Being new to Diesels, I am wondering if there is a Diesel 101 place to explain some basics. Or is there a better way to search the forums for help on things that have been covered a million times. My searches seem to turn up way too many unrelated threads.

Thanks, Rich

 

Take a look at the stickies for this section. The 3rd one down is the one you want to read through. Some of the links are outdated, but there is still a lot of good info.

also, a good way to read vitals is with torque pro (android app) with a bluetooth obd2 dongle. This will allow you to not only read codes, but make sure various pressures are good, sensors are working correctly and temps are in check.

 

The links in my signature are worth clicking for the 7.3L specifically.

Diesel forces you to rethink everything you know about the Internal Combustion Engine. Diesels use stupid-high fuel pressure (3,500 to 20,000 PSI) to get better atomization of the fuel. With such fine atomization, it doesn't take much for the fuel to want to ignite - all it takes is air and piston compression to set it off.


Diesel ignition is not as precise as having a spark as a catalyst, so diesels have "moods", depending on oil temperature, fuel temperature, air temperature, humidity, altitude, and planet alignment. About the time you think something is wrong with the truck, it turns out it's just an environmental "nuance" thing effecting its behavior. Gassers are men, and diesels are women... that's why we love them so much.

Once you understand the two above, the rest is pretty much air and fuel handling - with most everything else not so different from any other ICE

 

Thank you guys for the tips. I will be off to study and then ask what I don't learn.
I love the video!!!

 

Rich, I believe that was the simplest and most elegant explanation I've ever read regarding the realities involved with our diesel trucks!

 

Tugly I'm with F250_ on that! I'd give reps for the best explination of a diesel engine I've ever read but I have to spread the love.