Keith – From the lack of understanding of basic diesel systems and therefore basic questions, I have come to the conculsion that nobody runs any training courses on Diesel Systems……………….How did WHICH MAGAZINE found it so easy to find ammunition?

I think that’s a point well made Keith. It doesn’t just apply to diesel systems but to all. We all regularly see examples of mechanics working on systems that they are not equipped for. Its wrong but as long as people get away with it its not going to change and the trade will not improve its perceived lack of professionalism. Its not a lack of available training but a lack of desire to learn on the part of some people.

Peter - That's why I think we need to cut some members a bit of slack, even I struggle with diesel systems, and probably to old to learn most of the new stuff coming along and retain it . I would like to think that members like yourself can be mentors rather than put downers

I would agree on the idea of mentors Peter but it not possible to help people who won’t make an effort to help themselves. I often read a post here that lacks enough detail to help, so don’t bother. I have in the past gone to the trouble of spending time to PDF some info/data and email it to someone who doesn’t even reply.
I would suggest that the early UKAT archives should be required reading for every member to show what can be achieved with some quality posting and a bit of effort.

What would be good, and I am not sure if there are any already out there, is to have someone who works or mentors in diesel systems to create some Flow Charts (from real life/workshop experience) for different scenarios as mentioned above. The biggest problem is knowing where to start, as we know codes help but that's only the beginning

I don’t think flow charts are the way forward. Any I have seen, usually in factory manuals, seem to be designed to guide a tech who is suffering a lack of understanding of the system. With good knowledge of the system being worked on there is no need for a flow chart.

I am not talking "Silver Bullet" bulletins, but to give diagnostic guidance and thought process to your problem (in the right order), will also help you learn and understand the systems as you go

I love silver bullets. They definitely have a place but only in conjunction with the required knowledge to shoot them properly. An insight from someone with good product knowledge can be very helpful and if discussed can lead to a learning experience as well. They also save time in the workshop and so can be very profitable.