The analysis is based on data that were timed during the operation and repair of diesel engines of agricultural machines and, in particular, engineering monitoring about the most frequent characteristic failures of parts and elements of power energy institutions, as well as about possible causes of the course and development of typical inequalities. The typical causes of failures of elements of diesel power plants, which can be different, have been determined. First, the specific design features of a particular type of engine, which may be uncharacteristic for other typical diesel engines and must be eliminated by appropriate changes to the diesel engine design. Second, improper operation of the diesel engine, such as misapplication, inadequacy of grade fuel and oil refueling design failure. Thirdly, sudden failures for the use in the manufacture of a diesel engine of some materials, defective parts, as well as significant violations of installation and adjustment technologies. In order to prevent failures, choosing the above reasons, it is necessary to correct design flaws, improve technical control, follow the operating instructions, as well as carry out organizational diagnostic measures. In this article, attention is paid to malfunctions and defects, the development of which is caused by natural processes of equipment degradation under load, ensuring the working processes of the diesel engine and its systems, as well as additional accelerating factors, such as contamination of the coolant, oil, fuel, an increase in backlash and clearances, enough values for long-term operation of diesel power plants of agricultural machines of various types.