Diesel Engines - Rough Idle, Smoke, Reduced Performance
85olds4SUBJECT DIESEL ENGINES WITH PLUGGED NOZZLES NUMBER: 83-T-26
DATE: March 11, 1985
MODELS/YEARS 1980-83 MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L
SECTION: 6C
V-6 OR 5.7L V-8 DIESEL ENGINES
Diesel injection poppet type nozzles on some 1980-83 models may become plugged with carbon to the point where performance may be affected. This may show up as a rough idle, smoke, reduced performance, loss of fuel economy, etc. Poppet nozzles used on 1984-85 models are of a semiguided design and have not shown a tendency to plug.
The plugging condition can be greatly reduced if not eliminated with the addition of DEXRON (R) II automatic transmission fluid to the diesel fuel. Add two quarts of DEXRON (R) II automatic transmission fluid to the fuel tank, then fill with diesel fuel.
Advise the customer to drive the vehicle until the fuel level is less than 1/4 tank before adding additional diesel fuel. Do not add additional transmission fluid. If carbon accumulation was responsible for the driveability condition, this procedure should correct it. If the condition is not corrected, additional quantities of transmission fluid will not correct the condition. Refer to the "Diesel Injection Nozzle Testing" procedure and/or the "Diesel Engine Diagnosis" section in the appropriate chassis service manual.