Navigating the Challenges of Modern Diesel Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

So you bought a new diesel truck and no matter if its a Ford, Dodge or GM they all have their ups and downs. From most mechanics' perspectives they are all shit for one reason or another, and as a Journeyman HD mechanic I can tell you that the big rigs aren't any better. Dodge has been plagued by the hydraulic lifter issues in the newer generation of Cummins, GM has had their fair share of issues with the last few Duramax engines and anyone with a newer gen Ford will tell you why they hate the CP4. All these issues cost more money than you want to think about, and to get in and actually work on the components of the engine you need to pull the cab (in some cases) or be some kind of contortionist to get to the bolts. I have come up with new variations of swearing working on the newer Diesels, and I know I am not alone in saying that engineers are finding ways to make our days harder while working on these trucks. And let's not get into the issues with getting OEM parts - why build these trucks if you can't keep up with making the parts that are failing? The best way to get around working on these new trucks is making sure you are prepared. Making sure to get the OEM software to properly diagnose issues and looking up parts will ensure you're not shooting yourself in the foot when it comes time to order the parts, and we all know that the parts people are second on every mechanics hit list (right after engineers). Doing their job for them ensures us that the correct parts are on the way. Once that hurdle is cleared it's about getting the grunt work done and getting the vehicle apart and back together without wanting to set it on fire and leaving it in the parking lot (as more of a symbol). Nothing feels better than beating these newer diesels and having it come back to life without another damn code popping up. Anyways the long and the short of me writing this is I think all mechanics , Journeyman or weekend warrior, always need a space to tell our stories and to give in-site to fellow mechanics. Hopefully if I can make this blog and forum operate correctly this will be a good platform to do it . Take care