Rough Engine Performance

Rough Engine Performance can be the result of multiple factors, such as:

• A defective or clogged fuel pump due to excessive fuel contamination
• A clogged fuel filter due to poor maintenance practices or excessive fuel contamination
• A defective or clogged fuel injector due to bad fuel quality or poor filter performance

If a clogged fuel injector is the cause of the problem, we can expect more than just a rough idle. Dirty fuel injectors are perhaps the biggest contributor to high fuel consumption. If an injector is restricted, the engine’s lack of performance will be even more noticeable when accelerating the vehicle, which causes a higher fuel demand.

When the fuel injector gets dirty from buildup of contaminants, or debris, the flow of fuel is restricted. This can lead to an imbalance in the levels of air and fuel in the engine, which will result in incomplete combustion, and a rough engine operation.

Bulk Fuel Filtration can help eliminate particulate contamination, hence, extend the lifespan of all the fuel line components (fuel pump, filters, and injectors), this will prevent, or reduce the probability of a rough engine performance.
 
Several parameters can undermine the performance and the correct operation of a fuel injector, of which, the most important ones are related to fuel quality (ISO cleanliness level, and water content), and it may lead to the following Failure Chain Reaction:

• Contaminated fuel is sent through fuel injectors
• Fuel injector valve deterioration begins
• Fuel pressure through the injector nozzle reduces
• Fuel volume through the injection system reduces
• Engine ECU increases fuel load to compensate
• Reduced fuel atomization
• Soot generation within the cylinder
• Emissions increased
• Experienced power loss
• A partial injection failure point
• Injector wear continues
• Fuel consumption increases
• Visible and audible signs of engine distress
• Full injection failure

The failure of the fuel injector may lead to further damage and performance loss in the engine:

1. Injector failure
2. Rough engine performance
3. Complications while starting the vehicle
4. Fuel odors
5. Oil thinning
6. Failed emission
7. The engine fails to reach the full RPM
8. Poor performance of the vehicle
9. Smoke emission
10. Increased fuel consumption
11. Pollution
12. Catastrophic engine failure (mostly due to damaged piston crown)
    1. Piston crown damage
    2. Fused/melted off material
    3. Hole in piston
    4. Cracks in the crown and crown bowl
    5. Material washout in the ring area
    6. Radial wear due to fuel flooding
    7. Axial wear due to ingress of dirt
    8. Dry running/Fuel damage

In this series, we will talk about different issues related to a defective fuel injector, which are a direct result of bad fuel quality, and how it will impact the performance of the engine.

References:
https://www.bellperformance.com/blog/rough-running-engine
https://www.mcnallyinstitute.com/what-can-cause-a-diesel-engine-to-run-rough/
https://cdspros.com/what-causes-rough-idle/
https://findanyanswer.com/what-makes-a-diesel-engine-run-rough
https://www.sundevilauto.com/bad-fuel-injector/
https://gemstatediesel.com/what-are-the-causes-of-rough-idling-of-a-diesel-engine/