dies after starting and working for a short while, it may indicate airing of the fuel system or clogging of one of the filters.
