Diesel Virgin
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Diesel Virgin
I recently purchased a 2005 250 PSD 4x4 SB for the towing capability. I'm grateful for the forum and the information shared/provided. 394 miles to date.
Here's my problem. Unlike many of you who it seems were weened onto Diesel at a young age and lulled to sleep by engine brakes as infants.....this is my first diesel. <g>
I know just enough to know that I don't even know what I don't know yet. In short I wouldn't know the right question to ask if it was staring me in the face. I hear all kinds of chatter, see all kinds of articles on additional filters, chips, etc.....
I've looked at the "bible" nicely provided by forum moderators. But I'm wondering if there are any tips, in laymans terms, on the best way to start off right and keep going from there?
BTW I called my dealer and asked about the tranny recall.....he got real quiet and then said he'd check for applicability to my truck.
Thanks for the feedback.
Here's my problem. Unlike many of you who it seems were weened onto Diesel at a young age and lulled to sleep by engine brakes as infants.....this is my first diesel. <g>
I know just enough to know that I don't even know what I don't know yet. In short I wouldn't know the right question to ask if it was staring me in the face. I hear all kinds of chatter, see all kinds of articles on additional filters, chips, etc.....
I've looked at the "bible" nicely provided by forum moderators. But I'm wondering if there are any tips, in laymans terms, on the best way to start off right and keep going from there?
BTW I called my dealer and asked about the tranny recall.....he got real quiet and then said he'd check for applicability to my truck.
Thanks for the feedback.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 408
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You and I are in the same boat. I got mine in June 04, first diesel also. I have just over 10k on mine but have not really hooked into anything yet to see what it can do. All I can say is read up and carefully decide what to follow. I use synth oil because I have had good luck with it in my gassers. Also follow normal maintenance. As far as modification you have to use your best guest with the info these guys provide. I will probably keep mine stock but I see where people are disconnecting their EGR's because it creates more soot in the motor. I don't know anything about it but I am reading up on it and then I have to decide if that is right for me. Good luck
Jayme
04 PSD, SWB, CC 4X4
Jayme
04 PSD, SWB, CC 4X4
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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First tip I can give you....
it's different, but the same !
Just drive it as you would a "regular" car....
a few small adjustments will get you by just fine...
1) give the glow plugs a few seconds to warm up before firing up
(I RARELY do that heyer in Texus - it's usually warm enough !)
2) it's a turbo diesel & has lag before it takes off like a rocket..
(and THAT can be eliminated with a bit of brake and fuel b4 !)
3) do the maintenance - diesels LIKE their mtce...
and unless some technological breakthru comes down the pipe, brepared to drive a diesel for a WHILE... once u get one, u won't know how u did it without it !
(course I feel that way about the remote starter, and the predator too !!!
)
it's different, but the same !
Just drive it as you would a "regular" car....
a few small adjustments will get you by just fine...
1) give the glow plugs a few seconds to warm up before firing up
(I RARELY do that heyer in Texus - it's usually warm enough !)
2) it's a turbo diesel & has lag before it takes off like a rocket..
(and THAT can be eliminated with a bit of brake and fuel b4 !)
3) do the maintenance - diesels LIKE their mtce...
and unless some technological breakthru comes down the pipe, brepared to drive a diesel for a WHILE... once u get one, u won't know how u did it without it !
(course I feel that way about the remote starter, and the predator too !!!
)
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Second star to the right!
My biggest tip would be to just enjoy it! If properly maintained, diesel are virtually bullet proof, and will give you a lot of trouble free miles.
Personally, I don't think the difference between driving a diesel vs. gasoline is the real issue. The main issue, in my opinion, is driving a normally aspirated engine vs. a turbocharged engine. Like was said before, watch out for the turbo lag. Turbo lag is not an exclusive diesel engine characteristic, it is inherant on any engine, gas or diesel, with a turbocharger equiped. Turbocharged engines, need a few minutes of driving to warm up the turbo before putting massive loads on it or going wide open throttle. And on the other end, turbos need a few minutes of cool down after putting massive loads on it or coming off a period of wide open throttle. By massive loads, I mean extended periods of driving where the turbo is putting out more than half of its capable boost, ie. driving on the highway at 75 mph for a few hour period. Also this could me towing a 12K trailer across town where the turbo is at max boost.
Hope this helps!
Personally, I don't think the difference between driving a diesel vs. gasoline is the real issue. The main issue, in my opinion, is driving a normally aspirated engine vs. a turbocharged engine. Like was said before, watch out for the turbo lag. Turbo lag is not an exclusive diesel engine characteristic, it is inherant on any engine, gas or diesel, with a turbocharger equiped. Turbocharged engines, need a few minutes of driving to warm up the turbo before putting massive loads on it or going wide open throttle. And on the other end, turbos need a few minutes of cool down after putting massive loads on it or coming off a period of wide open throttle. By massive loads, I mean extended periods of driving where the turbo is putting out more than half of its capable boost, ie. driving on the highway at 75 mph for a few hour period. Also this could me towing a 12K trailer across town where the turbo is at max boost.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by tristankc; Jan 13, 2005 at 01:42 PM.
