Diesel Engine, How It's Work and Components, and Common Failure

An internal combustion engine that runs on diesel fuel is known as a diesel engine. The high temperature of the compressed air ignites the mixture of heavy hydrocarbons that make up diesel fuel when it is injected into the cylinder. The piston is pushed by the gases' combustion and expansion, which transforms mechanical energy into useful work. Diesel engines have high efficiency, dependability, and durability, which makes them popular in automobiles, ships, generators, and other applications.

The primary parts and operations of a diesel engine are as follows:

• The chamber where fuel is burned and air is compressed is called a cylinder.
• The component that can move inside the cylinder to transfer the force of combustion to the crankshaft is called a piston.
• Crankshaft: The rotating component that transfers power to the load by converting the piston's reciprocating motion into rotational motion.
• The component that joins the piston and crankshaft and transmits force between them is called the connecting rod.
• Fuel injector: The component that, in accordance with the engine control unit (ECU), sprays diesel fuel into the cylinder at the appropriate time and volume.
• ECU: The electronic component that keeps track of and regulates engine parameters like air-fuel ratio, fuel injection, ignition timing, and emission control.
• The turbocharger : The device increases the engine's power output and efficiency by using the exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn powers a compressor to force more air into the engine's cylinder.
• The system that moves coolant through the engine to dissipate extra heat and avoid overheating is called the cooling system.
• The system that supplies oil to the engine components to lessen wear and tear and friction is known as the lubrication system.
• The system that gathers and releases engine exhaust gases into the atmosphere is called the exhaust system.

Some of the common failures of a diesel engine are:

• Dead battery: A low or no voltage supply to the ECU can cause the engine to malfunction or not start.
• Corrosion: Rust or moisture can damage the electrical connections or the circuit boards of the ECU or the sensors, affecting the engine performance and operation.
• Wire break or short circuit: A broken or shorted wire can interrupt the signal transmission or cause a false reading of the sensors or the ECU, leading to incorrect fuel injection or ignition timing.
• Bad ECU ground: A poor or loose ground connection can cause the ECU to lose its reference voltage or create electrical noise, resulting in erratic engine behavior or failure.
• Bad starter: A faulty starter can draw too much current from the battery and affect the ECU operation or damage the electrical components.
• Engine vibrations: Excessive vibrations can loosen or damage the ECU or the sensors or cause them to misread the engine conditions, affecting the engine performance and efficiency.
• Excessive heat: High temperatures can overheat the ECU or the sensors or cause them to drift from their normal values, resulting in poor combustion or emission control.
• Water or fire damage: Water or fire can destroy the ECU or the sensors or cause a short circuit or an open circuit, rendering the engine inoperable or unsafe.