1. Overheating: Overheating can be caused by several reasons, including a faulty thermostat, clogged water inlet, heat exchanger, exhaust knee or a faulty water pump. To solve the problem, the cause of the overheating must be identified and corrected.
   • Check the water pump: A common cause of overheating is a faulty water pump. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. To check the water pump, you can remove the belt and turn the pump by hand. If it is not working properly, it needs to be replaced.
   • Check the thermostat: A stuck thermostat is also among the common causes of overheating. The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine. To check the thermostat, you can remove it and place it in a pot of boiling water. If it does not open, replace it.
   • Check the heat exchanger: A clogged heat exchanger can also cause overheating. To check the cooling rod inside the heat exchanger, unscrew the ends of the exchanger so you can visually inspect the element for any blockages or damage and flush it if necessary. If the cooling rod is blocked and one rinse is not enough, you can soak the cooling rod in a mixture of acetic acid overnight. Then rinse the next day.
   • Check the hoses: Overheating can also be caused by a faulty hose that carries coolant to and from the engine. To check the hoses, you can visually inspect them for any leaks or damage and replace them if necessary.
2. Fuel contamination / diesel plague: This occurs when water or dirt enters the fuel supply, causing the engine to run poorly or not at all. To solve this problem, the contaminated fuel must be drained and replaced with fresh fuel. It is important to regularly check and replace the fuel filter to prevent contamination. If you're unlucky enough to have the entire tank coated with diesel plague, then flushing and cleaning the tank is on your to-do list.
3. Air in the fuel lines: Air in the fuel lines can cause the engine to run erratically or stop completely. To fix this problem, check the fuel lines for leaks and remove all air from the system. Bleed the engine and try starting again.
4. Clogged fuel nozzles: Fuel nozzles can become clogged with dirt and debris, causing the engine to run poorly or not at all. Symptoms include lack of power, stalling and difficulty starting. To solve the problem, the nozzles need to be cleaned or replaced. However, start by checking your fuel filter first.
5. Defective fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. Check if this is the cause by fitting a transparent hose to the pump and see if fuel comes through with the engine running. Replace if necessary.
6. Loose V-belts:Symptoms of a loose V-belt can be a loud squealing sound when the engine is in gear, lack of torque and possibly overheating due to the components moving too slowly. Fix the problem by tightening the belts or replace with a new belt if necessary.
7. Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. To solve this problem, the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
8. Defective glow plugs: Defective glow plugs can prevent the engine from starting, especially in cold weather. Check glow plugs and replace if necessary.
9. Battery issues: A weak or dead battery can cause the engine to not start or run poorly. Check the battery with a multimeter. Connect the red wire to the battery's positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. If the multimeter shows 12.5 - 12.8, the battery is charged properly. If the multimeter reads <12, there is insufficient voltage on the battery and the battery needs to be replaced. If the problem occurs at sea and you have consumer batteries, you can switch the cables to these and use them for emergency starting.
10. Oil oxidation: If your diesel engine is rarely used, the engine oil can oxidize and damage the engine. Oxidized oil means that air bubbles have contaminated the engine oil. The oxidized oil will not lubricate the engine properly, but will rather damage it. Typical symptoms are thick oil, falling oil pressure, lack of power and overheating. The problem can be solved by changing the oil and possibly flushing the oil system with a chemical specifically for this purpose, which is poured into the oil. Regular oil changes are important to keep the engine in good condition.

Keep an eye on the smoke from your exhaust