Troubleshooting Cummins Diesel Engines

Troubleshooting Procedures and Techniques

 This guide describes some typical engine operating problems, their causes, and some acceptable corrections to those problems. Unless noted otherwise, the problems listed are those which an operator can diagnose and repair.  See an Authorized Repair Location for diagnosis and repair of problems not listed.

Follow the suggestions below to develop good troubleshooting procedures:  

  • Study the problem thoroughly before acting.
  • Do the easiest and obvious things first.
  • Find and correct the basic cause of the problem.  

 Troubleshooting Symptoms

 Use the charts given on the following pages to help find the cause and correction of a malfunction. Read each row of blocks from top to bottom. Follow the arrows through the chart to identify corrective action.

  • Lubricating Oil Pressure Low
  • Lubricating Oil Pressure Too High 
  • Lubricating Oil Loss
  • Coolant Temperature Above Normal 
  • Coolant Loss
  • Coolant Temperature Below Normal
  • Coolant Contaminated
  • Lubricating Oil Contaminated 
  • Fuel or Oil Leaking from Exhaust Manifold 
  • Exhaust Smoke Excessive Under Load
  • Engine Will Not Reach Rated Speed When Loaded
  • Power Output Low
  • Engine Misfiring 
  • Fuel Knock 
  • Fuel Consumption Excessive  
  • Vibration Excessive
  • Engine Noises Excessive
  • Alternator Not Charging or Insufficient Charging  
  • White Smoke Excessive During Cold Start 


Similar Posts

One Comment

  1. White Smoke Excessive During Cold Start

    Cummins 4BTA3.9-G2

    Not Injectors
    Not Compression
    Fresh rebuild
    Injector pump has been serviced

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *