The agony of the diesel

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Not on these shores, but they made 'em. Just look long and hard for an old Toyota, Datsun, IH, Ford, Mitsu, Chebby, VW, or etc... used 1/2ton diesel. Another advantage is you won't get crap for going 50-55mph and getting 40-50mpg in an old beat up pickup truck.

[lovemysan]

Originally Posted by Gary Palmer

Their just trying to retain their Fix Or Repair Daily status quo, or Found On Road Dead.

Hey now, I've driven my fair share of all the domestics. I've personally seen 2fairly low mileage 4L60's toast themselves with no warning. Our F250 has had its fair share of annoying triffles but its never failed to get the work done.

I think it boils down keeping the vehicle maintained and luck. Sometimes you just get a bad egg.

I also learned a long time ago to let new technology(ie the 6.0 psd) "burn in" before you fork over your cash. Let someone else learn the hardway its not all its cracked up to be.

[Sludgy]

The Powerstroke saga continues.

During my return trip from NYC after the mileage test, the truck threw a code, and the service engine light came on. It needs a new $1400 turbocharger.

I've babied this truck, never towed anything, and very few days plowing, driving at posted speeds and hypermiling as much as I can. This is "Ford tough"?

Fortunately, the turbo is covered under the 100,000 mile warranty. Tell me: Why on Earth would I ever buy another new Ford product????

[SVOboy]

That bones. Do you know what's up with the turbo?

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

That bones. Do you know what's up with the turbo?

I'm not sure what happened. Powerstroke "variable vane" turbos have several failure modes, and the dealer didn't tell me yet.

[GasSavers_Brock]

Hummm, I have heard of the turbos going on the VW diesels and most are blamed on not using the turbo enough or idling a lot. Apparently idling doesn't cover the turbo with oil and can damage them. I just make sure I exercise my turbo regularly

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by Brock

Hummm, I have heard of the turbos going on the VW diesels and most are blamed on not using the turbo enough or idling a lot. Apparently idling doesn't cover the turbo with oil and can damage them. I just make sure I exercise my turbo regularly

I think that kinda goes for most mechanical things.... What are the odds of your cruise control working perfectly after 15 years of sitting there - not being used? :P

[Lug_Nut]

The variable vanes can stick in one position (heat, exhaust soot buildup, rust, etc.) if they aren't moved regularly. My older generation VW diesel's turbo has fixed angle vanes and has its own, different, set of suggested operating points of which to be aware.
Since most cruise controls are not mechanical, and the separate items are regularly used (throttle being the main one, vacuum pump another) I'd be somewhat surprised if it didn't work after 15 years of non use while the rest of the vehicle was. Even the older (early 60's) mechanical cable cruise controls used most of the daily use components.
Hmmm...I wonder if the jack in my 1969 works.....

[GasSavers_Brock]

A little off topic. But here on campus a while ago they did a test by moving or actuating every valve in one building at least once a month (it was a running argument between managers). They found that they had 1 failure in 4 years on the valves they moved and like 15 in the building that never moved them. Of course the ones that were never moved were fine until they were tested, which was part of their argument.

[Bill in Houston]

I like the thermodynamics and efficiency of a turbodiesel, but in real life they end up with so many moving parts and high temperatures and pressures that they seem to really struggle. They seem to be better suited to long hauls at relatively high loads rather than the normal driving cycle of an american driver.