learning about diesels

[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.