I'm a Master Mechanic! Ask me anything!

it always has been

Sounds like your fuel pump is what you're listening for, maybe a bad relay? I'm a novice though...

Why are diesel mechanics a dying breed......hard to find good ones and the ones you do find are a hole prima donnas

get a stethoscope and try to find where the sound is coming from.
thats a stumper

2004 Mercedes SLK 'Start Error'

if you're not sure of the firing order check it manually with the valve covers off. The rotor in the distributor should be pointing to the spark plug wire that goes to the cylinder on which both valves are closed. If it isn't, simply unplug the wire from the spark plug and route it to the right one. Once you get the firing order correct have someone crank the engine while you turn the distributor slowly through it's adjustment range until it starts, then use a timing light too get it perfect. There should be timing mark on the harmonic balance or front crankshaft pulley and a marking on the block to line it up with. if the timing keeps changing even though you're not turning the distributor replace the timing chain, it's stretched

I even got desperate and changed the timing order to the old Ford V8 timing order but no matter what we try we get fire back up through the manifold in the carburetor

Your distributor is 180 degrees off. Been there, done that.

I appreciate the input I really do but I've already tried that

AC 78237507 has already dominated me.. You mean he hasn't demonstrated his superiority by fixing your problem? This is his thread now! 40 years experience!

You're a good mechanic and you know that. I found the best way to deal with people like that is just to ignore them

Thank you. I'm just screwing with him. Sometimes you have to give them what they're asking for.

Now, did you replace the harmonic balancer?

Yes Sir

An EMP strike on a vehicle is an unknown probability. From what I've read anything with an ECU and flash memory will be ruined. Your ideal vehicle would be a mechanical diesel or a points ignition and carbed vehicle. It's unsure how an EMP would effect starters or charging circuits, as they are both copper wound devices susceptible to induction by an EMP. An ignition coil, by it's nature of induction should mitigate an EMP by merely providing a spark.

CF,

Can that ball joint be 'greased,' or do I need to replace it?

The Machinist even balanced the crankshaft with the new flywheel which is a standard 4 speed in my Ford F-350

I nominate this for the best question of the night.

I will not even mention where my sick mind went.

I love car-part! I use them all the time. LKQ is another option for used parts.

CF,

Can that ball joint be 'greased,' or do I need to replace it?

I put on a brand new timing chain and all the pumps are new everything is new even the crankshaft I appreciate everything you've done

Hey OP, one more question on that 92 Subie Legacy Wagon. I know the transmission is shot, but when I turn the wheel left or right and try to accelerate the car "sticks" and the wheels are no longer "free spinning." It'll lurch (like the axle is stuck or something) until I straighten out the wheels and then it moves forward smoothly again. Is that the transmission or is there and issue with something else maybe?

Now, when you get time, find #1 cylinder, take the plug out and using a coat hanger or long skinny screw driver drop it in the cylinder until it hits the piston. Turn the engine over by hand until the rod/screwdriver stops coming up. Find the very top of the piston travel and check your balancer's timing mark with the pointer on the timing cover. It should be right on. Then take the cap off the distributor. The rotor tip should be pointing at #1 tower.