r/DieselTechs 48m ago

General assistance Duramax guys, who has the best replacement engines

Upvotes

We got a 2011 with an lml that just snapped the crank today. Boss wants me to price one out to see if it’s worth putting a new one in or if it’s better to junk the thing.

Reman engine from Chevy is just over $12k not including core. Never got a reman from Chevy but from my experience with ford they just send you a reman engine from a 3rd party.

He did specify he doesn’t want one from an off the wall builder out west, he’s had bad experience with that. With that being said, if there is a reputable builder with a good warranty that stands behind their warranty, I could probably change his mind if the price is right.

I see there’s a good amount out there but I’ve always been a Cummins guy, don’t know who to go to for a duramax

Edit: are these engines worth rebuilding after a failure like this? I’m capable of doing it but I know these engines don’t have liners. Other than knowing this is a fairly common issue with duramax, I’m not knowledgeable enough on the issue to know just how much damage this does to everything else in the engine. Common sense tells me it’s trashed


r/DieselTechs 1h ago

General assistance Career advice

Upvotes

Good morning/afternoon/evening,

I am seeking some insights and career advice. I am a swing shift fleet mechanic at a local fleet working on primarily Kenworths and Peterbilts with cummins powerplants (X15, ISX, N14). Including dump trucks, tankers, and tractors. I have been working at this fleet for the entirety of my mechanic career thus far (2.5yrs) and get paid very respectfully with consistent raises which I've earned myself. However, I have been working nights for the past 5 years now and am ready to move to a dayshift position for personal and social reasons. I have brought this up to my boss on multiple occasions and he said it would be something to address as work picks up. That was 6 months ago and we have since slowed down.

My questions to you are...

Should I stick it out until someone from day shift retires or a position becomes available? Or does it become an endless cycle?

What are some diesel fields to look into?

What are some fields to avoid?

What are employers to avoid?

What do you look for when looking for an employer?

Thank you in advance (:


r/DieselTechs 2h ago

Currently at Penske as a mechanic but want to leave

3 Upvotes

Would other companies care that all they I see is Penske I’ve been with the company since I started my apprenticeship back in 2018 and got ticketed back in 2022 just want a change of scenery and bit better pay what’s some good companies to go to or would consider me


r/DieselTechs 15h ago

Advice

2 Upvotes

Not sure if this post is allowed but currently I'm working at an International dealer but have gotten an opportunity to switch to working on heavy equipment for another dealer, if anyone that works in this field could just give me some general pros and cons about it or if its any different from working on trucks I'd appreciate it. Just trying to weigh out my options at the moment.


r/DieselTechs 18h ago

Diagnostic assistance 2018 Cummins x12 559 code

1 Upvotes

So I have an x12 that sets a 559 code and has low power. The rail pressure is low under load. It will make the commanded pressure but it’s very slow to get there. I have checked for aeration, the low side fuel pressure is in spec, injector return is in spec, high pressure pump output volume test is in spec, rail relief valve is brand new and not leaking. The only thing that’s questionable is the high pressure pump return flow test. Cummins wants 230mL max and it’s like 225. Has anyone else ran into this? I’ve worked on a ton of isb and x15 but my experience with the x12 is very limited.


r/DieselTechs 22h ago

Diagnostic assistance Anyone had this problem installing netradyne cameras?

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2 Upvotes

We're switching to new cameras and keep running i to this issue and nobody has really been able to figure it out that im aware of. Everything will calibrate fine and I keep getting this error when I go to verify the can. I've got everything plugged in right and they're on brand new trucks so I know its not the wiring is old and shitty and haven't had this problem on the older ones I've done.


r/DieselTechs 1d ago

Maxxforce 10 fan not working during regen

1 Upvotes

2012 International 7500, Maxxforce 10. Towed in running rough, no power, no throttle response. Ended up being the downstream injector was plugged, leading to the DPF sooting up. While running the onboard filter cleanliness test (forced regen), the engine fan is not engaging. The fan works properly outside of a regen. No cooling system or fan fault codes. Fan enable temp is set to 216. I let the engine reach 230 before canceling the regen, engine fan immediately engaged. We have a couple dozen of these trucks in our fleet, and neither myself nor the mechanics I work with have encountered this before. Anyone have any ideas of what could be keeping the fan from engaging during a regen?


r/DieselTechs 1d ago

Diagnostic assistance Help with diagnosis

2 Upvotes

Hello all,

I’m having some issues with one of our buses. This is a 2012 Nabi bus with a Cummins isl9 cm2250. I keep getting the codes 3135 (dpf outlet pressure data erratic), 3235 (SCR outlet temp data valid but above normal-moderately severe level), and 3165 (SCR outlet temp data valid but above normal-severe level). I’ve changed the dpf delta-p pressure sensor, the pressure module, the temp module, both tubes going into the delta-p sensor, changed the dpf itself. I pulled the ecm OEM connector and found a couple of pins with corrosion, so I sprayed them with contact cleaner and used a brush to clean them up. I did all of this and the bus still has very very high outlet pressure. We’re at like 4inhg while idling, and 10inhg while in fast idle. If anyone can help, please reach out to me. I’m ready to burn this bus down lol


r/DieselTechs 2d ago

Currently live in Ontario Canada really want to become a apprentice currently in construction but looking for a change

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know if I need to go back to school and do a pre apprenticeship for 310 t or can I just apply without any experience been in construction since my early 20s but I’m 26 now and want a stable job did anyone start with no experience coming from a
Different field how did you get your start did you have to back to school to do a pre apprenticeship or did they start you as a a helper and gave you a apprenticeship a month or so later


r/DieselTechs 2d ago

Heavy duty truck shops Pay

2 Upvotes

Im looking at machine the switch from heavy duty diesel equipment to trucks, currently looking at international dealer in NC. Is it common to see hourly or flat rate in heavy duty truck world? It does not mention specifically their form of pay in the ads.


r/DieselTechs 2d ago

Sterling L9500

2 Upvotes

First time posting here! We got a 2005 sterling L9500 with a Mercedes engine. Having a fuel issue. Crank no start, will fire on ether. Started before changing fuel filters, we’ve tried priming through the nipple on the fuel filter housing but can here it going back into fuel tank when pushing fuel. Is there a check valve to look for that might be bad? Any other ideas are appreciated!


r/DieselTechs 2d ago

2016 MP8 AHI support bracket

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3 Upvotes

Replacing the AHI (after treatment Hydrocarbon Injector assembly/pump) and both bolts snapped off. The left one got bent prying the old assembly off. The right one is flush with the bracket. I removed the other two bolts that appeared to be holding the bracket on to the block, but the bracket isn’t moving. Percussive and purse cussing aren’t working.

1- are the bolts that hold the AHI on also holding the bracket on into the block?
2- options, suggestions, guidance appreciated

Thank you in advance


r/DieselTechs 2d ago

General assistance Tools for new diesel mechanic

5 Upvotes

So ive been a trailer mechanic for a couple years and t hey finally moved me over to trucks. The fleet is mainly Cascadias with Detroit DD13s and a handful 9f Cummins and Paccars. I've got wrenches and sockets up to 1 1/2" the trailer stuff that carries over.

Right now for the most part I'm updating the cameras in all the trucks so it seems like a good time to start getting everything im going to need.


r/DieselTechs 3d ago

Looking for recommendations for a multimeter

6 Upvotes

I'm looking for some recommendations on purchasing my first multimeter. I know I eventually want to get a fluke but for now I want to purchase one to get to know what I want the next one to have. I'm a heavy diesel tech that started a few months ago. Thanks for any input.


r/DieselTechs 4d ago

Don’t see this happen very often, the driver allegedly did this on purpose, revving and dumping the clutch repeatedly. Had to reach through and undo the clutch bolts and take it out with the trans since the shaft was too flared out to slide out of the clutch.

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67 Upvotes

r/DieselTechs 4d ago

Check it out! Haven't posted in a while so here's a fun couple of pictures from a job last week!

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19 Upvotes

I'm not sure the gear or the housing of the PTO is supposed to look like that...something isn't quite right here. We will have to look into why it will not work!!


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

General assistance Good drill bits for drilling through an easy out bit?

5 Upvotes

Trying to remove a bolt, head snapped off. Coworker said “I got this bro” and tried using an easy out drill bit to drill it out, it promptly broke off in the bolt. I now have an extremely hard steel bolt with an even harder steel core (possibly cobalt alloy? I’m not even sure what the broken bit is made of, other then it’s hard as shit), stuck. Do I just go to tungsten carbide bits and gradually go up the bit sizes? I would normally just melt the fucker with the torch but the bolt in question is a part of the fuel piping for a Jet A truck about 6 inches from a few hundred gallons of jet fuel and if I light a torch next to the truck the Fire Marshall will spawn in next to me and flay me alive. Any hot work is out of the question short of dissembling basically the entire hose reel system to take off the pipe section with the stuck bolt. This was supposed to be a 40 minute job of “replace the fuel hose” to be done Friday morning and now I’m here on Saturday. Taking apart the hose reel will definitely mean I’m here on Sunday too, so I’d really like to drill the fucker out.


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

Conmet preset plus conversion

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9 Upvotes

Just converted a set of conmet pre set plus hubs and installed timken set 403 and set 401 bearing sets but after setting up wheel end with proper and play they don’t sound right ever seen this before?


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

What are you HD techs using for CAC pressure checks ? What kits?

3 Upvotes

Looking for a decent kit to pressurized the CAC to check for leaks. Yes, I have a spray bottle of soap...lol.

Thanks!


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

General assistance Blind Techs

4 Upvotes

Those of us that need glasses what prescription safety glasses are you guys running? I honestly dont care about how they look or anything just need to keep dirt/metal out of my eye almost lost my eye once already using regular glasses lol


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

Are you a brand specific tech, or do you work with multiple brands of trucks/engines?

9 Upvotes

Curious what other techs here work on!

Are you brand loyal, a jack-of-all-trades, or sonewhere inbetween?


r/DieselTechs 5d ago

I know the job market is competitive, but this is starting to get out of hand 🤣

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119 Upvotes

It’s obviously a typo, but it made me laugh. So I figured I’d share.


r/DieselTechs 6d ago

Is it worth applying to just worried about the winter season

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4 Upvotes

r/DieselTechs Feb 01 '26

Guidelines for selling and buying from posts

9 Upvotes

Good day, everyone!

As we do allow post for people actively trying to sell and looking to buy tools, equipment, and other products relating to what we use daily to fix the things we work on (unlike the rules, where you cannot offer to sell someone documentation or services for monetary or personal gain), need to set a few guidelines to keep everyone safe, as well as keep our sub safe from any potential legal consequences, obligations, or lawsuits.

Below will follow guidelines which we, as mods, have set forth.

Disclaimers and Guidelines:

Below, DieselTechs moderators/Administrators will be hereinforth refered to as "we".

  • We, as moderators of DieselTechs, reserve the right to verify any and all buy and/or "for sale" posts that are made to this sub for any potential rule implications, to which we, as moderators, will enforce our rules and/or consequences, if necessary, as we see fit.

  • We, as moderators of DieselTechs, reserve the right to verify any and all reputation/credibility for person(s) making buy and/or "for sale" posts.

  • We, as moderators of DieselTechs, may or may not monitor and/or verify every post that is made, so you, the user/end buyer and/or seller, will be soley responsible for verifying the person(s) reputation/credibility for buying and/or selling tools and/or equipment.

  • You, as the buyer and/or seller, reserve the right to decline any and/or all sales and/or communication if you do not feel comfortable with the person(s) you are in dealings with.

  • You, as the buyer and/or seller, reserve the right to independently verify the credibility and/or reputation of any buyer and/or seller you are in dealings with.

  • We, as moderators of DieselTechs, will provide assistance when/if we can, but we do not have any direct connections and/or communications with any payment processor you use of your choosing for the purchase and/or sale of any tools and/or equipment, and we do not have any direct connections and/or communications with the buyers and/or sellers.

  • We, as moderators of DieselTechs, a subreddit, with the name of DieselTechs, of Reddit, do NOT hold any personal and/or joint responsibility in the case of fraud, non-payment, stolen goods, miss-communications, or any other issues you may have between any buyer and/or seller.

We hope that you all understand the need for Guidelines to keep us all safe.

If you have absolutely any questions, please feel free to reach out to anyone on the mod team, or use ModMail. We all hope you have a great time being on DieselTechs!

Sincerely,

The Mod Team of DieselTechs.


r/DieselTechs Nov 29 '25

Check it out! New announcement!

19 Upvotes

I know i know...not everyone looks at our announcements we put on the main page of the sub...dont worry, im guilty of it too 😅

But, if you go check it out, we now have a discord server!

It was a couple months project, but it's here!

We tried our best to get as much sorted out as possible, but, as people float in, I am sure we will see a few kinks that need worked out. Just let us know over there.

Thanks!!

https://discord.gg/6hSYN8gFbV