ORIGINAL: ob1n
Let me use a common example.....at least, for us in North America. General Motors 6.2 liter diesel. I know of engines that are still going today......500,000 miles strong. Yet, they are very simple. A "converted" V8 which now has a gear drive for accurate cam timing, high compression heads, glow plugs and......that's right, an injection PUMP!
GM never had a "coverted" engine. The 5.7 was designed as a Diesel using gasser accessories and bolt patterns, it's terrible problems lead to it earning a reputation of being a converted gasser, NOT! The 6.2 couldn't be farther from a converted engine. It was designed from the ground up by the then Detroit Diesel Division of GM as a light duty diesel. The 6.2 was never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever related to a gasser at all. The 5.7 shared accessories and bolt patterns.