%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% All light-duty trucks and cars are subject to certification and compliance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Part of this compliance includes giving the EPA an estimated fuel economy. You’ll find a vehicle’s estimated mpg on the window sticker at a car dealership or as part of online reviews. These estimates are mandatory for all trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating under 8,500 pounds –anything over is considered a heavy-duty (HD) truck. Because fuel estimates are readily available for light-duty cars and trucks, it’s easy to determine which lig ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% Duramax, Powerstroke, and Cummins are the three best-known names in American diesel trucks. These are the respective engines in General Motors, Ford, and Dodge. These engines (and the truck brands they’re attached to) have plenty of die-hard fans. As the most in-demand names on the market, you can’t help but compare the three. Is one better than the other? All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a close look at Duramax versus Powerstroke and how they stack up. A Brief History of Duramax vs. Powerstroke GMC first sold diesel engines in 1982, and ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% When people think of diesel mechanics, they probably imagine the trucking industry. But diesel mechanics are needed all over: in dealerships, auto repair shops, transportation, agriculture, construction, and commercial generator services. It’s not just trucks that run on diesel; so do cranes, heavy equipment, tractors, commercial cargo boats, trains and school buses. You may be thinking about a career as a diesel mechanic yourself. If you’re interested, ProSource can cover all your frequently asked questions about the profession. What Is A Diesel Mechanic? A dies ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% For a long time, diesel engines were used only in heavy equipment. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they began to find use in light trucks and personal vehicles. General Motors didn’t put a diesel engine into a truck until 1982, and turbocharged diesel engines didn’t show up until the mid-1990s. In other words, diesel engines in passenger vehicles don’t have as long of a history as you might imagine. The first GM diesel for trucks was the Detroit Diesel and it hung around until the first Duramax engine was released in 2000. To develop the first Duramax, GM collabora ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% The fuel rail pressure sensor on a diesel engine is an electronic sensor that monitors fuel rail pressure. The fuel rail is a metal tube that connects the fuel delivery system to the engine. If this sensor goes bad, you’ll likely experience problems starting the engine, poor engine performance, and a check engine light. Your diesel engine’s fuel delivery system relies on several parts working in unison to deliver the right amount of fuel on demand. The fuel rail pressure sensor helps the powertrain control module deliver the correct fuel to the engine. What happen ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor on a diesel truck is a part that tracks the position of the accelerator pedal at any given time. When you depress the pedal, the APP sensor updates the electronic throttle control (ETC) about the new position. When the APP sensor begins to fail, it can cause symptoms like a high idle, engaged limp mode, erratic acceleration, and a check engine light. ProSource Diesel takes a look at the purpose of an accelerator pedal position sensor, the symptoms of a bad one, and how to test and reset it. What Happens When the Acceler ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% Pull up to the pump and you might see options for #1 and #2 Diesel. But beyond the number, what’s the difference? We’ll help you see what the differences are so you can decide which one is best for you. We’ll look at characteristics like volatility, viscosity, Cetane rating, cost and availability to help you choose the right fuel for your vehicle and driving needs. The Difference in Diesel Fuels Let’s take a look at the main differences between these two fuels. As you’ll see, some key points give each type distinct advantages and disadvantages. 1. Volatility #1 D ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% The winter cold is slowly lifting, and many are beginning to see winter’s end in sight. As warmer weather rolls in, it’s the perfect time to give your diesel truck a spring tune-up. There are plenty of ways to prepare your truck for spring. You can clean off the crud from that harsh winter weather, focus on much-needed repairs, or catch up on your maintenance schedule. There’s lots to do, and we’ll help you get started. Exterior Maintenance Cleaning your exterior is an easy place to start. Road salt and mud have likely made their way onto your undercarriage and p ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% The 6.4-liter Powerstroke engine was very short-lived. It was put in Ford trucks beginning in 2007 for the 2008 model year and the last production year was 2011 for the 2010 model year. The 6.4 Powerstroke came after the 6.0 Powerstroke, which was widely panned for its problems and poor performance. The issues with both of these engines eventually led to the end of the working relationship between Ford and Navistar and led to Ford designing its next diesel engine in-house. Numerous problems plagued the 6.4 Powerstroke including up-pipe leaks, radiator problems, we ..read more

%%date%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% Unlike gas-powered engines, which use spark plugs, diesel engines use fuel and high-pressure air to create combustion and power. It is crucial for diesel engines to maintain this pressure to keep the engine running and to start the engine in the first place. A diesel engine also requires a consistent flow of high-pressure oil to activate the fuel injectors. That’s where the injection pressure regulator (IPR) valve comes in. The IPR valve controls the oil pressure throughout the engine, which also ensures that the fuel injectors fire when needed. Even though the IP ..read more