How to Fix Blow By on a Diesel Engine

Blow by is a common problem that occurs in diesel engines. It happens when the combustion gases escape from the combustion chamber and enter the crankcase. This can cause a lot of problems, including reduced engine performance, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix blow by on a diesel engine. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective methods.

What Causes Blow By on a Diesel Engine?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes blow by on a diesel engine. There are several factors that can contribute to this problem:

Worn Piston Rings

Piston rings are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber and preventing gases from escaping into the crankcase. Over time, these rings can wear out and lose their ability to seal properly. This can lead to blow by.

Worn Cylinder Walls

The cylinder walls in a diesel engine can also wear out over time. When this happens, the piston rings may not be able to seal properly, which can cause blow by.

Excessive Crankcase Pressure

If the crankcase pressure in a diesel engine is too high, it can force gases out of the combustion chamber and into the crankcase. This can cause blow by.

How to Fix Blow By on a Diesel Engine

Now that we know what causes blow by on a diesel engine, let’s take a look at some of the ways to fix it:

Replace Worn Piston Rings

If the piston rings in your diesel engine are worn out, you will need to replace them. This is a fairly involved process that requires removing the engine from the vehicle and disassembling it. Once the rings have been replaced, the engine will need to be reassembled and reinstalled.

Rebore the Cylinder Walls

If the cylinder walls in your diesel engine are worn out, you may need to have them rebored. This involves removing a small amount of material from the walls to create a new surface for the piston rings to seal against. This process can be done with the engine still in the vehicle, but it is a complex and time-consuming job.

Install a Crankcase Ventilation System

If the crankcase pressure in your diesel engine is too high, you can install a crankcase ventilation system to help reduce it. This system will allow excess pressure to escape from the crankcase, which can help prevent blow by.

Use a Thicker Oil

If your diesel engine is experiencing blow by, you may want to consider using a thicker oil. Thicker oils can help reduce the amount of blow by by providing a better seal between the piston rings and the cylinder walls.

Replace the PCV Valve

The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gases between the crankcase and the intake manifold. If this valve is not functioning properly, it can cause blow by. Replacing the PCV valve is a simple and inexpensive fix that can help prevent blow by.

Conclusion

Blow by is a common problem that can occur in diesel engines. It can cause a lot of problems, including reduced engine performance, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix blow by on a diesel engine. Whether you need to replace worn piston rings, rebore the cylinder walls, install a crankcase ventilation system, use a thicker oil, or replace the PCV valve, there is a solution that can help you get your engine running smoothly again.

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