Diesel Engines

Oil burning stink pots

Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge

Posted on August 27th, 2011

By Tony K

Some really low readings on the stock gauge in my BJ got me worried and made me wonder about the accuracy of the factory gauge.  I had heard about the questionable nature of the stock gauge and this was reinforced by several mechanics that I work with.  They all said you can’t trust the electronic oil gauge.  My feeling is that most factory gauges are just idiot lights with arms…   The only way to be sure about the pressure is to check it with a mechanical gauge.  And what I found somewhat funny is that in the Factory Service Manual even Toyota says to hook up a mechanical gauge to find out what the pressure is.  Read more...

Motor Oil

Posted on August 20th, 2011

By Tony K

Learned more about motor oil in the last few days that I ever really wanted to know.   What I was really trying to find out was, what oil should I run in my motor, how often should it need to be changed, can I improve the performance of the lubrication system, etc.  Some of my questions got answered and some just created more questions.  If you thought oil was simple, think again.  Hopefully this will give you a basic understanding of that slippery stuff you dump into your engine.  Read more...

Injection Pump Woes

Posted on June 23rd, 2011

By Tony K

Rig has been running great, but now there seems to be an issue with the injection pump.   Getting some pretty loud ticking that is rpm related and hearing what may best be described as gear meshing.  Read more...

Manual Controls on My Diesel

Posted on May 1st, 2011

By Tony K

The electronics on my diesel are starting to show their age and rather than spend a bunch of time and money I am just going to convert the glow plugs and the on/off of the injection pump to full manual control.  Push or pull the pump on and a momentary switch for the glow plugs and I will be good to go.  Read more...

Snorkel

Posted on February 5th, 2011

By Tony K and Eric B

When it comes to fabrication not everything is made of metal.  I made my snorkel out of fiberglass tubing.  I am used to working with it at work and it is relatively easy to repair if it gets totalled on the trail.  Eric made his as well and he didn’t make it out of metal either.  He calls his the Home Depot special as it’s made of Black ABS pipe and dryer ducting with a top from ARB.  Read more...

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