Diesel vehicles are known for being much more fuel efficient and providing more power than gasoline vehicles of a similar size. But while diesel engines are known for their durability and efficiency, like all machinery, they degrade over time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that your diesel engine operates at maximum power and performance. 

In this article, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about maximizing your diesel power and performance, from the causes of bad performance to essential maintenance tips that will have your engine running at its best.

An overview of diesel power and performance

When we talk about diesel power, we are referring to the engine's ability to generate force and perform work. This is measured using two terms: horsepower and torque. Horsepower is a measure of the engine’s ability to do work over time, while torque measures the rotational force the engine produces.

Horsepower: Indicates the overall power output of the engine and how quickly it can perform work. Higher horsepower often translates to faster acceleration and higher top speeds. 

Torque: Indicates the engine's ability to generate rotational force and transfer it to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move.

Diesel engines are known for their high torque, which is why they are used in a lot of industrial settings. When lots of pulling, carrying, or driving on rough terrain is required, a vehicle must have high torque. One of the reasons that diesel engines are so prevalent in heavy-duty applications is that they produce high amounts of torque at low RPMs.

Key factors affecting diesel power and performance

Deposit build-up

As your vehicle gets older and the miles and hours rise on your engine, deposits will start to build up on key components. As the deposits continue to grow, your diesel engine performance will be negatively affected as your vehicle will suffer more wear and tear. Wear and tear through use is an inevitable part of any system, and even the best maintenance cannot prevent it entirely. But proper maintenance can ensure your components last for many more years than they otherwise would.

Poor fuel quality

Fuel quality at gas stations around the country is a big issue affecting combustion, lowering diesel power and performance. When buying diesel at the pump you are likely to be using fuel with a lower cetane number than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which leads to incomplete combustion. The fuel will also contain fewer detergents and lack the lubricity your vehicle requires to run smoothly and prevent friction between parts.

Clogged diesel fuel injectors

Even if you only use the best fuel, deposits will still eventually build up on your fuel injectors. The deposits on your injectors affect your spray pattern by reducing the effective flow rate of the nozzles and the atomization of the fuel into the combustion chamber. This is important as atomized fuel mixes with oxygen to achieve the complete combustion of fuel. This creates more deposits and allows more unburnt fuel to leave through the exhaust instead of being converted into maximum power and performance.

Oxygen supply

The next issue is the amount of air being supplied into the combustion chamber. The turbo uses the exhaust to pressurize outside air into your intake, forcing the oxygen into your combustion chamber. But as deposits form on the exhaust side of your turbo, it will start to restrict the movement of the turbine, until eventually seizing. These deposits can cause your engine to over-boost or under-boost which could cause a lack of power and possibly lead to overheating and engine damage.

EGR and DPF

Deposits in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) will also negatively affect your combustion and performance. Excess deposits on the EGR valve can cause it to become stuck open, allowing exhaust to continue to enter the combustion chamber, which reduces the volume of available oxygen. Deposits in the DPF will restrict exhaust flow, creating an excess of backpressure which causes your engine to coke on excess exhaust. These deposits will prevent the combustion chamber from getting the amount of air that is necessary for complete combustion.

Driving habits

Your driving habits can also have a significant impact on the performance of your diesel engine. For example, taking frequent short trips does not allow the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature, which can lead to incomplete combustion and the build-up of more soot and carbon. Likewise, driving aggressively, such as accelerating rapidly and braking hard, can put excessive strain on the engine. This creates a higher thermal and mechanical load that accelerates the build-up of wear on the engine’s moving parts.

Essential maintenance for maximizing diesel power and performance

We now know the factors that lead to a loss of power and performance in a diesel engine, so what steps can we take to ensure we are maximizing our diesel engine’s power and performance? The key is to ensure you are regularly carrying out proper maintenance of your diesel fuel system and engine.

Fuel system maintenance

Your vehicle’s fuel system is what provides your engine with the fuel it needs to work optimally. But, over time, carbon and soot deposits build up and negatively impact your engine’s output. Ensuring that the fuel system is clean of fuel deposits is vital to maximizing diesel power and performance, and the easiest way to do this is to use a diesel fuel treatment, such as Archoil’s AR6500. Not only does this help to clean your vehicle’s turbo and fuel injectors, but it also improves lubricity and boosts the cetane of your fuel. This ensures that deposits are removed from the fuel system and allows for the complete combustion of fuel within your diesel engine, which is crucial to diesel power and performance.

Regular oil and filter changes

Always follow the manufacturer’s handbook, but typically you want to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Having clean oil is essential for lubricating your engine components in order to reduce friction and wear. This helps to maintain diesel power and efficiency. Always use high-quality, engine oil and replace the oil filter with every oil change.

Air filter replacement

Replace air filters according to the manufacturer’s handbook, typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Having a clean air filter ensures enough airflow is getting to the engine, promoting complete combustion and improving both diesel power and performance.

Cooling system checks

Regularly inspect the radiator, coolant levels, and hoses for leaks or damage. The cooling system prevents overheating, which can damage the engine and reduce diesel performance. Replace your engine’s coolant as often as recommended by the manufacturer.

Transmission and drivetrain maintenance

Ensure the transmission fluid is clean and at the correct level. Regularly inspect and service the drivetrain components, such as the differential and axles. Smooth power delivery from the engine to the wheels is essential for optimal power and performance.

Regular servicing

Most of the above maintenance tips are beyond the knowledge and experience of the average driver, but they can be done by your mechanic during an annual service. It’s always important to check ahead of time exactly what your mechanic will do during a service. It’s worth making sure that all the components we have mentioned above are being looked at.

How to boost diesel power and performance with fuel additives

Even though you might want to leave most maintenance to your mechanic, one simple thing that everyone can do to maximize their diesel power and performance is to use diesel fuel additives. Long-term carbon build-up within your engine and fuel system can be cleaned by using a diesel fuel additive with powerful detergents, such as  Archoil’s AR6400-D. 

As you can see from the above picture, deposits in the fuel system can be safely cleaned and removed by AR6400-D. This innovative additive can be used to rapidly clean your diesel injector tips, turbo, DPF, and ERG components - the only product on the market to do so. This is essentially a “deep clean” of your entire system, helping to restore proper function, improve combustion, and reduce regens.

Once your system has been deep cleaned, you can use Archoil’s AR6500 Diesel Treatment every time you fill up to keep your fuel system clean and boost engine power and efficiency. This formula also provides your diesel fuel with a cetane boost, promoting proper efficient combustion, as well as chemicals that improve lubricity, further boosting power and performance. 

Conclusion

Maximizing diesel power and performance requires a combination of proper maintenance, mindful driving habits, and using the right fuel additives to clean and protect your fuel system. Now that you understand the key factors that lead to a reduction in diesel engine power and performance, you can take proactive steps to address them, ensuring that you get the most out of your diesel engine for years to come.