Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Diesel fuel injectors operate under high pressure. They inject fuel into the combustion chamber at precise moments, creating a fine mist that mixes with air. This mixture ignites when compressed by the piston, producing power. Types of Diesel Fuel Injectors There are several types of diesel fuel injectors, each with its own characteristics: Common Rail Injectors: These injectors use a high-pressure common rail system to deliver fuel to the injectors. They offer precise control over fuel injection timing and quantity. Unit Injector: This type combines the injector and fuel pump into a single unit, simplifying the fuel delivery system. Pumpe Düse (PD): PD injectors incorporate a pump and injector in a single unit, providing high injection pressure and precise control. Common Diesel Fuel Injector Problems Diesel fuel injectors can experience various issues, including: Clogging: Contaminants in the fuel can clog the injector nozzles, leading to reduced fuel ... read more

When your car’s engine starts to overheat, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the cooling system. The cooling system is designed to regulate your engine's temperature, ensuring it stays within a safe operating range. If this system fails, your engine can overheat, leading to serious damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the causes of overheating can help you take quick action and prevent costly repairs. Coolant Leaks One of the most common reasons for an overheating engine is a coolant leak. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the liquid that circulates through the engine to absorb heat and keep it cool. If there’s a leak in the system, the coolant level can drop too low, reducing its ability to cool the engine. Common places for coolant leaks include the radiator, hoses, water pump, and head gasket. You might notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car, or see steam coming from under the hood if the coolant is leaking ... read more

Why does my car shake when I drive? If your car is shaking when you drive then the first thing you need to check is your tires. If you have a low tire, one that is out of balance, out of round or damaged then it can cause your car to shake, especially at highway speeds. Uneven tire wear, a flat spot, or a problem with the tire alignment can also lead to shaking.    Another possible cause is a problem with the brakes. If you feel the shaking more when you apply the brakes, it could indicate that your brake rotors are warped. This warping happens over time due to the intense heat generated during braking. When the rotors are no longer perfectly flat, your brake pads can't grip them smoothly, which causes vibrations. Your car's suspension and steering components could also be to blame. Worn-out or damaged parts in the suspension system, like the shocks, struts, or ball joints, can make your car feel unstable and cause it to shake. Problems with the steering system ... read more

Fuel contamination is a problem that can sneak up on any vehicle owner, but it’s especially important to be aware of it if you drive a Ford pickup. Whether you’re hitting the road for work or adventure, you want to make sure your truck is running smoothly.  Fuel contamination happens when unwanted substances get into your fuel tank. These contaminants can include water, dirt, rust, and even tiny particles of debris. When these things mix with your fuel, they can cause a variety of problems for your engine and overall performance. Your Ford pickup’s engine is designed to run on clean fuel, so when contaminants get in, it can lead to several issues: Poor Performance: Contaminated fuel can clog your fuel filters and injectors, making it harder for your engine to get the fuel it needs. This can result in rough idling, stalling, or sluggish acceleration. Reduced Fuel Efficiency: When your engine isn’t getting the right amount of clean fuel, it has to work har ... read more

Ever wondered what the EGR valve in your car does? If you're curious about this little component and how it helps your vehicle run cleaner, you've come to the right place. The EGR valve stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve. It's a crucial part of your car's engine system that helps reduce pollution. By recirculating a portion of your exhaust gases back into the engine, it lowers the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides that are released into the atmosphere. Here’s a step-by-step look at how the EGR valve works: Exhaust Gases: When your engine burns fuel, it creates exhaust gases. These gases include harmful substances like nitrogen oxides. Recirculation: Instead of letting all the exhaust gases leave through the tailpipe, the EGR valve redirects some of them back into the engine’s intake manifold. Mixing: Once the exhaust gases are back in the intake manifold, they mix with fresh air and fuel. Th ... read more

Ford diesel pickups are designed for heavy-duty work, yet fuel system problems can impede their efficiency. Being aware of potential issues can aid in maintaining optimal performance. Fuel Pump Failures - which can lead to difficult starts, engine stalling, or total engine shutdown, are a frequent issue. Replacing the fuel filter regularly and opting for quality fuel can help prolong your fuel pump's lifespan. Clogged Fuel Filters - A clogged fuel filter can impede fuel flow, causing diminished engine performance and reduced fuel economy. Adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines for fuel filter replacement is critical to prevent this problem. Water in the Fuel System - Water in the fuel system can severely damage both injectors and the fuel pump. Employing a water separator and consistently draining trapped water can avert such damage. Maintaining a clean and efficient fuel system is vital for your diesel pickup's durability and performance. We can take care of yo ... read more

Those who love Fords, love Ford diesel pickups - if you're a Chevy, GMC or Dodge person I will get to them too - I promise. Fords are renowned for their strength and reliability, there are a few things you should know about your diesel engine.  This can help you maintain your truck and avoid costly repairs. Injector Failure - premature fuel injector failure which is often caused by poor-quality fuel. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, and a significant drop in fuel efficiency. Regularly using high-quality diesel, changing your fuel filter and regular maintenance can prevent premature failure. They are a wearing part though so they will need to be replaced at some point.  Turbocharger Problems - is your turbocharger lagging? Or has it failed?  These problems might be due to oil contamination, wear, or excessive exhaust temperatures. Regular oil changes and keeping an eye on your truck's exhaust system can help prevent a ... read more

Seeing white smoke from your diesel engine can be alarming. Not only is it a sign that something isn’t right, but it can also indicate other underlying issues that may need immediate attention.  White smoke from a diesel engine often indicates the presence of un-burned fuel or coolant in the exhaust system. When these substances are not properly combusted, they create a white vapor that exits through the exhaust. Typically un-burnt fuel causes black smoke, but we have seen it cause white smoke as well.  The primary reason for white smoke is a coolant leak. When coolant leaks into the combustion chamber - and it doesn't belong there. It mixes with the diesel fuel, causing incomplete combustion. This result can be from a damaged head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a faulty cylinder head. A sure sign of a coolant leak is a sweet smell accompanying the white smoke or a noticeable drop in the coolant level.  Another common reason for white smoke is ... read more

Youu might have heard the term "diesel engine runaway." This frightening phenomenon occurs when a diesel engine revs uncontrollably, often leading to severe damage if not promptly addressed. Understanding the causes behind this issue can help prevent it and help prepare you if it ever occurs. A diesel engine runaway happens when the engine starts to consume fuel uncontrollably. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines rely on compression to ignite the fuel, which means they can run on a variety of fuel sources, including engine oil or other flammable substances that might find their way into the combustion chamber. This is where the problem begins. One common cause of diesel engine runaway is a failure in the turbocharger. The turbocharger, which boosts engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, can leak oil from its seals into the intake system. When this oil gets into the combustion chamber, the engine treats it as fuel. Since the engine can keep ru ... read more

Experiencing a sudden stall while driving can be both frustrating and concerning. Fuel System Issues: One of the primary reasons for car stalling is related to fuel system issues. This can include problems with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or a clogged fuel filter. Inadequate fuel delivery to the engine can disrupt the combustion process and lead to a stall. Ignition System Failures: Issues within the ignition system, such as a faulty ignition coil, spark plugs, or a malfunctioning distributor, can result in stalling. Without a reliable spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture, the engine may cease to operate. Airflow Problems: Proper airflow is crucial for the combustion process. Any obstruction or malfunction in the air intake system, like a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and cause the engine to stall. Sensor Malfunctions: Modern vehicles rely on various sensors to monitor and regulate engine performanc ... read more