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 

[Mudman]

Hey Bofire, what are you up too?  Buying a diesel?  Working on one?  Really the Cummins are much simpler and cheaper.

[Bofire]

I am very curious, have a lot of time (am retired) and I just like motors. I rebuilt and pumped up loads of gas motors never worked on a diesel. I read about certain years of Cummins that are simple and powerful. No Jackalope I aint touching my truck, I have to drive it!!!LOL
But the idea of an older simple motor that lasts forever intrigues me. I love old Harleys too.( I have a 1954)
Carl

[Mudman]

I see.  Cool go for it!  Cummins 12 valve all mechanical.  24 valves thru 07 are great too but have a computer and pricey injectors.  But you start at as much as 325hp.  I programmed mine, a bigger turbo and few small things and its quite strong.  As much fuel and air you can shove in a cummins equals power.  Simple and fun.  You could do it in your sleep.  If its a rod type project keep in mind the suspension must be real strong as diesel are soo heavy.  Gas are so much more complicated I think.  An 03-07 5.9 cummins with injectors, turbo, programming, ARP 625 head studs and proper fuel delivery(pumps) can make 750hp.  1400$ turbo. 2400$ injectors. 900$ for tuning. 500$ misc. = 750hp and 1100-1300torque.

[Bofire]

New idea I am thinking about a diesel tractor an old one, been shopping. Somewhere in the 1935 to 1945 range.
I am getting excited about this one.
Carl

[yorketransport]

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

Me too! a good diesel tech is worth his weight in gold right now!

In my experience the older more simple diesels are very easy to work on. I have trucks with the old International 7.3 IDI, newer T444E, 5.9 Cummins, newer 6.7 Cummins, and one 4.3 Mercedes. The 7.3 IDI is without a doubt my favorite of them all. It's simple to work on and diagnose problems. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but even I can get a lot of repairs done on those engines with limited tools and experience. I always joke about it being nothing more than a tractor. One of my 7.3 IDIs has over 500,000 very hard miles on the engine.

Like the others said, clean oil, clean air and clean fuel and a diesel engine is happy.

[DRobnsn]

New idea I am thinking about a diesel tractor an old one, been shopping. Somewhere in the 1935 to 1945 range.
I am getting excited about this one.
Carl

If I were you I'd poke around on the tractor pulling forums. I really have no idea what the most popular models are for modding but its definitely worth some research to see which ones have the biggest following. Makes life much easier to learn when you have a somewhat popular model, and you can often buy cheaper used parts from other enthusiasts. 

[huntnphool]

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

Me too! a good diesel tech is worth his weight in gold right now!

In my experience the older more simple diesels are very easy to work on. I have trucks with the old International 7.3 IDI, newer T444E, 5.9 Cummins, newer 6.7 Cummins, and one 4.3 Mercedes. The 7.3 IDI is without a doubt my favorite of them all. It's simple to work on and diagnose problems. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but even I can get a lot of repairs done on those engines with limited tools and experience. I always joke about it being nothing more than a tractor. One of my 7.3 IDIs has over 500,000 very hard miles on the engine.

Like the others said, clean oil, clean air and clean fuel and a diesel engine is happy.

 No complaints with my 7.3.