We’ve all seen it happen. You’re driving up a hill, with your diesel engine humming merrily, when it suddenly becomes eerily quiet. Your engine has lost power, and you have no idea why. You may not have to drive up a hill to encounter this issue — it might happen during simple acceleration or while towing another vehicle.
Diesel engines are highly particular, relying on a delicate combination of air, fuel, compression and timing to function correctly. Any issues with your vehicle’s essential systems could lead to reduced function. Explore some common causes of diesel engine power loss and what you can do about them.
Common Causes of Diesel Engine Power Loss
If your truck loses power while you’re driving, it’s likely due to one of a few specific reasons. The following segments will discuss these common root causes.
Dirty or Clogged Fuel Filters
Dirty or clogged fuel filters are among the most common reasons for engine power loss. When the fuel filter or injectors are dirty or clogged, they diminish the fuel system’s ability to deliver fuel. As a result, the engine’s output diminishes, leading to a loss of power in your diesel engine.
One often overlooked cause of filter blockage is the presence of asphaltenes in diesel fuel. Asphaltenes are naturally occurring, heavy hydrocarbon molecules that can become unstable under certain conditions — especially in ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and during fuel storage. When destabilized, asphaltenes can drop out of the fuel as fine, sticky particles that accumulate in fuel filters, leading to premature plugging and restricted fuel flow.
Modern diesel engines, with their high injection pressures and tight tolerances, are especially sensitive to these microscopic contaminants. If you’re experiencing unexplained power loss, particularly after recent fuel-up or long periods of fuel storage, asphaltene-induced filter clogging could be the culprit.
Using a high-quality fuel additive designed to stabilize asphaltenes and disperse particulate buildup can help prevent this issue. Routine fuel system maintenance — including keeping tanks clean and using additives formulated to combat ULSD-related instability — goes a long way in protecting your engine and preserving performance.
A clogged or dirty fuel filter cannot effectively remove impurities, preventing it from protecting your diesel engine. While it’s unlikely that this problem is the main reason for your engine issues, checking and replacing the filter is a good starting point. Remember that many diesel engines have two filters, so replace both if you take this maintenance step.
Failing or Weak Fuel Injectors
Dirty or low-quality fuel can clog fuel injectors, resulting in uneven distribution. This problem leads to inadequate combustion and engine power loss. For this reason, it is essential to purchase clean, high-quality fuel and ensure that your fuel remains uncontaminated.
Air Intake Restrictions
One cause of engine power loss is a lack of air intake. Air is critical to combustion, and a lack of airflow can reduce engine power significantly. Some of the most common causes of restricted air flow include dirty or clogged air filters and blocked or damaged air ducts.
Exhaust Backpressure and DPF Issues
If your exhaust or diesel particulate filter becomes clogged, it limits exhaust flow and diminishes air efficiency. These issues can limit the overall effectiveness of your diesel engine, leading to power loss.
Preventing Power Loss Through Diesel Maintenance Best Practices
Once you’ve considered the potential causes of diesel power loss, you can leverage these maintenance tips to help prevent engine power loss from happening:
- Clean and replace fuel filters regularly to prevent clogged fuel injectors.
- Use a product like Everyday Diesel Treatment to keep fuel optimized and clean.
- Check, clean and repair air filters regularly to ensure appropriate airflow.
- Have your vehicle serviced annually.
Hot Shot’s Secret Products That Help Restore Diesel Engine Power
One excellent way to improve the performance of your diesel engine is to use performance-enhancing products. Some of our best offerings for dealing with diesel engine problems include these additives:
Diesel Extreme
For an excellent multipurpose diesel additive that performs multiple functions, utilize Diesel Extreme. You can rely on it for:
- Removing internal diesel injector deposits (IDIDs)
- Eliminating external diesel injector deposits (EDIDs)
- Improving cetane ratings
- Stabilizes fuel including asphaltenes
By improving overall fuel performance, you can increase engine power as well.
Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT)
If you want to improve the performance of your ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) engine, add Hot Shot’s Secret’s Everyday Diesel Treatment to your fuel. This six-in-one product cleans, lubricates and protects your engine, ensuring proper function.
Improving lubrication and eliminating detritus can elevate engine performance and increase power output.
Stiction Eliminator
Stiction Eliminator is a dual lubricant and stiction remover that cleans burnt oil buildup in Powerstroke 6.0L and 7.3L injectors, cleaning components from the turbo to the oil pump.
This product is proven to reduce engine waer by up to 62% more than stand-alone engine oil. Taking this step is an excellent way to enhance engine performance.
LX4 Lubricity Extreme
For ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) engines, try LX4 Lubricity Extreme. This premium lubricity additive offers the best performance on the market, offering benefits like:
- Extending the life of your fuel system
- Increasing fuel lubricity by as much as 56%
- Reducing wear and tear
Leveraging these performance enhancements allows you to improve results and diminish the chances of engine power loss.
Achieve Consistently High Power With Hot Shot’s Secret
Don’t settle for losses in engine power. Rely on products from Hot Shot’s Secret to help ensure your fuel and oil systems function properly. Purchase EDT, Stiction Eliminator, LX4 Lubricity Extreme or another formula today to enhance your engine’s performance.
FAQs
Learn more about losses in engine power with these FAQs.
Why does my diesel truck lose power when towing?
Many issues may lead to diesel engine power loss, including dirty fuel filters, lack of airflow and even a problem with your engine’s sensors. The main causes are generally related to clogged hoses or dirty fuel system components.
Can bad diesel fuel cause power loss?
Yes, it can. Bad, degraded or subpar fuel can lead to clogged fuel filters and injectors, reducing engine power and placing additional strain on system components.