What happens to the air entering the cylinder when the air filter of a diesel engine is clogged?

When the air filter of a diesel engine is clogged, the amount of air entering the cylinder is reduced. A clogged filter obstructs the flow of air, limiting the engine's ability to draw in the necessary oxygen for combustion. This is crucial because diesel engines rely on a proper air-fuel mixture for efficient operation.

When the flow of air lessens, the engine may struggle to maintain the right power output and could experience issues such as rough idling or difficulty starting. In some cases, if the engine cannot get enough air, it may lead to incomplete combustion, which can cause increased emissions and potentially damage the engine over time.

While resistance, pressure changes, and overheating can be outcomes of a clog, the key issue directly related to the function of the air filter is the reduction in airflow into the combustion chamber. This supports the idea that when the filter is clogged, the air entering the cylinder is indeed lessened, impacting engine performance.