The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel engines 353 when trying to troubleshoot why their engines underperform.  It categorizes areas of possible malfunction, likely cause and recommended action to bring your new, rebuilt or used  Detroit Diesel engine back to proper operation.  The chart will give you confidence when speaking with your Detroit Diesel engine mechanic or ordering parts.  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.
You can also call us at 1-888-433-4735 or 305-545-5588.   We also encourage you to do a Google search for Detroit Diesel forum or Detroit Diesel forum 353 where you may find information from other people that have had the same question you have about your diesel engine.

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE REASON	CHECK
Engine will not start	Lack of air intake or restricted air intake	√
	Broken blower shaft
	Worn out blower shaft
	Defective fuel pump
	Defective starter
	Discharged battery
	High exhaust back pressure
Black smoke coming out of engine	Defective injector
	Contaminated fuel
	Broken or worn cylinder parts
	Engine overloaded
	Faulty intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engines only)
White smoke coming out of engine	Broken piston ring
	Incorrectly installed ring set
	Defective injector
	Fuel quality or grade
	Long idle periods
	Broken or bent push rod
	Injector or governor improperly adjusted
Low engine oil pressure	Water in engine oil pan
	Fuel in engine oil pan
	Defective oil cooler
	Engine overloaded
	Crankcase overfilled
Low engine RPM	Improperly working injector
	Governor calibration
Hi engine RPM	Governor calibration
Engine overheating	Defective fresh water pump
	Defective raw water pump (marine engines only)
	Defective thermostat or thermostat seal
	Clogged radiator or heat exchanger (marine engine only)
Grey smoke coming out of engine	Long idle periods
	Defective intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engine only)
	Restricted air intake
	Defective injector
	Contaminated fuel
	Blower or turbocharger seals leaking
Geartrain makes noises	Low oil level
	Engine driven accesories
	Damage main or rod bearing

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