Diesel Engines Forgotten Treasures
There are very few engine configurations that promise increased fuel economy and power. There are few engines that offer this in addition to reliability. Today, those across the ocean are enjoying the fruits of diesel technology revolution.
Diesels have experienced a great history here in the United States. In 1980, General Motors modified their 350ci gas V8 to run on diesel fuel. The result however, wasn't that god. These engines offered better fuel economy but little else. They were very slow, and not very reliable.
Mercedes Benz on the other hand, had better luck in the 1980s with an array of vehicles available with diesel engines. These great vehicles offered amazing durability although they were rough, noisy, and smoked quite a bit. Volkswagon offered diesel as well, although they had a habit for spewing blue smoke from the tail pipe.
Throughout the 90s, Benz and Volkwagon offered diesel vehicles in the United States, with each generation becoming cleaner, smoother, and more powerful than the last. Overall, they were a tough sell as they still lacked the horsepower that many were seeking.
Today, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Volkswagon, Ford, and many other manufacturers are offering diesels to many markets throughout the world. To put it simple, forget everything you know or think you know about diesel engines in the United States.
These newer engines benefit from hundreds of technical innovations. There are several diesels in Europe that offer better acceleration than their gasoline counter parts. BMW's 120d has 163bhp, goes 0 - 60 in under 8 seconds, and achieves 49.6 miles per gallon.
Benz offers the C320 CDI SE that has 224bhp, and over 360 lb foot of torque. This car gets just under 48 mpg on the highway, with an acceleration of 0 - 60 in under 7 seconds. Throughout North America, you won't find a gasoline engine that offers this unique blend of fuel economy and excellent performance.
The reason why diesels haven't caught on in North America comes down to one word - sulfur. We have too much sulfur in the diesel here in the United States. This cheap grade of diesel fuel will run havoc on the more sophisticated diesels offered overseas and cause an increase in emissions.
There is hope however, as refiners will soon be producing what is known as ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. This will help to reduce the sulfur content from 500ppm to 15ppm.
More Articles
Diesel Engines And Well Known Gas
Related Products And FREE Videos
More Articles
... years. If the temperature drops below 10 degrees, a block heater is something you should have. This will ensure starting in cold weather, especially with the heavy grade of oil that a diesel engine requires. If you take care of your diesel vehicle, you can count on it to be around for years to come. Unlike ...
... they have less parts than that of a gasoline powered engine. The life span of a diesel engine is also much longer. If you're looking for torque, for pulling a boat or other equipment, then the diesel engine has the supreme advantage. Diesel engines are surely slower, especially when starting from a dead ...
... will cost you a bit more, so you'll get more bang for your buck from a gasoline vehicle. The nasty rumors you hear about diesel are true as well - diesel is less refined than gas, or in other terms it's dirtier. Diesel vehicles also emit more particulate matter and NOx, both of which are serious health ...
Diesel Versus Spark Engine Ignition
... which don't atomize the fuel sufficiently enough, or a faulty management system that allows more fuel to be injected that can then be burned with the available air. For commercial use that requires towing, diesel engines tend to have more desirable torque. Diesel engines tend to have their torque peak ...
Diesel Engines And Well Known Gas
... more smoke and smell very funny when compared to gasoline engines. 6. They are harder to start in cold weather and if they contain glow plugs, the diesel engines may require you to wait before you start the engine so that the glow plugs can heat up. 7. Diesel engines are much noisier than gas engines ...