Duramax LML Review, Diesel History

Volume 3 Issue 4 - Diesel Articles

Diesels seem to be the rage today. Just about every American manufacturer has one. When you consider the price at the pump, its really not surprising.  The American public wants fuel economy. The EPA is demanding fuel economy. It stands to reason, then, that automakers are searching for ways to boost mileage and diesel driven vehicles are giving them a way to do it. Although the purchase price is usually higher, the range and power afforded by these virtually indestructible engines gives them the road worthy staying power drivers need in order to recoup those more sizable initial investments.   

Volume 3 Issue 4 - Diesel Articles

Ultra-low sulfur diesel, low-sulfur diesel, off-road full-sulfur diesel, number 1 or number 2 diesel, Cetane ratings for diesel and on and on it goes; what does it all mean and do I need to use an additive to supplement my diesel fuel?  Today's diesel fuel is very different from diesel of 30 years ago.  Modern ultra-low sulfur diesel is required in all over the road diesel vehicles and failure to comply with this requirement can result in costly fines.  In this article, I will explain the sulfur content ratings and how the sulfur content affects the fuel system components.  I will also take a look at Cetane ratings and why Cetane levels are important.  And finally, I will explore using diesel fuel additives; how they work and whether you should consider using an additive.

Volume 3 Issue 4 - Diesel Articles

One look at the picture below explains why I am not a fan of EGR systems, especially on the Powerstroke. However, ever-stricter emissions regulations pushed Ford to adopt them on its diesels, but judging by how much warranty money Ford has unloaded on failed EGR coolers, I'm guessing that the coolers are not on its list of top ten company moneymakers. The early 6.0 L Power Stroke engines have proven themselves to be unreliable. Folks have speculated that they cost Ford hundreds of millions of dollars in warranty repairs. The 2003 through early 2005 models led to many recalls and the repurchase of at least 500 trucks. I can’t find exact figures on how many EGR coolers have failed from those model years, but I would guess it in the high hundreds of thousands. Ford sold several hundred thousand 6.0Ls a year for five years both in E-series and F-series flavors. Quality improved drastically by 2006, but if your one of the lucky ones who owns one of the earlier 6.0L Powerstroke there's a good chance you know, first hand, what I am talking about. Let’s take a look at the Powerstroke EGR system, what you can expect and how you might make the best of a bad situation.