Had a talk with an old diesel mechanic that made me rethink my whole approach to diagnostics

I was working on a 2001 F-250 with a 7.3 Powerstroke last week in my buddy's shop in Phoenix, having a hell of a time tracking down a no-start condition. I had the scan tool hooked up, checking all the sensors and voltages, getting nowhere fast. This old guy named Jerry who's been wrenching since the 70s walks over and asks what I'm doing. I told him about the codes and he just says "forget that, listen to the engine first." He showed me how to check the glow plugs by looking at voltage drop across the battery terminals while cranking, no computer needed. That conversation honestly made me realize I've been skipping the basics and jumping straight to electronics. Now I'm wondering if anyone else has learned a solid trick from a veteran mechanic that you just don't get in modern training courses?

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kai6021mo ago

Listen to the engine first" sounds like something my grandpa would say right before spending three days tracking down a vacuum leak by ear. Old school works until it doesn't, I guess.