What's The Best Diesel Truck?

What's the best diesel truck? If this is something you are interested in, you could save on fuel prices in the long run. Where diesel fuel costs an average of.25 cents more per gallon, the increased gas mileage can save you money long term.

What's The Best Diesel Truck?

So, what's the deal with diesel vehicles in the United States?

Jeep Fuel Tank

What's The Best Diesel Truck?

Here in America, this concept has not caught on as quickly as it has in the European countries and there is a good reason for that.

What's The Best Diesel Truck?

What's The Best Diesel Truck?

The United States has much more strict guidelines regarding Nitrogen Oxide levels than Europe does. Therefore there are few manufacturers who can afford to become certified in the selling of these vehicles. The few manufacturers who offer this type of technology in the U.S. have to charge high retail prices to cover these additional costs.

With that said, let's take a look at a few of the American-made manufacturers who offer diesel cars.

First, there are the Dodge models...

The Ram series has become a business within a business. Rams have been separated from the other Dodge series and is to showcase its entire line of pickup trucks. This portion of Dodge is called Ram Trucks. The Ram is named after the hood ornament that originally was positioned on all Dodge hoods.

You will be hard-pressed to find the actual mpg for Dodge Rams but they do claim that they get 15% better gas mileage than their counter-parts.

Next, let's explore GMC diesels...

These trucks are a specific brand of GM and similar to Dodge, the GMC has become its own entity within General Motors, a division of trucks. GMC's focus is on luxury trucks offering comfort and all the extras that go into the luxury brand of a vehicle.

The Sierra Denali 3500 series is a diesel offers 360 degrees of safety features assuring that all passengers will travel safely. In addition this truck will easily haul 18,000 pounds and has improved braking capability. GMC has come up with a switch that transfers the brake pressure to the electronically controlled trailer brakes making for much smoother, quicker stops.

With its 36 gallon tank, the Denali series can easily run 680 miles before the need to fill the tank again.

Finally, let's take a good look at the all American Ford diesels...

Everyone loves a Ford pickup. Ford diesel trucks sport v8 engines that provide power and engine torque for every pickup enthusiast. Ford's Super Duty pickups claim, "We own work" and say that they have the best possible work trucks available.

These models are designed to have the highest emissions standards as well as the best possible fuel economy in the diesel line of pickups.

Ford has reduced the nitrogen oxide levels over 80 percent compared to their earlier models making them first class when it comes to the U.S. regulations for diesel trucks.

What's the best diesel truck? This decision really rests on you and your preferences. However, we trust this list we presented here, will give you some idea of what you have to choose from in the market place.

What's The Best Diesel Truck?

Jeep Fuel Tank

How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

Jeeps are known more for their utility than for their fuel economy. The fact that we lift them and add large Tires often adds to their thirst for fuel. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to save gas in your Jeep.

How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

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How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

The single largest factor in how much gas your Jeep uses is how it is driven. Making smooth starts and driving at a steady speed will do more to save gas in your Jeep than any thing else you can do.

Large off road Tires can add rolling resistance to your Jeep causing it to use more gas. Lower Air pressure that makes them get more traction off road also causes them to be more resistant to rolling on paveMent. Bringing Tires back to full pressure when driving on the road will help save gas. Also, having a set of street tires can help save gas and reduce wear on your off road tires.

Having the right gear ratio will also keep your engine in the proper operating range for better fuel economy. As you go up in tire diaMeter, you also need to go up in gears to match. This will keep your engine operating in the proper RPM range for optimum efficiency.

Another simple way to save gas is to reduce the amount of stuff you carry around. Stronger bumpers, skid plates and winches all add weight and require more fuel to carry around. Any extra gear that can be removed and stowed between trips can help save gas. So, look at leaving the High Lift and other heavy items at home.

Low restriction Air Filter systems and a low restriction exhaust can also help save gas. Replacing the stock manifold with a header can add a small amount of engine efficiency. The stock system is very efficient and only small improveMents can be expected. However, if the exhaust system is damaged, it may be adding fuel wasting restrictions. Dirty air Filters and damaged air intake plenums can also reduce economy.

External accessories such as roof racks and wider fender flares will add aerodynamic drag to your Jeep. Keeping the exterior sleek will help save gas. So, put the spare tie inside or on the back and remove the safari rack when you are not using it.

A well lubricated vehicle will also have less drag and use less gas. Save gas by adding friction reducing oil additives to the engine at every oil change. Using a lighter weight oil can also help save gas. Check the owner's manual for the proper weight of oil for your Jeep's engine. I have had good results for adding Market America's Friction Free 3000 to each oil change.

Keeping the engine's ignition system in top shape will also help save gas. Fresh spark Plugs and wires will ensure that every ignition cycle results in a complete burn. I use the Champion RC9YC Plug gapped a bit wider than stock to increase gas mileage on my Jeeps. A high energy ignition system like a MSD or Jacobs will be helpful on older Jeeps but less improvement will be seen on modern engines that already have high energy systems stock. When changing the plug wires, it is a good idea to change the distributor cap and rotor to complete the renewing of the electrical system.

There are a few sensors that can reduce fuel economy in the engine if they malfunction. The most important is the oxygen sensor. If this sensor is damaged or contaminated, the Computer may not inject the proper mixture of fuel. Replacing the oxygen sensor at the specified intervals may help you save gas. I have also found that the engine temperature sensor needs to provide correct information to he Computer for optimum fuel economy. If you have a Cherokee and the electric fan is not coming on as expected, this sensor may be at fault. Replacing it will also help you save gas.

Several fuel additives have been promoted as ways to save gas. I have tried adding acetone and other chemicals but I have not seen any improvement in economy. However, occasionally adding SeaFoam to the fuel seems to help keep the injectors clean and helps with engine drivability with in turn helps save gas. I have also seen some benefit to using Market America's fuel enhancer. The MA fuel enhancer also helps keep the fuel level sending unit clean so that it correctly indicates the level in the tank. This sensor tends to pick up sulfates form the fuel causing it to not read correctly. The MA fuel enhancer seems to reduce this build up.

One last note on fuel; fuel with ethanol will increase fuel consumption. I have seen as much as 10% gas saving by using gasoline without ethanol added. In addition, I have found that fuel with ethanol tends to cause the idle air control valve to stick. If possible, avoid fuel that has had ethanol added.

Enjoy your Jeep and hopefully these tips will help you use a little less gas. Then you will have a little extra cash to spend on more Jeep modifications!

How To Save Gas In Your Jeep

How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

While on an off road trip, Jenny's Jeep began to experience the symptoms of a bad fuel pump. Her jeep would stumble and die at idle. It would only run if the rpms were kept over 1500 and it was low on power. It was also surging as the fuel pump lost pressure. It was making only 20 psi or so and that was simply not enough to keep the fuel from boiling in the hot fuel rail. It was a struggle, but we got her Jeep out of the woods under its own power and got it back to my shop.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

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How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

Fist, we used the failing fuel pump to pump the remainder of the fuel from the tank. I used my fuel pressure tester attached to the fuel rail test port to pump the fuel into a can. I made a jumper wire and attached it to the fuel pump relay socket to force the pump to run.

Once the tank was empty, I disconnected the lines from the fuel pump assembly and disconnected the wires. I also disconnected the tank vent lines.

Next, I rigged up a lift to support the tank as I lowered it from the Jeep. I then loosened the tank support straps. After lowering the tank a couple of inches I was able to reach above the tank and loosen the filler and vent lines from the tank. I then removed the tank support straps and lowered the tank out of the Jeep.

With the tank out, I stood it up and cleaned the mounting flange for the pump assembly with a wire brush. I used a hammer and screwdriver to move the clamp ring off the pump. Then I carefully removed the pump from the tank taking care not to get dirt in the tank. The Filter sock fell off and had to be retrieved with a gripper tool. Often the tapered grommet for the pump assembly will stay in the tank as well. If so, this has to be Fished out. This one came out with the pump this time however.

To test the pump, Jenny made up a container for fuel and reconnected the pump to the lines and wires. The last time I worked on this Jeep there was a leak in the line between the pump and the tank outlet. This time however, there was no leak; the pump simply was not making pressure. Cold it would make only 30 psi not the required 48 psi. When the pump got hot it made less pressure. We measured 20 psi when the Jeep was trying to get home the day before.

We then tested the used replaceMent we had available. It easily made more than enough pressure. And still no leaks. The mounting bracket in this tank has been modified slightly in an off roading mishap so I had to adapt the new pump to fit. After some mixing and matching of parts and some creative routing of the expensive high pressure hose, I got it to fit. Jenny also had to put a wrap or two of Teflon tape on the pump inlet to get the Filter sock to stay in place.

I carefully cleaned the pump mounting surface and the O ring. I then set the pump in place and tapped the retaining ring back into position.

We then lifted the tank up into the Jeep. With the tank almost in place I reattached the filler and vent lines. This was the most difficult part of the Job by far. Once the lines were reattached, I lifted the tank the rest of the way back up and reinstalled the straps. I actually forgot to tighten the fuel line clamps before driving it. I should have tightened them right after I reinstalled the lines and attached the wires.

We put the fuel back in and ran the pump on the jumper a moMent to prime the system and get Air out of the lines. When I heard the regulator squeal, I knew the Air was being purged. Jenny's Jeep started right up. It stumbled a moment while the Computer adapted to having the right pressure at the injectors again but it settled down quickly.

A quick test drive showed it all worked fine. With the exception of the loose clamps on the fuel lines I mentioned earlier. I had to tighten them in the street because I was afraid they might pop off if we drove it back to the shop. Her fuel pressure is back in spec again. Hopefully this pump will last a while. The whole Job took about four hours start to finish.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump On a Jeep Cherokee

A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

You don't have to be a certified mechanic to troubleshoot a diesel engine. All you need is a bit of mechanical aptitude and some basic tools. You have to determine what happened right before the breakdown. This is called the story line, it's a blow by blow sequence of events that will help you determine the cause of the failure.

A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

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A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

By the way, if your diesel engine is electronic you may find yourself towing it to a dealer who has a scanner to get the codes out of the On-board Diagnostics System. BUT there are still checks you can perform before you call the hook.

Always check the simple things first!

Diesel engines require Air and fuel to run.

This is investigative information that will guide you to a possible solution. You have to ask the driver ofthe vehicle the following questions.

1. What was exactly going on when the engine quit?

2. Were there any warning lights dash gauges or acting up?

3. Were there any unusual noises?

This will help you get some clues on any contributing factors that could give you some troubleshooting wisdom. If the engine was hesitating or losing power you could be looking at Air in the fuel. If the engine just quit instantly you should check the ignition system, fuel transfer pump and engine shutdown solenoid.

Here Are Some Basic Checks You can Follow up With: Mostly for a rough running engine condition before it quit.

1. Is the fuel tank topped up? I know this is a lame question but it's happened before.

2. Is there gas inthe tank instead of diesel? Again, I've seen this happen before.

3. Check the fuel Filter and make sure it is full of fuel. This determines if you have a fuel starvation problem or not.

4. Check for water in the fuel separator, the first Filter closest to the tank. They have to bleed off valve at the bottom of the housing.

5. Check for fuel leaks at the lines and fittings.

6. Check the air Filter for any restrictions. This won't cause a no start unless air intake is totally blocked off.

7. Make sure you are getting fuel to the injection pump. Crack a line before the injection pump and crank over the engine to determine if the fuel transfer pump is working.

8. Crack open an injectorfuel line at one of the cylinders and crank over the engine.
Are there signs of pressure or a foamy substance? The latter means there is air in the fuel.

By this time you will have determined where the problem is in the fuel system. Once you nail down a general theory to what component is at fault you can do some digging and pick some brains at the local repair shop. These procedures will help you possibly find a problem along the way, get some experience and save a few bucks.

A Backyard Mechanic's Guide to Troubleshooting in Diesel Engine

Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

Jeeps are designed with off-roading in mind; they were made to endure the punishing treatMent presented by off-road trails. During these outings it is not uncommon for your Jeep to take a beating, with most of that being beating to the underside of your Jeep. It is common for the gas tanks on Jeeps to become damaged due to debris and large rocks one encounters while off-roading. To help reduce the chance of this happening to your vehicle it is suggested that you install a skid plate. A skid plate serves as a shield for the gas tank and takes all of the punishMent that your gas tank was exposed to. Some Jeep models already come with skid plates installed, if yours is one of the models that doesn't we are goingto walk you through the steps of installing a skid plate on your Jeep.

The first thing that needs to be done prior to installation is to open the hood of your vehicle and remove the fuel pump relay from the junction box located on the passenger side of the Jeep. After that has been done you should start your engine and let it run as long as it will this step will depressurize the high-pressure lines that come from the fuel pump and will make working close to your gas tank safer. Once the Jeep has stopped running you will need to remove the negative battery terminal, making sure that the cable does not come into contact with any metal.

Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

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Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

Next you will need to remove the cap on the fuel Filter along with thefour torque screws that hold the fuel Filter cap to your vehicle. This can be done using a T25 wrench socket to remove the torque screws. After you have completed that step you will now need to remove some of the bolts that are used to hold the stock tank and skid to the underside of your vehicle. Do not remove all of the bolts, you will need to leave two bolts in the rear and one in the front so that the tank and skid plate, if you already have one installed, will not drop on top of you while you are working. You should now place a floor jack underneath the tank and raise the jack to support the gas tank; this will allow you to remove the bolts you left intact.

Once all of the bolts have been removed and the tank is secured byjack you will now need to disconnect the fuel lines, evaporator lines and all of the other connections that run to the gas tank. You can disconnect the high-pressure fuel line from the top of the fuel tank by removing the blue clip holding it in place. Next you should remove the red safety clip using a small screwdriver and remove the electrical line. Using a screwdriver you will also need to remove the emissions lines and remove the lines from the clips that hold it onto the gas tank. These clips can be found on the top side of the tank.

After all of the lines have been removed from the gas tank you should now remove the stock strap that is used to secure the tank to the vehicle.Unbolt the straps and place the gas tank into the new skid plate you are installing and push it back into place and place the straps back over the tank and bolt the straps to the tank. Before tightening the bolts completely you should ensure that the gas tank and skid plate are centered. Now using the jack you will need to slide the tank and skid plate under the Jeep and reconnect all of the lines you disconnected earlier. Be sure that your connections are tight in order to prevent leaks. After you have reconnected all of the lines to your gas tank you should now use the jack to raise the tank and skid to the bottom of your vehicle where you will then re-bolt it to the underside of your> Jeep.

Now that your gas tank and skid plate have re-bolted to your vehicle you can now reinstall the fuel filter and replace the torque screws that you removed earlier. After you have secured it you can now place the fuel pump relay back into the junction box and reattach the negative battery cable to the battery. After completing these steps you will now have a skid plate that will protect your gas tank from damage while off-roading.

Installing a Skid Plate on Your Jeep

The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

When the balloon goes up on December 21, 2012 you want to get yourself and your family to sanctuary as Fast as possible. One of the best ways to do it is with a modified 4 x 4 SUV. But it can't just be an old SUV for reasons I'm about to explain.

The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

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The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

The first thing you need to consider is how many passengers you'll have. For a family of three or more you'll need to look at large 4WD SUVs to get enough seating and load space. Beyond that the main selection criteria is the three Rs: Reliability, Ruggedness, Readily available parts.

For all of these reasons we recomMend either a 1970 's or 80 's Chevy Blazer or Suburban, or the Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series Station wagon.

These vehicles are common everywhere-they don't scream Survival Bug-out Vehicle to everyone, and youcan paint them in drab camo colours without attracting attention.

By the way, I have nothing against Ford, Dodge or anything else, but the two Mentioned above are ultra-reliable, tough, uncomplicated, simple to work on and above all you can find parts for them just about anywhere. But there's more to think about:

The Best Bug-Out Vehicles For Surviving 2012

Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

The top ten reasons that I see vehicles coming to Ace Automotive for no start problems

Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

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Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

Electric fuel pump failure/fuel Filter restriction One of the most common no-start problems I have seen in recent times is the failure of in-tank electric fuel pumps, primarily due to lack of proper scheduled vehicle owners maintain on the part of not having the fuel Filter changed at the proper intervals, sure some fuel Filters can cost approx. $ 100.00 and up to replace several times a year but in some vehicles such as late 90s Jeep Grand Cherokees replacing the fuel pump costs nearly $ 800.00! How many times do you want to pay that? Also another cause for premature fuel pump failure is allowing the> fuel level to get to below .25 tank and below for extended periods or running completely out of fuel running out of fuel allows the electric fuel pump to run "dry" which nearly immediately ruins the pump. Vortec 4.3 L GM engines Design, 5.7 L with the CPI fuel injection system the CPI unit fails in many different ways; the plastic tubes leak, "the poppets get Plugged, the fuel pressure regulator leaks. Timing Belt Failure/Timing belt steering failure Timing belts are designed to last approx. 40.000 miles under normal use -60.000 not changing the timing belt before it "breaks" can result in expensive engine damage in some vehicles, such as Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Always have the timing belt changed a littlebefore the recomMended change interval and check the Steering replace if questionable. Timing belt steering failure is common. Distributor Failure/Including Ignition control modules Mid 80s Gm 4 cyl. V-6s Most all GMs with Electronic distributor, 4 cylinder, V-6, V-8 1988-1998) 80s/90s Ford TFI ignition (grey module bolted to outside of distributor) Ford pickup assemblies inside the distributor I have seen many distributor failures on Hondas especially due to bearing failure. ECM/PCM Failure (Computer) Primarily on mid 80s GM products with 2.8 L engines and "W" in the 8th position of the VIN # Alternators Most problem alternator I have seen is the CS130/CS130D on some mid 80s CS130 and GMs for the GMs CS130D on later on like the 92 and later makeslike Grand Am, Grand Prix, etc. Crank/Cam Sensors Late model 92-93 Chrysler 3.3 L engine vehicles with Caravan, Voyager, Mid 80s GMs 2.0 L 2.5 L crank sensors crank sensors Mid 80s-early 90s GM V-6s crank sensors 90s 4.0 L Jeeps cam/crank sensors engines Mitsubishi Galant 4 cyl engines crank sensors (failure due to balance belt failure and broken belt cuts sensor wires and damages sensor) Batteries/Cables/Clamps Many neglected corroded Batteries find their way to our facility; Batteries do not last forever! Poor Maintenance practices causes many many battery failures which often leads to other problems. Electrical Problems Ford ignition switches, escorts in the early 90s the electrical portion of the ignition switch will separate inside, some fordignition switches have been known to cause fires! Miscellaneous

Vehicles out of fuel due to inaccurate fuel gauges

Engines locked up due to lack of oil

Plugged Exhaust systems catalytic converters (

Teeth missing or worn off the flywheel cannot turn the engine over

Bad fuel injectors

But I have NEVER seen or heard of a car not starting or running bad due to the brand of gasoline being used!

Randy Harkins

Owner, Ace Automotive Technician

11924 Pacific Hwy Sw.

Lakewood, Wa, 98499

253-691-6206

[http://www.aceautomotive1.com/]

fixit@aceautomotive1.com

Top Ten Reasons For No-Start Vehicles

What To Do In Cancun! And How Much Does It Cost

Cancun has a large variety of activities available. The hotels are so nice that many visitors are happy to spend their vacation at the hotel. If you want some other things to do here are some activities and approximate US prices as of December 2006. Prices are per adult unless otherwise stated.

Jungle Tour by Aqua World .50 Ride a wave runner and then snorkel. I liked this one.

Atlantis Submarine Child, adult - I liked this one.

Chichen Itza - Transportation Only Adult, Child All day tour to the ruins. A deluxe trip may include a deluxe double decker bus, breakFast and lunch, drinks, and admission. This costs more than twice as much as the transportation only trip, but you get a lot more.

Telum Trips - Varies with options - Adult price is usually in the to range.

Xcaret - Child, adult

A park with lots of attractions. Trips vary in time and transport options.

Xel-Ha - Adult, child

All day, includes transport, entrance fee, snorkeling, and exploring.

Isla of Mujores - About boat to the island. Snorkel and lunch tours for about . Shopping, ride a golf cart around the island, etc.. I like this one.

Captain Hook Buffet Dinner Cruise -

Caribbean Carnival Lobster Dinner Cruise -

Indiana Joe's ATV Jungle Tour -

Jeep Safari - Child , Adult

2 Tank Scuba Dive - Around

Wet 'N Wild Water Park Entrance Fee - adult, child

Bullfights -

Prices and details change so verify everything. Be aware that very low prices are sometimes offered for activities. This usually requires something like a time-share presentation. Avoid this unless you want to spend hours getting a high pressure sales pitch!

What To Do In Cancun! And How Much Does It Cost

What To Do In Cancun! And How Much Does It Cost

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What To Do In Cancun! And How Much Does It Cost