Diesel Repair Blog — Page 3
Long-form field guides for heavy-duty trucks — written for drivers and shop techs who need practical answers. Looking for a specific code? Search the diesel fault code library.
Showing 25–36 of 119 articles
Emissions
What Is DEF on a Diesel Truck: Quality, Dosing, and Derate Risk
DEF is diesel exhaust fluid used by the SCR system to cut NOx. Wrong concentration, contamination, or dosing faults trigger lamps and progressive derates.
2026-08-19
Diagnostics
Is Diesel Better Than Gas: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
For Class 8 freight and heavy towing, diesel beats gas on torque, thermal efficiency, and engine life — but only when duty cycle and PM match the hardware.
2026-08-18
Fuel
Is Diesel Better Than Gasoline: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Diesel beats gasoline on torque, efficiency under load, and HD engine life — but gasoline wins on price and simplicity when the truck rarely works hard.
2026-08-18
Diagnostics
Is Diesel Cheaper Than Gas: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Diesel can be cheaper per mile when the truck works loaded on highway routes — but higher pump price, DEF, and PM often flip the math on light-duty cycles.
2026-08-18
Diagnostics
What Causes A Runaway Diesel: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Runaway diesel keeps burning fuel or oil after throttle-off — leaking injectors, turbo oil leaks, and intake fuel are common causes on heavy-duty trucks.
2026-08-18
Diagnostics
What Causes Runaway Diesel: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Runaway diesel overspeeds on fuel or oil the driver cannot cut off — turbo oil leaks, injector seep, and crankcase mist top the cause list on heavy-duty trucks.
2026-08-18
Diagnostics
How To Get Diesel Oil Out Of Clothes: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Remove diesel engine oil from clothes: scrape excess, pre-treat with degreaser, wash hot with heavy-duty detergent, and air-dry. Covers coveralls, bibs, and mixed fuel-oil stains.
2026-08-15
Diagnostics
How To Get Diesel Out Of Clothes: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Remove diesel fuel from clothes step by step: blot fresh spills, absorb with powder, pre-treat with degreaser, wash hot solo, and air-dry. Safe methods for coveralls, jeans, and shop shirts.
2026-08-15
Fuel
How To Make Diesel Fuel: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
How diesel fuel is made: crude oil distillation, hydrocracking, hydrotreating for ULSD, cetane specs, and biodiesel blending. Why DIY fuel fails modern diesel engines and aftertreatment.
2026-08-15
Diagnostics
How To Take Diesel Smell Out Of Clothes: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Eliminate diesel smell from clothes after washing: vinegar rinse, baking soda soak, outdoor air-dry, and repeat hot washes. Fixes odor that returns when fabric warms up in the cab or dryer.
2026-08-15
Fuel
Is Biodiesel The Same As Diesel: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Biodiesel is not the same as petroleum diesel. Learn how FAME biodiesel differs from ULSD in chemistry, ASTM specs, cold flow, OEM blend limits, and aftertreatment compatibility for fleet trucks.
2026-08-15
Careers
How Much Does A Diesel Mechanic Make A Year: Heavy-Duty Diesel Guide
Annual diesel mechanic pay in 2025-2026: $40k entry, $55-75k mid-career, $75-100k+ senior. Hourly math, OT, bonuses, benefits, and what changes your yearly W-2 on heavy-duty trucks.
2026-08-13
Showing 25–36 of 119 articles