Keith Browning

Ahhh, apparently Ford doesn't ask us, they tell us. Oh, they do take input from us but it is very channeled. I am typically optimistic... I am hoping that the new symptom code format matures in time. I don't see how all of the old information will fit into all of the new selections without some painstaking rewriting or database editing. I am sure that as new SSMs and TSBs are written they will be assigned into these new selections... and it will work better on the expended choices.

So to wrap this one up, I conclude that this owner was servicing his truck, just not properly. We did inform him of the engine hours theory and explained how it affects service requirements. He was receptive and actually expressed that he had no idea and is somewhat grateful for the advise. He has a different aspect now, not only for maintenance purposes but also as to why his employees are running the engines so much... now he has an answer as to the reason for his astronomical fuel costs and is likely to address that as well as his maintenance scheduling. I love when a light bulb goes on when you educate a customer. I just wish I was there to see it.

had another "Better Idea"

Oddly, the fluid is moving in the res but not like a flow but rather a bubbly kind of action but without the air. The collapsed line is that has my attention.

Arent all Ford training classes open book? Every one I have been to were. How do you call that hard?

He's picking up today and I just had the discussion with my Service Adviser about the engine hours. My SA is well informed about this topic. We see plenty of police and municipal vehicles that really need to be maintained by engine hours. I'll let you know what I hear back if I hear anything.

No, you get nothing from the systems. A rock hard brake pedal and a Pop-eye steering wheel. I am thinking the only thing it has to be is a blockage in the reservoir at the supply fitting but I cant imagine what.

Just finished up a 2008 that came in with a heavy misfire, lacking power and white smoke from the pipe. Relative compression and manual compression were really bad in three cylinders and the #4 intake rocker was broken and laying in the head. Having seen this before I inspected all of the rocker tips and sure enough, recessed into the rockers. I put a full set on and a high pressure turbo for leaking oil. Rechecked compression and everything was great. Point here is that worn rockers can not only cause compression issues but I also saw some really funky short term fuel trims... like full positive and full negative. I thought for sure I was headed for an engine. The guy swears he changes the oil. He does but this truck needs to be serviced by engine hours rather than vehicle mileage. Engine hours calculated to about double the actual miles. That HAS to be idling.

This is a truck I replaced the main FEAD belt tensioner and belt on a couple of weeks ago. Trucks shows up today with no power assist for braking or the steering. I only had time for a quick inspection but all parts appear in-tact and the belt is fine. Then I noticed the large fluid supply line that goes from the reservoir to the pump was collapsed with the truck running. I wonder what I am going to find.

I have worked with all kinds of clowns and stupidity over the years. But I agree about the parking question unless it's coming from someone I know who knows where the trucks get parked and how. BUT this is an important question when it comes to tow-in's especially if it is a particularly large or heavy truck or bus that does not move on it's own and as Jim said, the "leave it run"... "shut it off" scenario...

Holy shit Alex that Avatar scared the shit outta me!!!

Part number???

My parts specialist advises me that part appears to only come with the 6881 oil filter adapter. I have never seen it separate, but then I have never gone looking for one.

The highest level "vague" approach is working for me.

The SSM has probably been archived by Ford given it's age. That is why I started archiving them 4 years ago... at least the "diesel" related ones I come across. Here, the information is searchable and in this case, actually still available. If you look through the section here in our forums that is where you will find some of these gems.

I am pretty sure a TSB was never released for this specific issue.

That is how you should approach it. If you don't find anything that is not warrantyable you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I would however include in your write up on the repair order that you made these inspections and what you found or didn't find.

Ahhh but it does concern you. If YOU don't look for these things who will? That's right! Ford will and rest assured that they will most likely find something if it exists. It's only fair. If something were found and you miss it, a claim is likely to be bounced and when it comes to these expensive, complex engines it's going to hurt. Hurt your dealership, hurt you. It's part of the giant pile of shit you are responsible for (knowing, documenting, doing) that you don't specifically get paid to do... but it is, your job.

Two quick things to do BEFORE you pull the cab or otherwise access the pump and injectors is take a fuel sample at the HFCM, remove the banjo bolts at the fuel cooler fuel lines and look for water/rust. Otherwise follow the job aid as suggested. No rust, no problem.

That actually is pretty douchey. A hand shake or an atta-boy is not asking for much at all. That means more to me than anything they have done for me over the years. I EARN my paychecks. If you consider your paychecks a gift then you have a strange way of looking at things. I take great pride in my career and my accomplishments. It's not ALL about the money.

Ghee Mike, do you have these pictures on file or did you just happen to have this job in the shop at this time? I like the way you pose... like a fisherman standing next to a hanging shark.

Say what?

Testman... hmmm. It just hit me that "Testman" should get his own column here at the DTS.

Annnnnnnd on the very first truck I work on today after updating to 74 I get a programming error on a 2011 6.2L a Testman Error and my IDS went blank and froze. Fucking awesome!

Anyone see and participate in the questionnaire that pops up when you download IDS 74? Looks like they have been working on software stability. There were questions about testman errors and lock-ups.