RAM Diesel Engine Service: Specialized Care for Your RAM

Black Exhaust Smoke

Black exhaust smoke with a strong fuel smell could mean you have a damaged Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). The DOC is part of your exhaust system, usually located just below the exhaust manifold. It works like the catalytic converter in a gasoline engine, utilizing chemical reactions, extreme heat, and intense pressure to convert dangerous engine chemicals like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into harmless substances.

The DOC needs regular maintenance to ensure it works at its best. Carbon is a byproduct of the conversion process, and it can build up and block or damage the DOC. If the DOC is damaged or overheating, it won’t completely convert the fuel residue. This results in unburnt fuel exiting the tailpipe in thick, black clouds. We’ll examine your DOC and repair or replace it to fix this issue.

Worn Glow Plugs

Glow plugs are the diesel engine equivalent of spark plugs. A glow plug is inserted into each engine cylinder. When you push the start button, air enters the engine and is compressed. Inside the cylinders, the glow plugs get hot, and fuel is sprayed directly onto them by the fuel injectors. The plugs heat the fuel, which mixes with the compressed air, producing almost instantaneous combustion.

Your engine needs glow plugs to ensure the fuel is hot enough to burn efficiently. In hot conditions, fuel in a diesel engine will still ignite due to the heat, but the fuel will burn inefficiently. This causes a misfiring, which wastes fuel and will damage the cylinder. Our technicians can quickly replace any damaged glow plugs to fix this issue.

Starting Problems

A RAM engine should start within seconds of you pressing the start button. If you hear the labored sounds of your engine struggling and failing to start, something is wrong. Worn glow plugs, as we saw above, can cause this issue as more than one damaged plug will prevent combustion, and your engine won’t start.

A damaged starter can prevent the engine from cranking, or your battery could be too weak to supply the powerful electrical charge necessary to start the engine. Other possible causes of this issue are a fuel system problem, damaged electrical wiring, or a worn starter solenoid. Our experts will examine your engine and fix the problem.

If your RAM engine isn’t working as efficiently as it should, contact us ASAP at Blue Ribbon CDJR in Sallisaw, OK.

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