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Dave's Auto Center traces a troubled 7.3 to worn rings

New technician DQ's first encounter with the engine becomes a lesson in why a fixed oil leak isn't necessarily a fixed truck.

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Dave's Auto Center Story of October 28, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? 971,240 views so far, and here is what is inside it.

We Gave Our New Mechanic a 7.3 Nobody Could Fix

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2:27Previous invoices list replaced injectors, an alternator and sensors, but the truck still runs poorly.
13:09The leaking injection control pressure sensor has silicone sealant and a damaged, incorrect O-ring.
20:00Glow plug relay voltage checks lead the team further into the truck's starting-system problems.
36:08Compression results identify cylinder four as weak, measuring 240 psi.
39:46Smoke escaping into the crankcase points to worn piston rings rather than a valve fault.
46:05Dave says the owner has approved an engine replacement, leaving DQ with his first 7.3 swap.

Dave's Auto Center hands new technician DQ a Ford diesel with a long repair history and a problem that still hasn't gone away. Dave says its owner has already spent around $12,000 at other shops. DQ has seen a 7.3 Power Stroke before, but hasn't worked on one.

The assignment in "We Gave Our New Mechanic a 7.3 Nobody Could Fix" is to start with tests, not another shopping list of parts. Alongside Dave and longtime lead technician Tyson, DQ traces a visible oil leak to the injection control pressure sensor. Removing it reveals silicone sealant and a damaged, incorrect O-ring. A properly fitted replacement stops that leak.

But the smoky, rough-running engine has more to tell them. Electrical checks lead into damaged wiring and broken glow plug connectors, then compression testing exposes the deeper problem: one cylinder measures just 240 psi.

A smoke test helps locate the escape route. Smoke pours into the crankcase, pointing the team toward worn piston rings rather than a valve problem. That distinction matters: repairing the cylinder head wouldn't address the fault they've found. By the end, Dave tells DQ the owner has approved an engine replacement, giving the new arrival his first 7.3 swap.

"Quit guessing on vehicles, guys. There is ways to figure this out," Dave says. The episode follows that argument from a small seal to an engine-level decision. It also contains a sponsored drink segment.

In the comments, viewers repeatedly single out DQ's ease in front of the camera alongside his electrical knowledge. One even turns his initials into a workshop credential: Diesel Qualified.

Published on Trari

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What viewers say

Didn't see him break a sweat. Cool and confident. DQ=Diesel Qualified.
@troycarothers8254See it on YouTube
I love how comfortable DQ is in front of the camera. Congrats on the new job dude!
@border411See it on YouTube
I like your new guy, DQ, he understands electricity, and is familiar with values that are normal. Fewer and fewer people understand electricity anymore... He has got my vote!
He also speaks well to the camera, communication is important.
@dcbacon1See it on YouTube

5 more comments

DQ looks and sounds like he knows his stuff and has an eye for detail. Great job DQ!
@shawnriley8909See it on YouTube
DQ is a natural. I mean under the hood and his on camera stuff. Can’t wait to see more of him for many, many years to come.
@justin1321See it on YouTube
DQ is a keeper. Has good presence on video as well.
@mp51998See it on YouTube
i like the new guy.
awesome hire.
welcome DQ
@mz-pq6mxSee it on YouTube
DQ, what a great addition to the crew.
@stevenarlieSee it on YouTube