BajaNomad - Diesel mechanics

Diesel mechanics

castaway$ - 3-19-2011 at 12:34 PM

The commercial diesel mechanics are very good we needed one in La Paz and the chevy dealership suggested the guy and he was excellent.

DENNIS - 3-19-2011 at 01:40 PM

Somebody has to keep all those fishing boats tuned up.

Pompano - 3-19-2011 at 02:16 PM

Ruben's in Loreto was good a few years back...can't say about nowaday's. He did good work on my Cummins.

Maybe a Loreto nomad can chime in on him or others?

BigWooo - 3-19-2011 at 02:22 PM

I used Ruben a month ago to replace leaking transmission lines on my Chevy Diesel. He's a great mechanic, but he readily admitted that the newer diesels require many specialized tools that he doesn't have access to.

Roberto - 3-20-2011 at 10:43 AM

To ensure best mechanic support in Mexico, I recommend anything with a Cummins. The engine is virtually the same as the ones in the older vintage diesel cruisers you see down there. Plus no electronics needed. I love my Ford, which is approaching 200K trouble-free miles, but I don't think I would buy one if I were contemplating living down there. If you DO pick a Ford, make sure it's the 7.3L diesel, and take good care of the tranny by not letting it overheat and changing the fluid frequently.

monoloco - 3-20-2011 at 11:02 AM

There is a Cummins/Onan service center in La Paz.

Bob and Susan - 3-20-2011 at 11:08 AM

soulpatch...get a new one...end the pain

what did you work your entire life for...repairs?

tripledigitken - 3-20-2011 at 11:09 AM

Good advice Roberto. I would also advise adding a transmission cooler to the 7.3.

I installed one of these on my ford.

http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Scr...

Roberto - 3-20-2011 at 12:19 PM

Yes, an additional cooler is a good idea. I also have an outboard cartridge filter and use synthetic transmission fluid (Amsoil) on my truck. These are all effective in keeping the temps down. But, I also have a transmission temperature gauge and when that fluid starts to go over 250 degrees, I STOP and let it cool down. I used to tow a 14,000 package (boat) up and down the peninsula, and this approach has worked for me.

Amsoil is more expensive, and probably not available locally, but worth it IMO. If you ever have to rebuild it, there is a guy in El Centro who is a magician. Also expensive, but his transmissions are bullet proof. When you're travelling in the middle of nowhere with two small children, that money could not be better spent.

monoloco - 3-20-2011 at 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
soulpatch...get a new one...end the pain

what did you work your entire life for...repairs?

The older ones are much simpler and more reliable, plus the new ones are north of 50k and will lose a great deal of their value in a very short time. I have had several and the most reliable one was my 91 Ford F250 with the non-turbo 7.3. I have a 2000 F350 now and the motor has been great, but I have had to replace most of the running gear in the first 100k miles.

[Edited on 3-20-2011 by monoloco]

unbob - 3-20-2011 at 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
... there is a guy in El Centro who is a magician. Also expensive, but his transmissions are bullet proof.

Name and contact info for the guy in El Centro?

I pass through EC on every trip to BCS and would be great to have a name there in case of trans trouble.

Muchas gracias, Rob(erto)

msteve1014 - 3-20-2011 at 05:05 PM

John Wood transmisions. Not cheap, but known as one of the best.
http://jwtt.com/

fishabductor - 3-20-2011 at 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
soulpatch...get a new one...end the pain

what did you work your entire life for...repairs?

x2 as the new diesels require low sulfur diesel...something not found in BCS.

I sold my 97 f250 diesel with a 5sp, which is what you want as the autos are POS and have lots and lots of problems. We have a 95 f250 diesel that has been in 3x now with a blown tranny.

Diesels are also heavy and beat the crud out of you on washboard roads. I run f150's, the new one being a 2wd prerunner with a 7.5" long travel kit...it is so cushy.

fishabductor - 3-20-2011 at 05:56 PM

I only buy old trucks...since after a yr in baja they will be beat. My "new" prerunner f150 is a 2001.

that and old trucks help me try and live like a king...but I am working king in baja. It is an illusion, the king part at least.

mojo_norte - 3-20-2011 at 06:03 PM

I 3rd the manual transmission for reliability which probably means an older (pre Y2K) truck also. Can you even buy a new truck with a manual transmission?

Roberto - 3-20-2011 at 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by msteve1014
John Wood transmisions. Not cheap, but known as one of the best.
http://jwtt.com/

Yup, that's the one. He apparently now has a package that's $2900 + $400. That's below a Ford dealership, though not by much. But one of the best, as has been said. Do a search for John Woods Transmissions, and you'll see how many folks praise this guy.

tripledigitken - 3-20-2011 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Originally posted by msteve1014
John Wood transmisions. Not cheap, but known as one of the best.
http://jwtt.com/

Roberto,

How do the warranties compare?

Ken

Roberto - 3-20-2011 at 08:31 PM

I believe the JW is 3 years/50K miles. I don't know what a remanufactured transmission from Ford offers. I DO know that I will never go to a Ford stealer anywhere in my immediate area (San Diego).

Check out this "review" http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/drivetrain/129_0710_...

monoloco - 3-20-2011 at 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
I 3rd the manual transmission for reliability which probably means an older (pre Y2K) truck also. Can you even buy a new truck with a manual transmission?

Mine's a 2000 F350 and it has a 6 speed manual transmission.

fishabductor - 3-21-2011 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
I 3rd the manual transmission for reliability which probably means an older (pre Y2K) truck also. Can you even buy a new truck with a manual transmission?

Mine's a 2000 F350 and it has a 6 speed manual transmission.

you still have all your teeth...or have some rattled out?

I thought my 97 f250 HD 4x4 diesel was going to give my wife a miscarriage. My wife hated it, but my dentist loved it!

monoloco - 3-21-2011 at 04:47 PM

? It rides really smooth, great on the highway, almost impossible to overload, and I can milk 20mpg out of it.

msteve1014 - 3-21-2011 at 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
I 3rd the manual transmission for reliability which probably means an older (pre Y2K) truck also. Can you even buy a new truck with a manual transmission?

Mine's a 2000 F350 and it has a 6 speed manual transmission.

Mine is a 2001 F350 , manual trans, manual xfer case, manual hubs. Ranch truck.
shop in rural areas, if this is what you want.

vgabndo - 3-21-2011 at 11:47 PM

BUY A BRAND NEW TRUCK to move to Baja? You been talkin' to the guy that said to me: "This situation is far too dire... for pessimism."?

My 2001 24 valve Cummins will stay alive as long as it is rational to own it. $4.26 a gallon today is only going to get much worse in the near future.

$1200.00 to drive round trip to BCS?

I'm feeling so much better since I gave up all hope.

I'd buy an Toyota 4x4 pickup. There are lots of spares down there, everyone knows how to fix them, and in five years you may still be able to afford to drive it.

fishabductor - 3-22-2011 at 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
BUY A BRAND NEW TRUCK to move to Baja? You been talkin' to the guy that said to me: "This situation is far too dire... for pessimism."?

My 2001 24 valve Cummins will stay alive as long as it is rational to own it. $4.26 a gallon today is only going to get much worse in the near future.

$1200.00 to drive round trip to BCS?

I'm feeling so much better since I gave up all hope.

I'd buy an Toyota 4x4 pickup. There are lots of spares down there, everyone knows how to fix them, and in five years you may still be able to afford to drive it.

Once you cross the border the fuel cost will be cut in half. I just drove back down after picking up a new to me rig in the states. $4.12 in CA...about $2.40 something in baja for unleaded. Diesel will be cheaper.

My 91 4runner with a brand new 3.0 v6 is a great truck, but it absolutely gets horrible gas milage about 15mpg. My 2001 f150 prerunner with a 7.5" long travel lift and 33" tires gets better gas milage and it has a 5.4l that puts out about 2x the power.

The toyota is going up for sale. I am all about 1997-2003 f150's, I've had 3 now as fulltime baja rigs, they see 80% offroad and last! However I retire them every 2 yrs.

captkw - 3-22-2011 at 07:42 AM

the 4.6 and 5.8 ford moters have a BAD spark plug casting proplem...

Bob and Susan - 3-22-2011 at 09:00 AM

there alot of used cooking oil down here...

i STILL think if you buy used you'll be sorry...too many parts problems
you truck can be down months at a time

Debra - 3-22-2011 at 04:32 PM

Moving to La Paz? That sucks, Brendan and I will miss you alll. Brerndan just asked me yesterday (we are planning a trip down) If they will be there, we have watched therm grow up, Brendan feels like an uncle to them, hope we can keep in touch. Thanks

Doug/Vamonos - 3-23-2011 at 09:14 PM

Hot dang! Does you buddy have a hot wife or daughter? Love me some new neighbors!

Hook - 3-28-2011 at 05:12 PM

I have a 2000 F350 that has had zero auto tranny problems BUT..........I did read lots of stories on Ford diesel boards about the heat generated by the original torque converter (a single disc type) being the real culprit in the failure of the 99-03 Ford trannies. So, I replaced mine with the TC from the 03-06 model year which IS a triple disc TC. I also went synthetic and with a outboard cartridge filter. I have towed an 8k boat to Mulege and down here to San Carlos. Also towed a 12k trailer down here one August by way of Monument Valley and Lake Powell, so it has been tested.

The year 2000 7.3 engines actually have a stock tranny cooler in addition to the cooling lines built into the radiator. I believe it was the only years of the 7.3L engines that had it.

If I was destined to do much washboard driving I would NOT want it to be in this truck; that's for damn sure. Full leaf.

Roberto, I just had to replace my cam position sensor for the first time. 175k. The backup I bought cost me over 125.00 in about 2003. I went to AutoZone in Tucson last week to get another backup...............and it was 25.99!!!

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
there alot of used cooking oil down here...

i STILL think if you buy used you'll be sorry...too many parts problems
you truck can be down months at a time

I broke a rear axle completely in 2, the housing, the axle shaft...everything. The rear end resembled an exgagerated baja bug.

It had a really rare axle being that it was a light duty 3/4 ton originally sold in mexico. It had a dana 60 pumpkin mated to dana 44 shafts...making it a 5 lug dana 60 3/4ton axle. Virtually nonexistant anywhere. It took me a month to find one, this axle doesn't exist in the states.

That being said...that was the only time I had a truck down for more than a few days.

If you bring a truck down, make sure it is a US truck, the more common the vehicle the easier it is to find parts. Look what the locals drive.

For the reason stated above, I wouldn't bring a diesel down for the lack of parts. We've had 3 diesels down here and so far they have been able to repair them...but so far we've had no engine issues. if you have an engine issue, you can count on the part needing to be shipped down from the states...read extra importation and shipping expenses.

We had to flat-tow a buddies diesel back to the states a few years back after he toasted the engine.

I would not bring a new diesel here...YOU WILL have issues with quality of the diesel. The new diesel require ultra low sulfur diesel. We barely have low sulfur diesel. the older diesels have no problem burning this fuel.

[Edited on 3-29-2011 by fishabductor]

pigs at the trough

mtgoat666 - 3-29-2011 at 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
In an economy where the public servant hasn't had their wages and benefits steadily eroded I'd be all over that.
My pay package has been eroded to the point where I am making about the same as I was 10 years ago.
10 years ago that was a very comfortable wage and life was pretty fun and, if not easy, certainly we had much more discretionary money.
Today, that dollar buys probably about 60% of what it did then.

It's a pretty rugged world out there for the working class right now.
Just under two years and out.
I don't need the biggest and the best to be happy and I am not wasting my finite life waiting for this economy to turn around.

the problem with local san diego governments is bloated compensation and pensions for public sector workers. the complaints of pigs at the trough are ridiculous -- your piq squeels are why i vote for anyone and anything that will strip public sector wages and pensions in local san diego govt.

Doug/Vamonos - 3-29-2011 at 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug/Vamonos
Hot dang! Does you buddy have a hot wife or daughter? Love me some new neighbors!

Not anymore....why, you looking!?

Only when they don't see me!?!?

Doug/Vamonos - 4-1-2011 at 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

I thought I'd give this a few days to see what developed before chiming in with my 2 cents from my own PERS retirement. Gotta hand it to you Frank, you are exercising a huge amount of self control.

CDB - 4-1-2011 at 09:01 AM

From diesel to public employee wages. That is quite the morph.

Bajafun777 - 4-1-2011 at 04:14 PM

OK, if you do not currently have a diesel engine truck then your shopping may have some more thought here. Do not get a Chevy as the mechanics in Mexico do not have the know-how to work on duramax diesel but on cummings your in the house with plenty.
Next, if you find a good used diesel truck with a lot of miles but still running at a cheap price then check out MJM engines in Escondido. You can get the engine redone for about $4,700 dollars and will a warranty of 3 years. They say you will go over 100,000 miles without any problems that is how confident they are with their work. I know for some this may sound like a lot but a new diesel will set you back at least $47,000 if a crewcab. Just a thought to run in your mine go check them out as I just had them do my jeep engine that I replaced a 4 cylinder with a 6 cylinder. The warranty is what I also appreciated. Take Care & Travel Safe--"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

woody with a view - 4-2-2011 at 05:57 PM

or just get a low mileage 2006 tundra and forget your worries.....

:lol:

fishingmako - 4-9-2011 at 03:36 PM

Two things here on Diesels, I have a 2004 6.0 350 CREW CAB. I have had some problems, that were all taken care of on their RE-CALL, since then no problems, but 6.0 liter is notorious for INJECTORS..TRANSMISSION...TURBO.

I was smart enough to buy a 7 year 100,000 warranty, well I'm approaching the 7 years and a long way from the 100,000 miles.. so tahnk God I remembered just recently that my Warranty would be up very soon, so I contacted a few places on another warranty, no problem, what happens with these warranties, as your Truck or? gets more miles the warranty will loose its years, in other words my truck has 48000miles so that puts me in a group of 40-60000 mile owners at a relatively good price, when you figure the cost to repair ANY DIESEL as you know it can be costly, so why not have piece of mind and get a warranty.

The other thing I wanted to mention especially people living or visiting San Diego is the RED DIESEL being sold in Lakeside, It is $2.50/Gallon and is great stuff, it is suppose to be for FARM EQUIPMENT there is no TAX. I have just learned this from some friends that have been using it...NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.

Roberto - 4-9-2011 at 06:29 PM

Red Dye Diesel will cause no problems because it is the SAME fuel as sold for street use with ... RED DYE. The purpose of course, is to stain the filter and allow inspectors to determine if it's been used illegally.

Unless your friends own farm equipment, the owners of the station where they buy it are headed for BIG trouble. They are supposed to check and cannot pump directly into street vehicles. So if you don't show up with a tractor, you better have some kind of tank to pump it into. $2.50/gallon sounds low, as this is fuel that is absent of all road taxes. I don't think there are $1.80 of taxes on each gallon of fuel (yet), but I could be mistaken.

On my truck, I have to tanks totalling 95 gallons and I have an additional 100 gallon tank that I can put in the bed. I drive down to Tijuana and fill up. I save $1.20+ per gallon and have 200 gallons to tool around in. That's a decent supply and last a while. Stops being worth it around $3.00/gallon.

IMO a truck like a Dodge 2500 Cummins or a Ford F350 7.3 is exactly the right choice. As good as Tacomas are, they are toys compared to what a Dodge or Ford can do. These trucks can tow 12,000+ lbs, all while carrying 2,000 lbs plus and a family size load in the cab.

Multiple trips to Bahia with me, my wife 2 kids, 2 dogs, my mother, huge loads of lumber and a BIG boat or trailer behind us have left no doubt. Try THAT with a Tacoma. My Ford has been doing it for the last 180K miles.

The Ford has the best cab. The Dodge has the best engine, but, the cab is too small for two kids and a dog, IMO. Get the Ford, make sure it's ok, and treat it right.

Frank is moving, but not clear where/how/what, etc. He's going to need carrying capacity and ability to do ALL sorts of stuff.

[Edited on 4-10-2011 by Roberto]

Good times with Autos

beercan - 4-9-2011 at 08:40 PM

Patch,

I don't understand the problems all the folks are telling you about Automatics transmissions---I bought our first Powerstroke in '96 , F-250 with all the extras,I still have and drive the truck today with over 250,000 miles--runs great never a problem with engine or tranny , except 2 cam position things. I have pulled up to 16,000 # with that truck. Since then, I have bought eight more F-250's thru 2003. All except two are diesels. One '99 we sold is being driven by an electrician and he says he has 450,000 miles. Most of them have been used for work (contracting) and all have the original transmissions ! With many lousy drivers.

If you are looking for a used one, I suggest you keep a word and eye around the Departments. When I was on the Job, I mentioned one day that I wanted to sell my truck and the next morning at shift change, the Captain relieving had his checkbook and said he wanted it ---

The next time I said I wanted to sell another truck,(3 years later) the phone rang at the station that night and another Captain at home asked when could he pick it up ? Most of us Firefighters took extra good care of our vehicles and most of the others knew that I really did--- one of my C-shift jobs was vehicle fleet maintenance. The big secret is proper maintenance !!

fishingmako - 4-10-2011 at 11:39 AM

Yea my friend said he went to get the RED DIESEL and a Hwy Patrol Motorcycle Cop was sort of hiding, I guess they carry a stick and check to see if the fuel is Red, the trick is as you said put it into containers and it is a safer bet...Come on now good stuff at $2.50/ Gal

mtgoat666 - 4-10-2011 at 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
The other thing I wanted to mention especially people living or visiting San Diego is the RED DIESEL being sold in Lakeside, It is $2.50/Gallon and is great stuff, it is suppose to be for FARM EQUIPMENT there is no TAX. I have just learned this from some friends that have been using it...NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.

well, lakeside has a lot of citizens that are dumb enough to sell red dye diesel and publicize it on the web.

felony tax evasion -- fines and prison time are large.

but would be a good way to improve gene pool and clear out dead wood in lakeside/klantee area.

Doug/Vamonos - 4-10-2011 at 08:27 PM

Poor little 6.0s get so much disrespect...

I've had two and my friends have had several. One guy did develop problems but he also towed a loaded 35' 5th wheel 80mph over Cajon. I love mine. But I will eventually spend some money to replace the oil cooler and egr to prevent future troubles. And I love the 5R110 trans, especially when towing.

fishingmako - 4-11-2011 at 11:19 AM

No Doug, I love mine very much, I am going to get a new WARRANTY and I will feel safe, I won't part with it, It doesn't take brain surgery to figure outlying cost VS raepair especially with a Warranty.

A diesel wil run and run and run and keep on running, most Gas engines are good for 100,000 plus a bit. now divide that into 400,000miles +++ tell me do you think you may be able to pay for a bit of repair??

fishingmako - 4-12-2011 at 07:20 PM

Don, the Diesel is on ?? sorry for got the name of the Main St. but across from the Rock Quarry in Santee only one Rock Quarry.

Here is the deal you have to have containers, can't go directly into the Tank, where are you coming up with these prices?

Make sure you lok to see if the Hwy Patrol on his Motorcycle is not there, he has a stick to check your fuel color...Good Luck, but if it is in containers a different story.

brewer - 4-12-2011 at 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
soulpatch...get a new one...end the pain

what did you work your entire life for...repairs?

That's a good question.

In an economy where the public servant hasn't had their wages and benefits steadily eroded I'd be all over that.
My pay package has been eroded to the point where I am making about the same as I was 10 years ago.
10 years ago that was a very comfortable wage and life was pretty fun and, if not easy, certainly we had much more discretionary money.
Today, that dollar buys probably about 60% of what it did then.

It's a pretty rugged world out there for the working class right now.
Just under two years and out.
I don't need the biggest and the best to be happy and I am not wasting my finite life waiting for this economy to turn around.

How true brother, I'm on San Diego City. They want to take my retirement away. They would if they could. Retiring in Baja is what I'm thinking. 1 year eight months until I drop. Hey, I homebrew too if you need any help getting started.

[Edited on 4-13-2011 by telebrewer]