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DTS News
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What Interests You?
With the new year ahead of us it is usually the time to reflect on where we have been and where we want to go. We are always interested in new ideas for content and what better tome to ask our readers if there is any subject they would like to know more about. We can't promise that every suggestion will end up in our pages but it can't happen unless you ask! Please use our Contact Form.
The ALL NEW Ford Diesel
A new era in Ford diesel technology arrives with the Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Debuting in the next-generation Ford F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine will deliver significant improvements in torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent new emissions requirements. Read the full article...
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Did You Know? |
In 1997 Split-Shot™ fuel injection is introduced, improving engine cold starts, lowering noise and reducing emissions. The unique feature provides more precise two-stage delivery of diesel fuel to the combustion chamber.
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Tech Notes
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Fuel Coagulation
 It is, or should be common practice for technicians to drain the fuel water separator during regular services. Within the last year some drain valves have failed to allow fuel and water to drain and in some cases the valves leaked from the vent at the top of the valve instead. We have once again discovered that water is reacting with the fuel, or something in the fuel, creating a whitish, greasy substance that builds up in the collection bowl. This substance does not flow and cannot be removed by draining the water separator. The result is reduced water collection capacity, blocked water drain valve ports, continuous water in fuel (WIF) warning light illumination and possibly an inoperative WIF light due to contamination of the WIF sensor. In a worst case scenario these conditions could allow water to pass to the engine fuel system causing driveability concerns, damage to the fuel injection system and even catastrophic engine failure. If you encounter a 2008 or newer Super Duty truck with a 6.4L engine that has a fuel water separator drain issue or a repeat WIF light concern it might be a good idea to remove the fuel conditioning module (HFCM) manifold to inspect the collection bowl for this substance and clean it out. Be aware that the rubber HFCM manifold gasket may have swollen or stretched and cannot be re-used. It is important to note that fuel samples from the affected trucks we have seen appeared to be clean ULSD.
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Cavitation Erosion
Cavitation erosion is a phenomenon that is well known with relation to diesel engines. Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing liquid in a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor pressure. Erosion is the result of the formed vapor bubbles rapidly collapsing which produces a shock wave that can remove small amounts of metal from cylinder walls. As this process repeats pitting of the metal will occur and over time holes will form. Irregularities in the metal surfaces from casting or machining and the cavities from the erosion process itself encourage the formation of these vapor bubbles.
Read the full article...
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Tool Box
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Diagnostic Test Leads
 Diagnostic test leads can be made from terminal pins removed from salvage wire harnesses. Well why not! If you have priced a set of Flex Leads or generic test lead kits you know they are pricey. What's more is that inevitably through normal use they will eventually break or you will lose a couple forcing you to buy more. So why not use terminal pins that are in the OEM harnesses and make your own? Pictured are a few of the ones from my diagnostic arsenal.
Harnesses that are removed from vehicles are not discarded in my dealer's shop. We cut off every connector leaving six or eight inches of wire. The hard shell connectors and the wire terminals frequently become useful in making repairs to wire harnesses. Consider this a form of recycling. The terminal pins can also be removed and used as diagnostic test pins as well and you will find a variety of sizes and types in your salvaged connectors bin if you have one.
To make a set of FREE and properly fitting test terminals simply select several types and sizes that you will commonly need and make at least two of each. Select wires that are in good condition and have no corrosion. Six inches if wire is a good working length. After removing the individual wires from the hard shell connectors place heat shrink tubing over the terminal ends to provide support and to protect against shorting circuits when using two leads close together. Strip approximately one half inch of the insulation on the cut end to connect your multimeter leads to. For a few dollars you can obtain some banana-jack terminals and connect them to the cut ends to make low cost leads just like the expensive ones. This promotes a positive connection and prevents damaging of vehicle harnesses by eliminating improperly probed connectors which can lead to improper diagnosis and creating additional wiring concerns.
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