>JD> the traditional objections and shortcomings of Diesel engines 
 >JD> are being overcome with newer technology,
 > 
 >RJ> What are those?
 > 
 >         Not able to be repaired by your average D.I.Y. home 
 > mechanic.
Alec,
 Many otherwise-experienced mechanics seem to think that a Diesel engine 
presents a big mystery; this is just plain not true. The lower end of most 
Diesels is identical to most gas engines, the only real difference is in the 
cylinder head. The only exception is the 2-stroke Diesel, like GM/Detroits 
and the exotic stuff as in submarines.
The only thing that a D.I.Y. mechanic can't fool with is the injection pump 
and injector nozzles. Even then he can R&R these things and perform some 
minor repairs. Where many folks go sadly wrong with Diesels is they allow bad 
fuel to enter the system. Not only is the Diesel intolerant of water and 
dirt, contaminants will often cause permanent damage that requires very 
expensive repairs. Costs will take your breath away if you've never 
encountered them before; it's over $700.00 to overhaul the pump for a VW 
Diesel, for instance.
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