Woah, I couldn't believe it myself, until I watched this!
Array
Diesel News
Can starting a diesel vehicle in the winter damage the engine? How cold is too cold?
I live in Ohio and I have a 1985 Chevy Diesel pickup. The problem is that I need to leave it sit for about 10 hours while I am at work and I will not have the option to plug it in during this time (like I do when it sits at home over night). I've heard that starting a diesel in cold weather can damage the engine if it is not heated. Do I need to be concerned about doing damage to the engine when I start it after work? At what temperature might I have to worry about this? At what temperature does diesel fuel start to jell?
There is no reason to be concerned about starting a diesel engine in the cold. It may be a little more difficult to light it off, but once it is running, it is really no different than a spark ignited engine.
It is true that standard number two diesel fuel will gel at very cold temperatures. However, most diesel fuels today that you buy at your local gas station are blended to match the local weather conditions. As long as you keep th fuel in your tank current, it should not gel. If in doubt, ask at the counter before filling up or add an anti gel agent.
Doctor Ratz
Engineering manager, Engine development
For a major engine manufacturer
How does diesel in a gasoline car effect efficiency?
I've been told that diesel contains 10%-20% more energy per unit volume than gasoline. So what would happen if you were to put diesel fuel in a gasoline engine?
You CANNOT use diesel in a gasoline engine. The damage might be costly. Diesel fuel won't burn like gas using a spark plug. The reason diesel is more energetic is because it combusts under high compression, not by means of a spark plug. The reason for the white smoke that Chris mentioned is because the diesel will not burn completely in a gas engine, making it very inefficient, if the engine were to run at all.
Changing oil in a diesel truck compared to gas?
What is the difference (or what should be done differently) between doing an oil change on an unleaded fuel truck and doing an oil change on a diesel truck. I have done my own oil changes on my 94 Ford 1/2 ton, but I am looking at getting a 97 Ford diesel and I would like to still be able to do my own oil changes. This is my first diesel truck so I have a lot to learn. Also, do they require any other maintenance that my unleaded truck did not? Thanks in advance for the info!
The process is the same, except later model Ford diesels use canister/cartridge filters instead of spin-ons. Rotella from Shell is a highly respected brand of oil for diesel engines.
Diesel engines use glow plugs, not spark plugs, because diesel engines have compression ignition rather than spark ignition.
Would an Old Diesel motor start easier on cold mornings with a few liters of unleaded petrol in it?
Hey guys,
I have an old 84 model diesel ute and im having some trouble starting it on cold mornings.
Was wondering if a few liters of unleaded petrol mixed with the diesel would help solve the problem?
If so would it be doing any damage to the motor?
probably wouldn't help it. probably would hurt it. try a block heater, or allowing the glow plugs to cycle a bit longer.
What is the best type of diesel to use in my Car?
Is there any difference between diesel sold by Tesco’s or BP in relation to mileage and performance of the engine? I know BP do Ultimate Diesel but I don’t know if this is supplied in all stations. My local BP station displays it as BP Diesel.
Thanks in advance.
All diesel is the same, mostly in an area it all comes from the same refinery. What happens is that different additives are added, ie anti waxing in the cold weather.
I have used diesel fuel from many different companies and have never been able to tell the difference and the MPG always remains very similar.
