Why Is My Semi-Truck Engine Losing Power?
You’ve got jobs to do and places to be, so the last thing you want when you’re on the clock or managing a fleet is an engine problem with your commercial truck. While it might seem like a serious ordeal, engine issues are among the most common big rig problems, so you should see if you can find a fix by pinpointing what’s wrong. Commercial Truck Trader is here with several possible answers to your question, “Why is my semi-truck engine losing power?”
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Problems with the Fuel System
A fuel system problem is a common cause for losing power with your semi-truck. A loss in fuel efficiency, faster oil consumption, and refueling more frequently are all telltale signs that something’s wrong with the fuel system. Your truck might have a clogged fuel filter, dirty or corroded fuel injector, or low fuel pressure which is messing with the intake of fuel to the engine and a loss of power. You can inspect these parts individually and see if you can make a replacement, or take your big rig to a trustworthy commercial vehicle mechanic.
As a reminder, always replenish your vehicle’s oils and fluids after heavy use and throughout the seasons based on the amount of hours and mileage you put on your vehicle while working. Keep up with your records for service and maintenance, pay attention to your dashboard icons, and follow your owner’s manual instructions.
Air Intake Imbalance
Without the right amount of airflow reaching your commercial vehicle’s parts under the hood, the engine and other components under the hood aren’t going to perform as well, and you’ll notice a loss of power. This might be due to an air intake system issue, like a clogged air filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced. Check your air filters regularly during maintenance to see if this is the problem, or to prevent this issue from happening in the future. Or, it could be another issue like an intake manifold obstruction, which is a block causing a disruption of air flow.
An Issue with the Ignition
If your ignition is malfunctioning, your truck definitely isn’t going to get the same power to the engine. Your truck’s engine cylinders need the spark from the ignition system to work, so even a minor malfunction can cause a disruption with these parts, sometimes even causing a truck failing to start up when you’re ready to drive. Damaged or corroded spark plugs, or frayed or torn wires could be causing this problem. Make a replacement, or take your truck in for service if this is the case.
Bad Exhaust System
Problems with your truck’s exhaust system will cause a lapse in power with your engine, and more serious problems with different parts of your truck. Check that there’s no obstruction in the vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Also make certain you’re not driving with a damaged or clogged catalytic converter. These issues can disrupt the flow of exhaust from your vehicle, resulting in an engine slowing down and not performing as powerfully.
Heavy Payload
Look after your truck when you’re using it and don’t push it beyond its payload limits when you’re hauling cargo. Follow your owner’s manual for how much your truck can withstand when you’re carrying goods, whether it’s a long-haul job or stop-and-go deliveries. You also want an even distribution of weight on your vehicle. Overloading your truck can cause serious damage and cause the engine to work harder to compensate with the extra weight, and lead to overheating, malfunctioning, and loss of power.
Is It Time for an Engine Overhaul?
If you keep running into performance problems where you’re losing power with your truck, know these signs it’s time to overhaul your truck engine. You can keep changing out individual parts, but over time as your vehicle ages with more miles and heavy payloads, you start encountering greater problems. Plan ahead to avoid downtime and invest in an engine overhaul by setting aside money in your budget for your business or fleet. Or, consider the resale value of your vehicle and purchasing a new truck.
Find new and used trailers for sale to help share the load when it comes to hauling your cargo.
When your truck’s engine starts losing power, it’s not the end of the world. These are just a few of the most common problems commercial trucks have when an engine acts up, and it’s up to you to make a repair so you can keep moving. If you’re ready to shop for a new or used commercial vehicle, be sure to visit CommercialTruckTrader.com for a nationwide selection of trucks and vans from dealers and private sellers.
Ryan Miller
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