learning about diesels

[Bofire]

If you are a guy who can rebuild small block Chevys in your sleep, could you learn about diesels???
Carl

[SniperDanWA]

I don't see any reason why not.  I've worked on all motors, it's just a matter of the components and knowing what goes where.  In other words, yes.

[jackelope]

With very high fuel pressures generated with Diesel engines, there are sometimes special tools required for that sort of thing. That's one limiting factor.

[Thehowler]

With all the information available out there with easy to get factory service manuals, you tube, and auto forums, there is really no task that a person cannot perform. Yes, there are some limitations with tooling. But, certain tasks can be farmed out to specialty shops. There are other specialty Tools that can be found on Craigslist or eBay used, for a very reasonable price. Resale the tools if you don't think you will ever resuse.

[Skillet]

I'd say yes, but the injection system can be tricky.  Buying the tools required is an investment, sell later as mentioned.

[jeepster]

I work on diesels for a living. Very very simple engines for the most part until you start wanting to pump em up and get rediculous amounts of power out of them...

Depends on what you want to work on, for example Tier-3 semi engines, you basically need a degree in computer science to work on those things, versus an analog all mechanical inline six like say a Ford Lehman 120 naturally aspirated, they are one of the simplest engines out there.

The compression ratios are ridiculously high compared to your Sbc, and for the most part, at work if we need to rebuild injectors, or work on the injection pump, it's often more cost efficient to send it off to wherever it needs to go, especially considering our shop rate is near 100$/hr

Marine diesels (what I do) and land diesels are two completely different animals. On boat engines, it seems like I spend the majority of my time fixing things that come in contact with the salt water, and the rest of the time routine maintaince. Main difference between land and marine engines are the cooling systems and injection pump, one is constant feed, the other is made for the stops and go of road driving, One uses a cooling system that has a radiator, the other has a sea water pump and heat exchangers, other than that it's just pistons rings and a crank shaft and head.

Once you get over the idea of needing to set your timing with advance and what not, and that there are not spark plugs, I find diesels more enjoyable to work on than gas engines.

The number one enemy of a diesel engine is air, next to dirty fuel. A diesel will run off of nearly any oil thin enough to get pumped through, Rudolf Diesel designed his first engine to run off of peanut oil, however even the slightest bit of air in the fuel system will stall out even the biggest of engines and have you pulling hair out trying to figure it out if you are not all that familiar with the fuel system, also, diesels have a return line for the fuel from the bypass of the injection pump that doesn't go through the injectors


Diesels make the world go round!

[jackelope]

Bofire- are you talking about working on your new truck? Because that's a lot different.

[mazama]

when you have to take the cab off of a newer pickup that doesn't sound like simple.

[dontgetcrabs]

when you have to take the cab off of a newer pickup that doesn't sound like simple.

It's very simple and the easiest way to work on them. Bigger problem is you have to work on them all the time.

[Mudman]

Diesel is superior in every way.  Engines just a giant air/fuel pump.  Computer/electronics and fuel injection system is where the problems occur.  Just like newer gassers some things are beyond the typical diy.  That said I have done almost everything on my diesel engines by learning on forums and youtube etc.  So much simpler than gas systems.  Less parts (Cummins I-6)  Good fuel (PUT A GOOD FILTER ON!) clean air, and oil changes.  Done.  My cummins is the most reliable and easy to maintain engine I have owned.  Love it.

[jackelope]

when you have to take the cab off of a newer pickup that doesn't sound like simple.

It's very simple and the easiest way to work on them. Bigger problem is you have to work on them all the time.

For a guy working on his truck in the driveway, please explain the simplicity of lifting the cab off a truck. LOL.

[jackelope]

I'd love to hire a couple great diesel techs by the way. They're very hard to come by.

[Mudman]

10mm and a strap thru cab windows hooked to the old John Deere!!!!

[CAMPMEAT]

I'd love to hire a couple great diesel techs by the way. They're very hard to come by.

They all live over here........

[jeepster]

If you are a guy who can rebuild small block Chevys in your sleep, could you learn about diesels???
Carl

Diesels you say? Speak up, I can't hear you