Glow Plugs are an essential component of your diesel engine. However, a faulty glow plug can go unnoticed or be neglected for quite some time; your truck will still start and run, so it’s an easy issue to overlook. At Cecil's Automotive in Collierville, TN and Olive Branch, MS, we want you to know what to look for, and why you should be concerned with a bad glow plug.
Obviously, diesel engines don’t use spark like a gasoline engine to achieve combustion. A combination of heat and compression does the work instead, which is a gigantic part of the reputation for reliability diesel owners enjoy. However, diesel engines don’t start the same way gas burners do, since spark isn’t a variable - which is where glow plugs come in. Glow plugs heat the combustion chamber, allowing your engine to achieve the necessary temperature required for a cold start, and turn off once the temperature at which the truck can run on its own has been reached. There is typically a glow plug for every cylinder. What this means, is that if only one or a few plugs have failed, the truck will still start. Symptoms of one or more faulty glow plugs include difficulty starting, low power upon startup, and poor idle. You’ll also notice an excessive amount of smoke until the engine warms up.
Failed plugs are an issue for a variety of reasons. They tend to be ignored until so many of them fail that the truck will no longer start since typically the truck can be started with just a few of them working. But even if the truck starts, there are still adverse effects you want to be aware of. Unburnt fuel washes into the oil, contaminating it and dramatically decreasing oil life and bearing reliability. Poor combustion also promotes carbon buildup, reducing efficiency and damaging components, from valves to catalytic converters. Bad glow plugs can eventually cost you an engine, or at least some very expensive and time-consuming engine work. Keeping the glow plugs in shape is essential to a reliable, long-lasting, smooth-running truck.
If you are experiencing glow plug issues or any other type of problem, our technicians have you covered. For the best diesel truck maintenance and repair shop in Collierville, TN and Olive Branch, MS, call or stop by Cecil's Automotive today. We only use quality parts, and we always provide quality service. No matter what type of truck you drive, Cecil's Automotive is the shop for you.
