Diesel engines are known for their power and ability to propel even the largest vehicles, but there are a lot of things that you might not know about how these engines actually operate. Beyond basic engine operations, diesel engines can also be equipped with additional features and parts that optimize efficiency, increase performance and reduce emissions.

Modern diesel engines are commonly equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system, or EGR. This device is important for reducing toxic emissions and mitigating the environmental impacts of internal combustion engines, but many people don’t know exactly what an EGR does or how it works. Understanding more about this device can give you a much better idea about how your diesel engine functions and help you know when you might need diesel engine repair in Corpus Christi, TX.

Diesel engines and EGR

In order to understand how EGR devices work, it’s important to have an idea about how the diesel engine operates in general. Diesel engines are powered by internal combustion. This combustion begins with the injection of fuel into a cylinder with highly pressurized air that is kept at a high temperature. This fuel is burned rapidly and it releases a high volume of heat energy, which in turn increases the pressure within the cylinder. With the added pressure, the engine’s pistons are forced downward as the heat energy is translated into mechanical energy. Through this basic process, massive vehicles are powered by diesel fuel.

Though diesel combustion offers huge returns when it comes to power, it is not always an efficient process. There can be massive volumes of emissions put off by diesel engines that are released into the atmosphere, creating health and environmental concerns. As a result, many emissions regulations have been put into place in order to curb the effects of diesel emissions. Many older engines, even those that are equipped with emissions-reducing features, cannot meet these new standards.

Modern diesel engines are consequently equipped with EGR devices. Exhaust gas recirculation is a process that cools some of the emitted gas from the engine, mixes it with intake air and recirculates it back through the engine to be used again in the internal combustion process. This process reduces emissions, although it is worth noting that some power from the engine is lost as well. Fortunately, the relatively small impact on engine power is outweighed by the substantial mitigation of exhaust emissions with EGR devices.

Get diesel engine repair in Corpus Christi, TX

No matter the age of your diesel engine, it’s important that you keep it in great condition and limit your exhaust emissions with maintenance, upgrades and regular diesel engine repair in Corpus Christi, TX. At Coastal Diesel Injection, we have the resources, knowledge and experience necessary to tackle all of your maintenance, service and repair needs. We are proud to offer a level of service and quality that you won’t find anywhere else. Give us a call today to find out more, and then come in to meet our team of skilled technicians.