Do you get a tune with your diesel service?

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 22, 2016 at 23:36
ThreadID: 131898 Views:3061 Replies:7 FollowUps:3
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Last coupe of years I've gone to the local (Insert name of chain auto "service" centre) to get my diesel serviced- yeah I know it just adds up to an expensive oil and filter.change.
I'm pretty sure that very little "tuning" of the motor goes on, even though I ask for it. Not surprising since they work on volume.
I'm getting tired of the puffs of smoke however, and my car has certainly run better in the past.
How many go to an independent garage for a service, and do the results keep you happy?
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Reply By: Stephen F2 - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 00:30

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 00:30
Rip off .One guy took his Hilux to Toyota dealer for service which included checking tailshaft bolts.So he loosened a couple before going.Also they told him they use Genuine Toyota oils and filter.When he picked it up he saw a pile of Caltex oil containers and then when he got home checked tailshaft bolts and they still loose.$350 what a con.My local.backyard mechanic said only worry if a warning light comes on .Then need to sort it out.Logbook should state what needs to be done and when I bought 2010 Hilux nice car but
..The old Landcruiser hardly spent a cent on it only downfall petrol costs ...
AnswerID: 597647

Reply By: Malcom M - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 08:31

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 08:31
Depending on the model etc there is usually little you can tune on a modern diesel as its all computerised.

Things that need checking are injectors, valve clearances and filters. Injectors are not something your local guy can do and you really need to get a diesel specialist involved. Valve clearances can be a bitch as you often need to remove a huge amount of plumbing to get the rocker cover off so 'shortcuts' are taken and nothing actually done, again its best done with the injectors by a specialist.
'Tuning' nowadays involves remapping the ECU and chipping the engine. Nothing at all like older motors where you could adjust things.
AnswerID: 597653

Follow Up By: Paul E6 - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 23:23

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 23:23
Actually, the clearances on my rodeos are easy to do and I usually check them each year - good ol' push rod technology!
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 11:49

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 11:49
Like Malcolm said it's really only tappets that can be adjusted to "tune" the engine, on a regular basis. Injectors and fuel pumps should last many, many kms before requiring servicing/inspection.

Some, or all of these later model EGR engines, may require more frequent inspection of the inlet manifold, if blanking plates/catch cans haven't been fitted. Seen a number of photos of manifolds almost completely blocked, with resulting lethargic performance.

Clean fuel, multiple filters/waterwatch thingys, and regular engine oil & filter changes, with quality oil will go a long way towards your vehicle running well. And lasting many years..........

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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AnswerID: 597660

Follow Up By: harryopal - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 15:35

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 15:35
Good afternoon Paul,
There are plenty of people waiting to help relieve you of your money. I have a 4 x4 2001 Holden Rodeo and wanted a spare for when I locked the car with the key in the ignition or just plain lost it. Rang local Holden dealers and it was going to cost about $170 for the extra key. I was given the impression that there was some kind of essential circuity connection in the thick plastic part of the key.
Went to a local key cutter who just cut a spare from an ordinary blank and there were no problems. Cost? $12.
Many years ago I worked on a motoring magazine produced by Dunlop for garages. The advice offered to garage owners was that if anyone wants a battery test always recommend a new battery. Always recommend new tyres and feel better in the knowledge that the customer was safer. Never mind that there may have been plenty of life in the old battery or many more ks in the tyres.
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Reply By: Dave(NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 11:49

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 11:49
Paul,
If you give some information on where abouts in Australia & model of your car people could maybe give you suggestions on where to take it for a tune-up.
GU RULES!!

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AnswerID: 597661

Reply By: Paul E6 - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 23:29

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2016 at 23:29
For you guys with dp modules, if you increase it past the factory setting, do you need a visit to the mechanic as a follow.up?
My steinbauer is factory set on 12 o'clock, and I wonder if I would get more than just smoke if I. I I increase it to 2 or 3.
AnswerID: 597696

Follow Up By: Malcom M - Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 07:07

Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 07:07
DP or Steinbauer? You mention two completely different chips.that work in different ways.

Have you read the chips manual about what to expect when you start fiddling? If not then perhaps you should.
Is it black or white smoke and do you understand the difference?
Overfueling a diesel can melt the engine resulting in a $10K+ rebuild.

Why don't you find a forum about your trucks engine and ask the question there. As you still haven't told us what you drive, you are going to get a lot of info thats not necessarily relevant to you.

For what its worth, i'm not sure that the steins can be tuned much so you need the specialist again to determine the Air Fuel Ratio of the fuel mix to see whats going on and adjust things accordingly. Simply poking more fuel into a diesel is engine death.
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Reply By: swampy - Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 14:58

Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 14:58
hi
diesel service
Direct injection or not
What the factory DOES NOT SPECIFY
Service injectors every 100,000kms
Service pump every 200,000kms /100,00okms
Costs little apart from labour to have the pumps run up on a test bench and to have the injectors done at the same time .
Do all of the above with the timing belt change

Clean out inlet manifold and any sensors inserted into it 50,000-100,000kms

Wheel alignment every 40,000kms
Rotate tyres every 10,000kms
Lube all hinges and strikers
If your car still has a speedo lube the inner cable
Flush power steering
Flush automatic
DONOT JUST CHANGE THE FLUID FLUSH IT OUT
Thermostat removeal and backwards flush cooling system
Deglaze drums when inspecting and wash out also
Rear linning adjust
Handbrake adjust
Report that banksia [drum within disc] handbrake needs servicing


Tappet adjustment needs to be done when factory specified

99% of vehicles are not done thorough enough

swamp
AnswerID: 597726

Reply By: Sigmund - Saturday, Mar 26, 2016 at 21:14

Saturday, Mar 26, 2016 at 21:14
Paul, I go to a local workshop rather than a dealer, as it's a father and son team that I've learned over the years to be competent, helpful and cheaper. When you look at the overheads of the dealers you can see why they charge so much for services and accessories.

The local dealer's service dept management is so bad as to be a joke. I only go when I have to, eg. for the first free service or when there's warranty work or a new map needed.
AnswerID: 597807

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