The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel engines 353 when trying to troubleshoot why their engines underperform. Ā It categorizes areas of possible malfunction, likely cause and recommended action to bring your new, rebuilt or used Ā Detroit Diesel engine back to proper operation. Ā The chart will give you confidence when speaking with your Detroit Diesel engine mechanic or ordering parts. Ā As a quick reference guide only, the chart must not be thought of as a substitute for the use of your Detroit Diesel engine 3-53 natural Owner's operating or service manual. PROBLEM POSSIBLE REASON CHECK
Click Here To Go Back To 353 Categories
Engine will not start
Lack of air intake or restricted air intake
ā
Broken blower shaft
Ā
Worn out blower shaft
Ā
Defective fuel pump
Ā
Defective starter
Ā
Discharged battery
Ā
High exhaust back pressure
Ā
Black smoke coming out of engine
Defective injector
Ā
Contaminated fuel
Ā
Broken or worn cylinder parts
Ā
Engine overloaded
Ā
Faulty intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engines only)
Ā
White smoke coming out of engine
Broken piston ring
Ā
Incorrectly installed ring set
Ā
Defective injector
Ā
Fuel quality or grade
Ā
Long idle periods
Ā
Broken or bent push rod
Ā
Injector or governor improperly adjusted
Ā
Low engine oil pressure
Water in engine oil pan
Ā
Fuel in engine oil pan
Ā
Defective oil cooler
Ā
Engine overloaded
Ā
Crankcase overfilled
Ā
Low engine RPM
Improperly working injector
Ā
Governor calibration
Ā
Hi engine RPM
Governor calibration
Ā
Engine overheating
Defective fresh water pump
Ā
Defective raw water pump (marine engines only)
Ā
Defective thermostat or thermostat seal
Ā
Clogged radiator or heat exchanger (marine engine only)
Ā
Grey smoke coming out of engine
Long idle periods
Ā
Defective intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engine only)
Ā
Restricted air intake
Ā
Defective injector
Ā
Contaminated fuel
Ā
Blower or turbocharger seals leaking
Ā
Geartrain makes noises
Low oil level
Ā
Engine driven accesories
Ā
Damage main or rod bearing
Ā