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Showing posts from May, 2025

Common Signs Your Head Gasket Needs Replacement

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The head gasket is a critical component of your vehicle's engine, acting as a seal between the engine block and cylinder head. It prevents coolant, oil, and combustion gases from mixing, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. However, over time and under stress, head gaskets can fail. Recognizing the early signs of a failing head gasket is crucial to avoid costly repairs or severe engine damage. What Does a Head Gasket Do? Before diving into the warning signs, it’s helpful to understand the head gasket's role. It seals the combustion chambers, prevents leaks of coolant and engine oil, and ensures optimal engine compression. When the gasket fails, these functions are compromised, causing noticeable problems. Common Signs Your Head Gasket Needs Replacement 1. Overheating Engine One of the first symptoms of a blown head gasket is engine overheating. When the gasket is damaged, coolant may leak into the engine cylinders or outside the engine, leading to insufficient coo...

How to Choose the Right HX35 Turbo for Your Cummins Engine

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Picking the right turbocharger for your Cummins engine boosts performance and reliability. The HX35 turbo is a favored choice for both 5.9 and 6.7 Cummins models. This article covers key details—from hx35 specs to comparisons with options like the stage 2 turbo 6.7 Cummins, and includes terms like spoologic turbo 5.9 Cummins and hx35 turbo cartridge to ensure a helpful, SEO-friendly guide. Understanding the HX35 Turbo: A Brief Overview The HX35 turbocharger, manufactured by Holset, is a popular upgrade for Cummins engines, especially the 5.9L and 6.7L models. Known for its durability and ability to handle higher boost pressures, the HX35 offers an excellent balance of spool time and top-end power. HX35 specs  include a compressor housing with a 57mm inducer, a turbine housing ranging from 0.63 to 0.70 A/R, and the ability to support power levels well beyond stock turbos. The HX35 is commonly upgraded with aftermarket components such as billet wheels and improved cartridges, enhanci...

Top Tips to Maintain a High-Mileage Diesel Engine for Long-Term

Maintaining a diesel engine that has racked up hundreds of thousands of miles is no small feat, but with the right approach, these powerplants can easily surpass the 500,000-mile mark — and in some cases, even a million miles. Whether you're driving a Duramax, Cummins, or Powerstroke diesel pickup truck, proper maintenance is the key to maximizing performance, fuel economy, and reliability. What Is Considered High Mileage for a Duramax Diesel Pickup Truck? Duramax diesel engines, developed by General Motors and Isuzu, are renowned for their durability. Typically, a Duramax engine is considered high-mileage after surpassing the 200,000-mile mark. However, with routine maintenance and responsible driving habits, many Duramax-equipped trucks can exceed 400,000 miles without major issues. Signs your high-mileage Duramax may need special attention include: Declining fuel efficiency Slow starts, especially in cold weather Increased oil or coolant consumption What Is Considered High Milea...

How to Choose the Most Reliable Ford Diesel Engine in 2025

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When you're searching for a diesel engine that can endure the test of time and performance, Ford has consistently offered solid contenders. Whether you're a heavy-duty hauler, an off-road enthusiast, or just want a trustworthy truck for daily driving, selecting the most reliable Ford diesel engine is a key decision in 2025. To make this choice easier, let’s explore some of the most respected diesel engines in Ford trucks—and a few competitors—evaluating their pros and cons. Ford 1999 – 2003 Super Duty With 7.3-Liter Powerstroke The 7.3L Powerstroke engine is often hailed as one of the  most reliable diesel engines  Ford has ever produced. Manufactured by Navistar, it’s revered for its robust design and long-term dependability. Pros: Extremely durable, capable of running 300,000+ miles with proper care. Simple mechanical design makes it easier and cheaper to maintain. Excellent towing capabilities. Cons: Older technology—lacks modern emissions standards. Less fuel-efficient com...

How to Locate the CP4 Pump on Your Duramax Diesel Engine

The CP4 pump is a vital high-pressure fuel component in Duramax diesel engines. Issues like hard starts, low fuel pressure, or metal shavings may signal CP4 pump failure. Knowing the CP4 pump location helps with early inspection and prevention. This guide covers what it is, where to find it, signs of failure, and next steps. What Is a CP4 Pump? The CP4 injection pump is a high-pressure fuel pump developed by Bosch and installed in many diesel engines, including 2011–2016 Duramax 6.6L LML engines. It replaced the earlier CP3 pump design but has gained a reputation for being less reliable, with many cases of premature failure. This pump is responsible for supplying the fuel injectors with pressurized diesel needed for combustion. When the CP4 fails, it often contaminates the entire fuel system with metal debris, leading to costly repairs. CP4 Pump Location on a Duramax Engine Where Exactly Is It? On the Duramax LML 6.6L engine, the  CP4 pump  is mounted at the front of the engin...