3 Ways to Boost Diesel Engine Performance

There’s a reason why large trucks and industrial equipment are fitted with diesel engines instead of gasoline ones. Diesel engines are known for producing loads of low and mid-range torque which makes them perfect for lifting and towing heavy loads. Moreover, diesel engines have a much simpler design and are generally more reliable compared to gasoline engines.

However, years and years of heavy use can have a detrimental effect on the performance and efficiency of a diesel engine—and that’s a major concern for trucking, mining, and construction businesses that rely on diesel engine-powered vehicles and equipment to meet project deadlines.

Fortunately, there is a variety of effective ways to boost the performance of your diesel engine. Here are three of them.

Taking the Forced Induction Route

Adding a turbocharger to your engine is a great way to extract more power from it. A turbocharger is powered by an exhaust gas-driven turbine that increases the flow of oxygen to the engine. Even a small turbocharger can increase the pressure of the air intake by as much as 400%.

However, while a turbocharger increases the power output of the engine, it also significantly increases the amount of heat it produces. So, before you install the turbocharger, make sure the block can handle it. At any rate, you’ll need to invest in an intercooler which can effectively dissipate the increased heat.

Fuel Injectors

Just like all other mechanical components of the engine, the fuel injectors can wear out or become clogged over time. When this happens, the right amount of fuel won’t be injected into the cylinders. This would affect the air-to-fuel ratio, which, in turn, would have a negative impact on the engine’s power delivery and fuel efficiency.

ECM Reprogramming

Getting your diesel engine’s ECM reprogrammed is perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way of boosting its performance. Since its ECM reprogramming is done through software, it doesn’t involve making any mechanical changes to the engine.

However, if you decide to take this route, make sure you get a certified technician to reprogram your engine’s ECM. While ECM reprogramming can deliver instant performance and fuel-efficiency gains, it’s quite tricky and can cause significant damage to the engine if done wrong.

CATECM is an industry leading name when it comes to Caterpillar ECM replacement, repairs and reprogramming services. We also supply re-manufactured Caterpillar ECMs and provide 1-year warranties with all our products. Get in touch with us to learn more.