Diesel Engine Smoke and Lack of Power Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide

Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them Part 2 of 5

The common problem is listed and the reference word or words for the part to fix it are listed as a solution.Using our website search box for both tech help and products, enter the words of the solution. This will take you directly to the resources we offer to help you fix the problem. We also list the difficulty. Level 1 indicates a beginner DIY job. Level 3 would indicate an intermediate DIY repair. Level 5 means you need professional mechanical experience to complete the job successfully.

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Problem & Solution

Common among these chassis:

W110 W111 W112 Sedan
W115
W116
W123
W124
W126
W140
W201

 

USE OUR SEARCH BOX TO QUICKLY LOCATE YOUR SOLUTION: Enter key words listed below

1. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - plugged fuel filters

Solution: Fuel filters

Difficulty Level: 1

2. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - not getting hot enough

Solution: Diesel thermostat

Difficulty Level: 1

3. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - restricted air exhaust

Solution: Air filter / muffler / turbo

Difficulty Level: 1/3

4. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - gummed injection system

Solution: Diesel Purge

Difficulty Level: 1

5. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - excess carbon buildup

Solution: EGR valve

Difficulty Level:  1

6. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - low fuel flow to injections

Solution: Diesel Performance Tuning and Repair

Difficulty Level: 2

7. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - poor compression

Solution: Valve adjusting wrench

Difficulty Level:  2

8. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - poor compression

Solution: Compression tester

Difficulty Level: 2

9. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine runs bad - poor or incorrect fuel

Solution: Change fuel / diesel purge

Difficulty Level: 1

10. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine runs bad - air getting into fuel system

Solution: Fuel line replacement kit

Difficulty Level: 2

11. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - air getting into fuel system

Solution: Hand primer pump

Difficulty Level: 1

12. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine runs bad - bad fuel injectors

Solution: Fuel Injectors

Difficulty Level:  2

13. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine runs bad - internal engine timing

Solution: Timing chain

Difficulty Level:   3

14. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine runs bad - incorrect injection pump timing

Solution: Diesel Performance Tuning manual

Difficulty Level:  3

15. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine runs bad - worn injection pump

Solution: Injection pump delivery valve

Difficulty Level: 2

16. Common Smoke & Power Problems: Engine smokes bad - poor engine ventilation

Solution: Breather upgrade

Difficulty Level: 1

17. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine smokes bad - worn valve stem seals

Solution: Valve stem seals kit

Difficulty Level: 4

18. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine smokes bad - turbo seals gone

Solution: Turbo charger

Difficulty Level: 4

19. Common Smoke & Power Problems:  Engine smokes bad - blown head gasket

Solution: Head gasket

Difficulty Level:  4

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Note: Additional resource guides are listed to the right.