Engine and fuel system
Engine won't start, losing power or overheating? We come with a diagnostic tester and tools, look for the cause where you stand and tell you straight what can be fixed on site.
What is wrong with the truck?
With every WhatsApp message, include
- The make, model and year of the tractor unit
- Your location: a location pin, or the motorway, direction and nearest exit
Starting problems and bleeding the fuel system
Symptoms
- The starter turns but the engine won't fire
- The engine cuts out after a filter change or after running out of fuel
- It only starts after long cranking, especially in the morning or in frost
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Starting problems and bleeding the fuel system
What we do, limits and what to send: Starting problems and bleeding the fuel system
What we do on site
We check the fuel supply, filters, lift pump and the fuel lines for leaks, and in winter also whether the fuel has gelled in the filter. We bleed the system and start the engine on site.
Roadside repair limits
- If the cause is a damaged high-pressure fuel pump, a repair on site depends on parts being available.
- If the engine won't start because of mechanical damage, for example to the timing, we can't finish the repair at the roadside: it can be finished in our workshop in Jasień.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of a start attempt (with sound)
- Whether you ran out of fuel or the filter was changed recently
- A photo of the warning lights on the dashboard
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, hoses
Symptoms
- Engine temperature above normal or the warning light on
- Coolant level dropping, a puddle under the truck
- Steam from under the cab or a sweet smell of coolant
- The cab heater suddenly blows cold
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Cooling system: radiator, water pump, hoses
What we do, limits and what to send: Cooling system: radiator, water pump, hoses
What we do on site
We find the leak and its cause: radiator, water pump, hoses and their joints. We replace damaged parts, top up the coolant and bleed the system.
Roadside repair limits
- Oil in the coolant or exhaust gas in the expansion tank points to the head gasket. We can't do that repair at the roadside: it can be finished in our workshop in Jasień.
- Replacing the radiator on site depends on parts being available for that model.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the temperature gauge and warning lights
- A photo of the leak or of the puddle under the vehicle
Drive belts and tensioners
Symptoms
- Loud squeal when the engine starts or under load
- Charging warning light or engine temperature rising
- The belt is cracked, frayed or has come off the pulleys
- The tensioner shakes or knocks at idle
Don't drive on with a snapped belt: the engine can overheat and the battery stops charging.
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Drive belts and tensioners
What we do, limits and what to send: Drive belts and tensioners
What we do on site
We check the belt, tensioner and idler pulleys. We replace the ribbed belt, tensioner and pulleys, and after fitting we check the belt tension and that the alternator and water pump work.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing the belt and tensioner on site depends on parts being available for that model.
- If the belt was snapped by a seized bearing in the alternator, water pump or air-conditioning compressor, that part has to be repaired first.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the belt and tensioner with the engine off
- A sound recording with the engine running
Oil, coolant and fuel leaks
Symptoms
- A puddle of oil, coolant or fuel under the truck
- Oil or coolant level dropping between top-ups
- A smell of fuel at the tank or the engine
- Wet, dirty patches on the engine, hoses or gearbox
Smell fuel, or something dripping onto a hot exhaust? Switch off the engine, don't smoke and move away from the vehicle.
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Oil, coolant and fuel leaks
What we do, limits and what to send: Oil, coolant and fuel leaks
What we do on site
We find the source of the leak: we clean the area and check the hoses, fittings, seals and caps. We replace damaged hoses, clamps and seals that can be reached without taking the engine apart, top up the fluids and check for leaks after starting.
Roadside repair limits
- A leak from a seal that needs the engine or gearbox taken apart (e.g. a shaft seal) needs a workshop repair.
- Replacing hoses and seals on site depends on parts being available for that model.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the puddle under the vehicle that shows its colour
- A photo of the wet or dirty spot
Turbocharger
Symptoms
- A clear loss of power, the truck won't pull uphill
- A whistle, whine or hiss when you accelerate
- Blue or black smoke, oil in the intake pipes
- A boost pressure fault on the dashboard
What we do, limits and what to send: Turbocharger
What we do on site
We check whether the turbo itself is at fault or what is around it: leaking intake pipes, the intercooler, sensors or the controls. We replace damaged pipes, seals and the turbocharger.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing the turbocharger on site depends on parts being available for that engine.
- If the turbo failed because the engine is worn, a new turbo alone won't solve the problem.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of the engine sound as you accelerate
- A photo of the warning light or message
Injectors, high-pressure fuel pump and fuel filters
Symptoms
- The engine jerks, runs rough or cuts out
- Black or white smoke from the exhaust
- Hard starting after a stop or noticeably higher fuel use
- A smell of fuel or signs of a leak at the injectors
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Injectors, high-pressure fuel pump and fuel filters
What we do, limits and what to send: Injectors, high-pressure fuel pump and fuel filters
What we do on site
We check the system pressure, injector back-leak and injector corrections. We replace fuel filters, injectors and the high-pressure fuel pump, and after the replacement we bleed the system and check how the engine runs with the tester.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing injectors and the pump on site depends on parts being available; if they need ordering, we agree a date.
- We test and recondition injectors on the test bench in our workshop in Jasień, not at the roadside. We don't recondition high-pressure fuel pumps: a damaged pump is replaced.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of the engine running (10–20 seconds, with sound)
- A photo of the warning lights and messages on the dashboard
Engine computer diagnostics
Symptoms
- The engine warning light is on or a fault message has appeared
- The engine has gone into limp mode and won't rev
- Loss of power, rough running or smoke with no obvious cause
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Engine computer diagnostics
What we do, limits and what to send: Engine computer diagnostics
What we do on site
We connect a diagnostic tester, read and analyse the fault codes and the live engine data. From that we tell you what the cause is and whether it can be repaired on site.
Roadside repair limits
- If the diagnosis shows mechanical damage inside the engine, we can't finish the repair at the roadside: it can be finished in our workshop in Jasień.
- Some manufacturer service functions may only be available at an authorised dealer.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the dashboard with the warning lights and message
Oil and filter change
Symptoms
- A message that an oil change or service is due
- Low oil level on the dipstick or the gauge
- Loss of power and black smoke from a clogged air filter
What we do, limits and what to send: Oil and filter change
What we do on site
We change the engine oil and the oil, air and fuel filters where the truck stands: in a truck park, at your depot or on the road. We match the oil and filters to the vehicle manufacturer's specification.
Roadside repair limits
- If the oil pressure light comes on while driving, an oil change alone won't solve the problem: diagnostics first.
- A planned change is best booked in a truck park or at a depot, not on the hard shoulder.
What to send on WhatsApp
- The make, model, year and mileage of the tractor unit
- A photo of the service message, if there is one
- Where the truck is and how long it can stay there
Questions and answers
The engine warning light is on. Can I keep driving?
It depends on the light and the symptoms. If the light is red, or the engine loses power, overheats or smokes, stop in a safe place and call. If the light is amber, take a photo of the message and call: from the symptoms and the fault code we will tell you whether you can drive on to a truck park.
Do you replace injectors where the truck stands?
Yes, if the parts are available. If they need ordering, we agree a date. We test and recondition injectors on the test bench in our workshop in Jasień, not at the roadside.
Often goes together
These faults often share a cause with the problems described above.
Other systems
Can't see your symptom?
Call and describe what is happening. We will tell you straight away if it can be repaired on site.
We speak Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English.