Diesel guides
Long-form guides written by a working mechanic. No fluff, no copied spec sheets.
How to Inspect a Used Diesel Truck Before You Buy: A Mechanic's Checklist
A Red Seal diesel mechanic shares the exact checklist he uses to inspect used diesel trucks in Canada: cold start, blow by, rust, fuel system, and the walk away signs most buyers miss.
LBZ Duramax: Why Mechanics Call It the Best Duramax Ever Made
The 2006 and early 2007 LBZ Duramax is the engine GM owners chase. Fourteen years in the shop taught me exactly why it earned that name, and what to check before you buy one.
Best Used Diesel Trucks to Buy in Canada Right Now
Shopping for a used diesel truck in Canada? A Red Seal mechanic ranks the five used diesels worth your money right now, what to pay, and the rust and emissions traps that catch buyers.
6.7 Cummins vs 6.7 Powerstroke for Towing — Which Pulls Better
I work on both every week. Here is how the Cummins and the Powerstroke compare when there is real weight behind the truck, not just brochure numbers.
Diesel Fuel Filters: OEM vs Aftermarket, Honest Take
Is the dealer fuel filter worth twice the price? A working mechanic compares OEM and aftermarket diesel fuel filters on filtration, price, and what actually matters.
How a Diesel Truck Engine Works (Plain Language)
No engineering degree needed. Here is how your diesel engine turns fuel into pulling power, explained the way I explain it to apprentices.
V Nose Trailer Tongue Tool Boxes, Worth It?
That dead space on your trailer tongue can hold straps, jacks, and tools in a locked box. Here is when it is worth it and what to buy.
Emissions Intact Tuning Explained: Power Without the Legal Risk
You can get more power from your diesel without touching the emissions equipment. Here is how emissions intact tuning works and what to look for.
Why Diesel Trucks Cost More Now: Tariffs and Prices Explained
A 25 percent US tariff on imported medium and heavy duty trucks took effect in November 2025 and is still in place. Here is what it did to new truck prices and why the used market is on fire.
Diesel Heaters for Trucks, Espar vs Webasto vs Chinese Knockoffs
Espar, Webasto, or a cheap Chinese 5kW heater? An honest breakdown of what each one gets you, including the safety stuff nobody talks about.
EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Settlement: What Owners Should Do
A class action settlement covers defective EGR coolers in 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesels. Here is who qualifies and what to do next.
Diesel Emissions Settlements Explained: What Owners Are Owed
Mercedes agreed to pay 149.7 million dollars over diesel emissions cheating. Owners of 2008 to 2016 BlueTEC models may be owed 2,000 dollars. Here is who qualifies and how to claim.
Truck Floor Mats Compared, TuxMat vs WeatherTech vs the Rest
TuxMat, WeatherTech, Husky, and 3D MAXpider compared by someone who has pulled all of them out of muddy work trucks. Real pick inside.
3.0 EcoDiesel Reliability: The Honest Breakdown
The 3.0 EcoDiesel has a rough reputation from its early years. Here is what actually goes wrong, which years to trust, and how to keep one alive.
Mini Maxx Tuner Explained: What It Was and Why It Is Gone
The Mini Maxx was the most popular diesel tuner of its era. Here is what it did, why H&S Performance was shut down by the EPA, and what that means for owners today.
Best Diesel Vehicles Under $50000 in Canada
New diesel options under fifty grand in Canada are nearly gone. Here is what is actually worth buying, mostly used, from a mechanic who sees these trucks every day.
Winter Diesel Survival Guide for Canada
Minus 30 starts, fuel gelling, block heaters, and winter maintenance — everything your diesel needs to survive a Canadian winter.
Diesel vs Gas Truck — The Honest Comparison
Should you buy diesel or gas? Towing, fuel costs, maintenance, and longevity compared by someone who fixes both.
Duramax L5P Problems — What Owners Actually Deal With
The L5P Duramax is GM's best diesel yet, but it has its quirks. A mechanic breaks down the real failure points.
What Is a DPF Delete? (And Why It Is Illegal)
People ask about DPF deletes every week. Here is what it actually means, what it costs, and why no reputable shop will do it.
6.7 Powerstroke Problems — The Honest List
What actually goes wrong with the 6.7 Powerstroke? A working mechanic ranks the real problems by how often he sees them.
6.7 Cummins Reliability — What Breaks and What Does Not
Fourteen years working on 6.7 Cummins engines. Here is my honest take on what actually goes wrong and why this engine earned its reputation.