What makes a diesel last?
08-13-2003, 02:37 PM
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What makes a diesel last?
Sorry up front for the lame questions.
I know diesel engines last 2-3 times longer than gas engines, but nobody has really been able to tell me why. "They just do" is the typical answer I get. I'd also like to understand how the gas mileage is so good, why exactally they make so much noise, and how the emissions compares to gas engines (ie; cleaner burning than gasoline or not).
Again, sorry for such basic questions, and thanks in advance.
John
I know diesel engines last 2-3 times longer than gas engines, but nobody has really been able to tell me why. "They just do" is the typical answer I get. I'd also like to understand how the gas mileage is so good, why exactally they make so much noise, and how the emissions compares to gas engines (ie; cleaner burning than gasoline or not).
Again, sorry for such basic questions, and thanks in advance.
John
08-13-2003, 03:00 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
I know the emissions look worse, but a diesel actually does pollute less than a gas engine. I dont have the numbers right here in front of me but I had to do a research report on this subject in college and I had a number of credible sources that proved it.
As far a diesel lasting longer, I am guessing that because a diesel does not require as many rpms to get the same amount of work done is part of it. Also diesel fuel is not to far from oil so the lubricity is alot greater than gasoline. There are probably more and better explanations for this and there people here with alot more knowledge about this subject than I that will chime in.
As far a diesel lasting longer, I am guessing that because a diesel does not require as many rpms to get the same amount of work done is part of it. Also diesel fuel is not to far from oil so the lubricity is alot greater than gasoline. There are probably more and better explanations for this and there people here with alot more knowledge about this subject than I that will chime in.
08-13-2003, 03:22 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
these are just my 2 cents
diesel fuel lubricated the cylinder walls better cause it's so oily
most diesels seldom see hi rpms and spend most of their lives at low rpms ( I do believe this is why "newer" gas engines seem to last so much longer than in the past ....since overdrive tranny's have become the norm they also cruise at lower rpms)
diesel engines are usually built from the ground up to have a long life since they're usually used in high milage applications, such as tractor trailers and such hence the internals are usually heavier than a light duty gas engine
diesel fuel has more BTU's(energy) per lb in it than gasoline so you need less to do the same work
they put more visable particles out the tail pipe, but they put out less harmfull emisions than a gas engine
I also believe the diesel spec oil is better stuff than other cheaper oils (my dad's friend has always used esso xd3 in his cars .....his dodge colt has 400,000km on it.....still runs fine)
diesel fuel lubricated the cylinder walls better cause it's so oily
most diesels seldom see hi rpms and spend most of their lives at low rpms ( I do believe this is why "newer" gas engines seem to last so much longer than in the past ....since overdrive tranny's have become the norm they also cruise at lower rpms)
diesel engines are usually built from the ground up to have a long life since they're usually used in high milage applications, such as tractor trailers and such hence the internals are usually heavier than a light duty gas engine
diesel fuel has more BTU's(energy) per lb in it than gasoline so you need less to do the same work
they put more visable particles out the tail pipe, but they put out less harmfull emisions than a gas engine
I also believe the diesel spec oil is better stuff than other cheaper oils (my dad's friend has always used esso xd3 in his cars .....his dodge colt has 400,000km on it.....still runs fine)
08-13-2003, 03:49 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
Thanks. I understand BTU values really well, so that makes perfect sense to me. Does anyone know what the duty cycle of the Cummins HO fuel injector is? My Honda injectors are roughly 220 cc/min, so I'm wondering how close the diesel injectors are.
The lubricity item is another good point. But where does the noise come from?
John
The lubricity item is another good point. But where does the noise come from?
John
08-13-2003, 03:56 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
the noise comes from the type of fuel rail used and the injection pump...this was changed on the newer ones and now there quiet (please dont ask y the inj. pump is noisy, im tryn to sound smart 
)
)
08-13-2003, 03:58 PM
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Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
Re:What makes a diesel last?
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08-13-2003, 04:00 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
Some of the noise is from the injection pump changing pressures from 15 psi to around 20,000 psi 2,000 times a minute, and squirting it through metalic fuel lines to the injectors. 
08-13-2003, 04:00 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
The dealer told me that they last longer because of the extra five grand I paid. He thought that was a seller for me.
In reality, I just bought it so people will like me...
In reality, I just bought it so people will like me...
08-13-2003, 04:01 PM
#10
Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
Re:What makes a diesel last?
08-13-2003, 04:03 PM
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Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
Re:What makes a diesel last?
[quote author=pepperoni link=board=8;threadid=18358;start=0#msg172107 date=1060807776]But where does the noise come from?[/quote]
Just consider that one of the many bonuses of owning a diesel powered pickup. That and the wonderful aroma of diesel exhaust in the morning...
Just consider that one of the many bonuses of owning a diesel powered pickup. That and the wonderful aroma of diesel exhaust in the morning...
08-13-2003, 04:35 PM
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
Does Ford own Cummins?
No, Ford does not own any part of Cummins Inc.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
This is the last question on Cummins website.
08-13-2003, 04:53 PM
#13
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Re:What makes a diesel last?
Don't forget this reason as well.
(since they are all diesel rods, think of gassers as even smaller)
Heftier parts, and less moving parts on a Diesel than a Gasoline engine.
phox
(since they are all diesel rods, think of gassers as even smaller)
Heftier parts, and less moving parts on a Diesel than a Gasoline engine.
phox
