I think modern diesel engines have too many electronics for what they're worth

I been working on a 1992 Cummins 12-valve for the last 6 months and it's almost never broken compared to my buddy's 2020 Duramax that had a sensor go out every other week. He spent $800 replacing a DEF module last winter and I just turn a wrench and go. Has anyone else noticed older mechanical pumps just run better day to day?

3 comments

3 Comments

rubyk8612d ago

I had a 1994 Ford 7.3 IDI for years and it never left me stranded once. That old mechanical injector pump was as simple as a hammer, no computers to fuss with. My neighbor's 2019 Ram with the Cummins has been in the shop three times already for emission stuff, and he barely tows anything.

ben_ross519d ago

Actually, the 7.3 IDI wasn't fully mechanical. It had a mechanical injection pump but still used a computer to control the timing and some sensors. The 1994.5 model started getting a bit more electronics too. So it's not quite as simple as a hammer. But I get your point, the old IDIs were way less complex than anything with a DEF system or common rail injection. The big difference is those old motors just need fuel, air, and compression to run. New ones need a whole network of components just to start. Makes you wonder if the trade off for a few extra HP and MPG is worth all the headache.

jamesfox12d ago

Read an article that said new diesels have over 30 different sensors. That's 30 more things to break compared to your old Cummins.