I was fixing an old diesel generator in my garage last week. Didn't think much about the fumes building up. Suddenly, my carbon monoxide detector went off, which I almost didn't have. If I hadn't put it in, things could have gotten real bad. Always make sure your space is well-ventilated before starting any diesel job. Even a simple fan can save you from a scary situation. Don't be like me and assume it's fine.
I let my boy watch me look over a big rig engine. He kept pointing to a soft tick when it ran. I had gotten used to the sound and did not think it was bad. We checked and found a fuel injector going out. Now I listen for that tick on every engine check.
The county just announced required emissions testing for all diesel vehicles over 5 tons. Some mechanics at my local shop support it, saying it will cut down on smoke from older engines. Others argue it makes owners pay for fixes on trucks that still work fine. For instance, a nearby farm has two tractors that might fail the test, costing a lot to fix. But the city buses get a pass, which seems unfair. What do you all think about this rule?
He was visiting and got curious about the diesel smell in my garage. I showed him how to secure a loose line on my old mower. Now he texts me mechanic questions from home.