Mack trucks are one of the most popular trucks used around the world. This article will talk about the E6 Mack engine problems and solutions. If you’re looking for parts to repair your Mack E6, ProDieselParts is the best place, with a big inventory of all Mack E6 parts and great prices.
1. Knocking sound: Hearing a knocking sound on your Mack E6 sometimes is very normal. These are the most common reasons for knocking;
- a. Bad injectors: Bad injectors can make you think the engine is about to break down. If the knocking comes from the upper part of the engine, then it is most likely caused by faulty injectors.
- b. Faulty conrod and bearings: If you hear knocking from the lower part of the engine, then you need to check the crankshaft bearings and the connecting rod.
2. Mack E6 Popping sound: There are several reasons why you may be hearing a popping sound.
The first thing could be a result of an offset valve adjustment. When the engine has been running for some time, the valve lashes could require adjustments. When you have poor valve lashes, then the popping sound can occur.
The second reason can be faulty injectors. You need to identify the bad one or replace all the injectors.
3. Mack E6 power loss: It is frustrating when your engine can not accelerate at its usual pace. When your engine loses power you burn more fuel. This can be caused by the turbo wastegate. The wastegate adjustment might have loosened, which causes the butterfly to close too much. Therefore, if your Mack E6 is having a loss of power problem, check the turbo wastegate if your turbo has a wastegate.
You can also experience loss of power as a result of poor valve adjustment.
Lastly, check if you have a bad injection pump or injectors. If not enough fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, then you will also experience a loss of power.
4. Faulty intercooler or leak air: The Mack E6 has an intercooler that looks like a radiator. The intercooler cools the compressed air coming from the turbo before it goes to the engine. If the intercooler is blocked as a result of oil from the turbo, it can prevent air from going to the engine, which affects the power of the engine.
Another reason is if there are air leaks along the airline.
5. Loping or irregular idling: Is your Mack E6 looping or having irregular idling?
Irregular idling is usually caused by a faulty fuel system. It could be a clogged fuel filter or fuel pump.
Another reason irregular idling can happen can be a result of a faulty injection pump governor. The governor regulates the idling of the engine.
6. Coolant leaking from the head gasket: Follow the manufacturer’s direction on how to torque the head gasket to avoid having coolant leaks from the cylinder head gasket.
A Blown head gasket is another reason why you can experience coolant leaks from the gasket.
*Note: if you reuse a head gasket, then it could be the cause of coolant leaks, so no matter how you torque it, your coolant will leak. To stop the coolant leaks you need to torque the head gasket correctly, check the gasket to see if its blown, and replace the head gasket rather than
reusing it. Learn how to replace the head gasket for your Mack E6 here.
7. Engine surging: Are you having engine surging on your E6 Mack engine? The first thing you should check is the fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter and see if the problem is fixed. A clogged fuel filter is the most common reason why you are having this problem.
For more maintenance info on your Mack E6 please have a look at this article:
https://www.prodieselparts.com/what-is-the-maintenance-schedule-for-the-mack-e6-engine/
These are the most common problems that affect the Mack E6 engine.
