IS DIESEL BETTER THAN UNLEADED? - READ ONLY

43 messages,  Last post on Jul 05, 2005 at 1:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford F-350, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, Fuel System, Diesel, Truck

#34 of 43 Re: Diesel engines [john500] by gagrice

May 25, 2005 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: john500 (May 25, 2005 1:35 pm)
I am pretty sure the new Honda diesel is an aluminum block. Not sure about VW & MB diesels.

#35 of 43 Re: Diesel engines [john500] by kcram HOST

May 25, 2005 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: john500 (May 25, 2005 1:35 pm)
Aluminum is never a great idea for a diesel because it dissipates heat faster than iron. A diesel runs on compression-generated heat, so if that heat is leaving the cylinders quicker, it must be constantly regenerated - meaning the engine will have to work even harder just to burn its fuel.
 
For full-size pickup trucks, the weight of an iron diesel is not that big a deal. The Cummins and Powerstroke are all-iron, the Duramax (and Jeep Liberty diesel) is iron block and alum heads.
 
kcram - Pickups Host

#36 of 43 Re: Diesel engines [kcram] by mullins87

May 27, 2005 (6:27 am)

Replying to: kcram (May 25, 2005 5:58 pm)
"kc" has a good point there. Heat is an absolute necessity in a diesel engine. When the cylinder temps drop below a certain point, all combustion will stop. I can point you to at least one guy who had his engine shut down due to low cylinder temps. He was descending a long grade, foot completely off the accelerator. He just happened to glance at his exhaust temp gauge and noticed it was below 200*. He had never seen it that low and really didn't think much of it, but kept watching it anyway just to see how low it would go. It kept going down to around 160* where the engine shut down just like he had turned off the key. The truck had an auto tranny, so when it died, the torque convertor unlocked and he lost all power steering and brakes. We all know you can still turn and stop, but he said it was all he could do to stop the rig. He said he was literally standing on the brake pedal with both feet just to slow down. If it hadn't been for the electric trailer brakes doing most of the stopping, he had to work those manually, he doesn't know what would have happened.

#37 of 43 Re: Diesel engines [kcram] by gagrice

May 27, 2005 (8:41 am)

Replying to: kcram (May 25, 2005 5:58 pm)
It will be interesting to see how these hold up being all aluminum. They tested them pretty hard in the high speed trials. That is different than starting and stopping on a cold winter's day..
 
The all-aluminium i-CTDi employs second-generation common-rail technology to provide further advances in fuel efficiency and refinement. It also features a turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. It will fully comply with Euro 4 emissions standards. In short, it will deliver smooth, refined, high performance motoring, matched with frugality and particularly low emissions, perfectly complementing the character of the new Accord range.

#38 of 43 2005 3500 Chevy Single Cab Chassis by kx_dad

May 29, 2005 (9:41 pm)

I have an opportunity to buy an automatic 2005 Chevy 3500 gasoline model. Brand new. for $23,000. I want a diesel, but am having a hard time passing up this truck. My plans are to put a flatbed on this truck, and will probably pull a 24 foot dual tandem gooseneck.
My quedtion: Will I be happy with this truck for the price, or will I regret not getting a diesel truck?

#39 of 43 diesel trucks which is better and miles per gallon by hendrix24

May 29, 2005 (10:11 pm)

hey everyone i am looking to buy a new diesel either chevy or dodge, please help me in informing me the pros and cons of each plus what can i expect to get miles per gallon when my driving habit is easily 80% highway and 20% 35-45 miles per hour speed limit in city driving, hope everything is alright and hope everyone is able to get there opinion accross

#40 of 43 Re: 2005 3500 Chevy Single Cab Chassis [kx_dad] by gagrice

May 30, 2005 (7:12 am)

Replying to: kx_dad (May 29, 2005 9:41 pm)
If I was towing a trailer that size on a regular basis, I would go diesel for sure. If you only tow it once in a while the gas will do fine. It is so much easier to tow with a diesel engine torque. They do cost a lot more and rarely do you get the rebates offered on the gas trucks. My brother-in-law just made that choice. He saved the $7000 premium and got the Dodge Hemi. He only tows once a year to Bonneville and could live with the gas engine for that trip.

#41 of 43 Re: Diesel engines [john500] by flr

Jun 01, 2005 (9:53 am)

Replying to: john500 (May 25, 2005 1:35 pm)
The following Al block diesel engines were available in Europe as of 2004. I don't think heat retention is a problem for passenger diesel. They run much hotter than truck diesels.
 
VW V10
VW I5
Volvo I5
PSA-Ford Duratorq 1.4 and 1.6
DaimlerChrysler 1.7 liter (Mercedes A klasse)

#42 of 43 Re: ~IS DESIEL BETTER THAN UNLEDED?~ [pusterracing] by lins21

Jul 01, 2005 (12:43 pm)

Replying to: pusterracing (Mar 30, 2005 6:31 am)
I'm new to this forum, and you seem to be the knowledgeable one for newcomers like me. I'm trying to figure out which truck I want to get... I'm 98% sure I'll be goin with a desiel, but which one...I'm really thinkin about the f-350. got any suggestions or comments?? mostly for everyday use but hauling two bikes and possibly a boat later on down the road. come on help a girl out, thanks~

#43 of 43 by Sylvia

Jul 05, 2005 (1:22 pm)

A reporter would like to interview diesel passenger car and pick-up owners and Southern California residents who'd like to buy a diesel passenger car but can't because new ones aren't sold in California. Please respond to jfallonedmunds.com by Thursday, July 14, 2005 with your daytime contact info, vehicle year/make/model and city/state of residence, and put the word “diesel” in the subject line.

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