I am a master diesel mechanic by trade and currently own a shop. “Old diesels” yes, new diesels not all of them. Many do now have computerized engine management systems just like gas engines do. That’s how they are getting 8 MPG in the new semi trucks loaded at 80k pounds at 75 MPH. But with some minimal mechanical refitting including the starting circuit any diesel could be made to run. :)
Thanks for the correction.
Would love to spend a day hip deep in a big truck engine.