Post by: Bofire on March 19, 2016, 07:11:39 PM
Carl
Post by: SniperDanWA on March 19, 2016, 07:14:50 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 19, 2016, 07:43:34 PM
Post by: Thehowler on March 19, 2016, 09:20:20 PM
Post by: Skillet on March 19, 2016, 10:08:28 PM
Post by: jeepster on March 20, 2016, 03:32:18 PM
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!
Post by: jackelope on March 20, 2016, 03:53:05 PM
Post by: mazama on March 20, 2016, 05:08:08 PM
Post by: dontgetcrabs on March 20, 2016, 05:11:47 PM
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.
Post by: Mudman on March 20, 2016, 05:40:34 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 20, 2016, 05:41:15 PM
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.
Post by: jackelope on March 20, 2016, 05:42:22 PM
Post by: Mudman on March 20, 2016, 05:48:18 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on March 20, 2016, 06:25:11 PM
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........ :chuckle:
Post by: jeepster on March 22, 2016, 01:34:28 PM
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 :tup:
Post by: Mudman on March 22, 2016, 05:56:40 PM
Post by: Bofire on March 22, 2016, 06:44:09 PM
But the idea of an older simple motor that lasts forever intrigues me. I love old Harleys too.( I have a 1954)
Carl
Post by: Mudman on March 23, 2016, 09:42:09 PM
Post by: Bofire on March 28, 2016, 07:13:53 PM
I am getting excited about this one.
Carl
Post by: yorketransport on April 03, 2016, 11:07:46 AM
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.
Post by: DRobnsn on April 04, 2016, 10:39:20 AM
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.
Post by: huntnphool on April 04, 2016, 10:50:11 AM
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. :tup: