Is Diesel the High Tech Way to Higher Fuel Economy?

[Bruce Levinson]

Gas-electric hybrid vehicles have been getting plenty of press and automotive R&D dollars. Diesel, by contrast, is usually seen as an old- fashioned, high pollution power source. However, advanced diesel technologies could offer a practical way to significantly increase fuel economy at relatively affordable prices.

A recent CNN story noted that "While Ford, GM and Chrysler all are developing gas-electric hybrids, engineers also are studying the possibility of expanding their diesel offerings." The story quotes an automotive engineer as stating, "What we call the modern diesel is a lot different from what most consumers know about. We think the North American public would really like diesel vehicles if they experienced them."

Already popular in Europe, its time diesel got renewed respect in the US.

Read CNN story

[seniorbigs]

Have you driven a VW TDI? Mileage and great power. The technology exists. Jeep was going to import a high tech v6 diesel, but I think lack of interest has killed it.

[Jetts]

diesel gas costs more then unleaded at my work

[Blazing Rice]

Originally Posted by Jetts

diesel gas costs more then unleaded at my work

But most diesel cars will get much better fuel economy. Imagine, a Hummer H2 gets about 9 mpg with the gas powered 6.0 Vortec motor. If they were to put the Duramax diesel motor that comes with the 1 ton trucks, I bet that truck could see 20 mpg easily. Europeans like diesels because of the high cost of fuel here, plus diesel motors last longer than gasoline motors. The diesel motors in late model Dodge pickups (Cummins 5.9 6 cylinder) have been known to go 300,000+ miles before requiring any major overhaul. Name one gasoline domsetic motor that could do that!

[bestoil]

last time i talked to jeep dealer about diesel liberty said some time next your. when you look at all the facts diesel is much better then gas and cleaner too . i know thats going to get evos going

[bestoil]

oh yaeh also read about a diesel motorcycle for the milatary usa and england thats in tests gets 100 mpg i want one loook at dieselmotorcycle.com me thinks

[Franko914]

Until technology and/or innovation can improve the mechanical/heat energy output of the 14.1 air-to-gasoline stoichiometric ratio, diesel is still the way to go.

With the common rail systems of today's diesel engines, using piezo injector setups borrowed from matured ink jet/bubble jet printer technology, the air-to-diesel ratio (anywhere from 15:1 to 150:1 and above) is where room exists for maximizing energy output while decreasing air pollution (especially with low sulphur diesel coming over the horizon). Exotic materials to decrease diesel engine component and overall enging weight will help increase the power-to-weight ratio. Improvements in forced induction systems and maturation of nitrous or propane injection systems will also provide a boost (no pun intended) in this regard.

Congress just needs to clamp down on Big Oil and provide incentives to the Big Three to help spur further development and production of diesel engine technology for passenger vehicles. Alas, once diesel vehicles become even more popular, diesel fuel will continue to increase in price at the pump.

[bestoil]

the bigest problem is not fuel or the induction system it is the people who dont understand diesels or as they pee uuuu that stuff sticks or they make to much noise and at other times i can understand the noise problem of some diesels . but what can they do but grow to love them as we smart ones have taaaa daaa. thanks for letting me ramble on .

[mrrob]

I know lots of people using this, is a combination of Used Cooking Oil and Diesel, in Toronto the TTC is testing it on about 150 of their buses, so if your behind a truck and you smell (French Frys)!, it's probably using this alternative fuel. It burns much cleaner the regular Diesel.

Another fuel alternative!

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect...

[bestoil]

I'll Follow That Bus Any Where

[Franko914]

Hello mrrob,

You mean "Freedom" fries, right? Anyhow, pure cooking oil has something like 10% less energy content than diesel -- it would still be more fuel efficient than a petrol burner.

[Jimster]

Originally Posted by Franko914

Hello mrrob,

You mean "Freedom" fries, right? Anyhow, pure cooking oil has something like 10% less energy content than diesel -- it would still be more fuel efficient than a petrol burner.

But I can tell you that diesel is definitely the way of the future. BMW, Peugeot/Citroen, Renault, Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda/SEAT, FIAT/Alfa Romeo, Honda, Toyota and Mercedes Benz all offer fantastically popular turbo diesel/NA diesel engines for thier cars which are usually just as refined as most Petrol motors, but get MUCH better mileage (As high as 60 Urban MPG in the real cheapies).

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by Blazing Rice

The diesel motors in late model Dodge pickups (Cummins 5.9 6 cylinder) have been known to go 300,000+ miles before requiring any major overhaul. Name one gasoline domsetic motor that could do that!

Many S-10 owners have seen 300,000 miles. My friends uncle has almost 500,000 miles on his 4.3L. I think the diesels can go MUCH longer than that. Most of the reason diesels are better for longetivity is the relative ease of rebuilding. The diesel engines in semis can go 1,000,000 miles, although that's almost entirely highway.

[OverBoardProject]

Originally Posted by mrrob

I know lots of people using this, is a combination of Used Cooking Oil and Diesel, in Toronto the TTC is testing it on about 150 of their buses, so if your behind a truck and you smell (French Frys)!, it's probably using this alternative fuel. It burns much cleaner the regular Diesel.

Another fuel alternative!

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect...

I know that your right Mr. Rob.

I've seen some conversions and it's as simple as installing a boat gas tank, with another re-useable fuel filter and a in-line fuel heater.

The future problem with this setup is that in the UK they are already busting people that do this and charging them BIG TIME. How long before they do that here?

If I lived where I could get a steady supply of used cooking oil I'd sure take the risk until they do bust people here.

[Cait Sith Cat]

Originally Posted by Blazing Rice

... plus diesel motors last longer than gasoline motors. The diesel motors in late model Dodge pickups (Cummins 5.9 6 cylinder) have been known to go 300,000+ miles before requiring any major overhaul. Name one gasoline domsetic motor that could do that!

Ford I-6

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