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DTS News
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No Beans About This Contest
 During November and December of 2008 we ran a fun contest for the DTS members. It was our Cam Sensor in a Jar Contest where we placed CMP sensors removed from 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engines in a large glass jar. The cam sensors were removed while performing FSA 07S57 that recalled certain Ford Super Duty trucks to have the camshaft Position Sensors inspected and or replaced. We started collecting the sensors and before too long there was a big box full of them. Sometimes you just have to make light of a situation, have a good laugh and move on.
Congratulations to Bruno for his winning entry just one sensor shy of the official count!
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Who Are We Anyway?
The Diesel Technician Society is an on-line community comprising mostly of Ford technicians bound by a common desire to excel at our profession. Our private forum is not intended to keep people out as much as it is to include only the intended and desired group of people. Interestingly enough there are skeptics in our industry that believe the DTS site is run by Ford Motor Company and that "big brother" is watching or that the site exposes industry trade secrets. These are both inaccurate examples of a perceived threat to them professionally. We encourage such individuals to change their thinking and reconsider the DTS for what it is, another source of information and a venue to communicate with other professionals like themselves.
Our Forum is the only part of the DTS site that requires membership. The site was conceived to help answer questions about Ford diesel powered trucks and explain various topics of interest of other technicians and vehicle owners. It is hoped that goal has been achieved and we thank our readers that have supported and encouraged us to continue publishing this web site. |
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Did You Know? |
From 1891 to 1899 Henry Ford was a mechanical engineer, and later chief engineer, with the Edison Illuminating Company. In 1893 he built his first internal combustion engine, a small one-cylinder gasoline model.
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Crankcase Oil Levels
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The oil level in an engine is important. We set the oil level when servicing to ensure the correct capacity
is installed. It is often too common that when servicing the oil a pre-determined amount of oil is installed,
usually the published capacity found in the owners manual or service manual. This commonly results in an over
filled crankcase which can contribute to excessive oil vapors in the crankcase ventilation system, oil
aeration and oil leaks.
The engine oil level indicator (a.k.a. dipstick) is also a tool to monitor the oil level as it increases or
decreases assuming it was used to properly set the correct level. Low oil levels indicate oil loss from
either leaks or consumption. High oil levels are an indication of over filling or fuel dilution of the oil.
Internal fuel leaks, misfiring cylinders and excessive idling can contribute to fuel dilution of the oil
which will become evident on the indicator.
When servicing your engine oil and filter we recommend installing 14 quarts of the proper engine oil, run the
engine for one minute and then shut off. Wait 5 minutes and check the level. Only add enough to adjust the level
to the lower half of the cross-hatched section of the oil level indicator as shown. Check your engine oil between
servicing regularly.
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All Filters Are Not Alike
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You need your diesel engine to operate at peak performance and efficiency but most important reliably.
Regular maintenance helps assure that the expensive diesel engine under the hood of your truck is protected
and reduces the possibility of unexpected breakdowns. Unfortunately the choice you make in oil and fuel
filters can actually put you at risk for engine performance concerns and expensive engine damage. In our
technician forums we have discussed filter issues many times and all too often the discussions involved
engines that would not run or were damaged. Using a quality filter that properly fits your engine and vehicle
is so vital encourage you to view this Motorcraft video. This is not an advertisement. This is information
you need see and understand. Whatever brand filters you use make sure they fit properly and meet or exceed
the manufacturer's specifications. We won't name brands but some of the filters known to cause problems are
fuel filter cartridges with black ends and oil filters that come with integral filter caps.
 Filter Comparison
Video
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Taking A Closer Look
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 A worn unison ring can create unusual driveability concerns. You know, the kind that
come and go or happen completely at random. This is where you training and experience should have you follow
the diagnostic routine and not go with what you know. The wear in the unison ring control slot is obvious to
the observant but somehow it was missed. The IDS automated VVT test would have picked this up but so should
the technician who reconditioned a turbo and reinstalled this unison ring. The point we are trying to make
here is that taking a few extra moments to be thorough will make all the difference in a successful repair.
Visual inspections are not to be overlooked and need to be performed with intent.
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