*** Quoting Alec Cameron from a message to MIKE ROSS ***
 AC> for normal diesel engines. Presumably, 200 000 miles or more between
 AC> major checks are done.
 MR> You really don't expect me to believe 200,000 miles is realistic.
AC> I used the word major, to mean examination of innards.
AC> Big fleet operators here use various pathological tests [engine oil 
AC> analysis] to check the health of each engine and figure what has worn 
AC> and how much. Isn't this done in N America?
Oil analysis is usually done regularly.  The lower speed of a diesel engine, 
coupled with regular servicing (oil, filters, etc) and competent operation 
can result in some rather amazing service lives.
100k miles in a year isn't unusual for a truck hauling cross-country freight. 
 A lot of folks don't seem to realize that a professional driver doesn't 
drive in the same manner as Joe Blow going to visit Yellowstone Nat'l park.  
A professional driver tends to push the US limit of 10 hrs./day behind the 
wheel very hard.
Kevin
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