diesel vs gasoline

Comparing Diesel to Gasoline Engine - Cost, Efficiency, Mileage and Others

2009-07-18T03:19:00.001-07:00

Which do you think is better? Having a diesel engine or a gasoline engine?

There are so many kinds of vehicles emerging in our generations nowadays. It is important that we know what engine will give us the most satisfaction of owning that certain vehicle. Let us try to dig deeper on the advantages of diesel and gasoline engine.

Diesel engines are first of all, more efficient in contrast to gasoline engine. Why? Simply because you burn less fuel for the same mileage which means that you get great efficiency gain by approximately 20-25% over a petrol engine. This engine also has more torque and do not need spark plugs hence, its electrics is not as complicated as a gasoline engine. What is so amazing about diesel engines is that it will take you a lifetime before it gets damaged. You can even use bio-diesel or simply used and filtered vegetable oil with met oxide. No doubt diesel engines are absolutely more reliable than other kinds of engine.

On the contrary, there are also advantages in using gas engines. Unlike diesel engine, they do not emit more particulate matter (although CO2 is less) than diesel engines. Gas Engines have quiet type of engine compared to diesel engines which are actually noisier. Lastly, these engines have bigger power band which requires more gear changes.

Having said the good points of both engines, there are still other things to consider in arriving at a decision as to what type of engine is better. Things like the cost of fuel which is tremendously increasing everyday not only in our country but all over the world; the engine noise as other people are getting affected and sometimes irritated with the level of noise our engines have; and the weather. One must be able to look at the engine that can withstand extreme and varying weather we have at the moment.

Comparing diesel versus gasoline engine is not really an easy task. Many things have to be given careful thought and consideration before you can arrive at a sound decision. But the best thing one should do to decide which is which is to determine their needs before they go and buy a vehicle.

The amount of money they wish and can actually spend must also be considered. If you want a fast engine, least torque and has great acceleration, you should go for a gas engine.

Nevertheless, if what you are after is strong torque, fuel economy, and great mileage, a diesel engine is what you should buy. Even though diesel engines are more expensive than gas engines; you won't go wrong with this kind of engine because it gives you the greater benefits of the two. At least now, you are able to know the comparisons of diesel vs. gasoline engines.

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Diesel Gas Mileage Compared to Gasoline Miles Per Gallon - Which is the Winner?

2009-07-18T03:18:00.001-07:00

If you're thinking about trading in your car for a new automobile, there are lots of things to think about that we can sometimes forget to take into account one basic choice. Do you plan on gasoline or diesel? If you think a diesel truck is like an old smoky truck you laughed at years ago, then you still haven't recognized that modern diesel vehicles are almost indistinguishable from their gas driven brethren. The diesel gas mileage you get is virtually always improved, you don't see smoke any more, and better engine designs give you more engine power and a smoother ride.

The diesel engine has been given an extreme rethink, and, with proper checks and servicing each year, will provide years of fault-free functionality, while also giving more miles for your dollar. It's interesting to note that European countries are mostly more fuel wise than the USA. Most European cars are diesel driven, not gas driven. In fuel mileage comparisons, diesel almost always beats gas.

Diesel engines have not been as popular in the US because the majority of EU-make cars would not pass US emissions requirements. Of course, by not taking to diesel engines like our European cousins, we are shedding fuel savings we could have enjoyed with diesel. And that's at a time when we're hurting from fuel shortages. Perhaps it is time for a rethink.

Advances in alternative fuels led to the creation of bio diesel fuel, which effectively fixes many of our environmental and fuel supply difficulties. Instead of using crude oil to produce this fuel, the process makes use of organic material, such as sugar cane, sugar beet and corn, to create the bio fuel.

Diesel bio fuel is made by breaking down the above vegetable food crops into short chain methyl or ethyl alcohol, then mixing the liquid with traditional diesel fuel in varying blends or grades. You can even use this alcohol fuel on its own without dramatic changes to your vehicle's motor. Buses and trucks have been successfully running on bio diesel fuel for years with no reported problems.

Diesel engines return 40% more miles per gallon than gas-powered. And though diesel may cost more at the petrol station, those diesel gallons drive you considerably further. So diesel engines can really save you dollars in the long run.

While gasoline-powered cars can rarely manage 40 mpg or more, some diesel cars, such as the diminutive Smart ForFour, manage nearly 70 mpg. The ForFour has a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and has passed the stringent US smoke emissions laws. It is being marketed in the United States by Daimler Chrysler.

But believe it or not, the ForFour is not the all-time-champion for diesel fuel efficiency. The European-made Lupo - manufactured up until 2005 - could wring out a mind-boggling 78 miles per gallon.

The results are in, and diesel gas mileage gives more mpg than gasoline mileage. That's definite.

For further information on diesel gas mileage take a look at http://www.i-save-u-gas.com/diesel-gas-mileage-a-better-choice/ right now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lee

Diesel vs Regular Gasoline - Which is Better for the Environment?

2009-07-18T03:16:00.001-07:00

With the implementation of alternative fuel sources on the minds of many, diesel is now under the microscope more than ever. Although diesel-powered vehicles have been around for a long time, gasoline is still the primary fuel source for most North American vehicles. Why has diesel not been used as a fuel source in more vehicles? Which is better for the environment? These are questions that are being asked more frequently as the search for alternative fuels is weighing heavily on more people's minds.

Gasoline vs. Diesel

It turns out that gasoline is more volatile than diesel, not because of what its base consists of, but because of the additives it contains. In addition, vehicles that use diesel tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce less greenhouse gases. In that respect, diesel is more environmentally friendly. Diesel actually produces 15% more in greenhouse gases than gasoline when compared by the litre rather than the gallon. Yet it is through the 20-40% improvement in fuel economy over gasoline that offsets the higher emissions per litre. In actuality, the carbon dioxide emissions are considerably less than gasoline, but diesel does contain 2,778 grams of carbon per gallon, whereas gasoline contains 2,421 grams per gallon. But, again, it is the fuel economy of diesel that accounts for the smaller rate of carbon emissions.

Then again, diesel fuel contains larger quantities of sulfur. The United States has what is considered to be the dirtiest diesel, but as of June 1, 2010 this is going to be different. U.S. diesel fuel has a lower measure of ignition quality. This means that when it is cold outside, ignition performance is poor and can result in higher emissions. This is why you see truck drivers idling their trucks all night long in cold weather rather than risk a troublesome start in the mornings.

But, the sulfur in the diesel that is emitted during cold ignitions and long engine idling is still harmful to the environment because the sulfurs prevent the control of diesel particulate emissions through diesel particulate filters. This is changing, though, since new advanced technologies such as nitrogen oxide absorbers are being developed to reduce these emissions.

As for gasoline, it is the non-aliphatic hydrocarbons as well as carcinogenic additives that avoid engine-knocking that threaten the public's health and the environment. This exposure happens in the case of gasoline leaks and then, of course, there are the carbon emissions we hear a lot about. Leaks occur when trucks begin leaking the gasoline they are carrying, storage containers are not stored properly, and from motor vehicle leakage. The harmful additives in gasoline can get into groundwater and contaminate public water supplies.

However, Dieselization is becoming a more common use of diesel as a fuel in motor vehicles, although it is determined that both diesel and gasoline have harmful effects on the environment. When we look at the carbon emissions of both, we find that diesel will emit more per gallon (or litre), but when you look at how much you have to fill the fuel tank with diesel versus how much you have to fill with gasoline, you will find that the percentage of emissions is offset for diesel, which can be friendlier on the pocketbook. On the other hand, sulfur is emitted by diesel and diesel does not perform as well in cold weather as gasoline, so until 2010 when diesel is cleaned up, gasoline may be slightly more environmentally friendly than diesel in respect to the emissions from automobiles. As for ground contamination, diesel has an edge over gasoline in keeping our world clean.

Fleet fuel cards are applicable for both gasoline and diesel engines. It's important take the environment into consideration when choosing a vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Murphy

Diesel Versus Gasoline: Why a Diesel Powered Car Might be Your Better Choice

2009-07-18T03:14:00.000-07:00

The word "Diesel" should no longer make you picture semi-trucks, or loud, clunky broken down cars. Diesel over the past twenty years has changed by leaps and bounds and has become more popular now than ever.

If you rode around in a diesel vehicle in the 80's, you are probably screaming "gasoline is better" at the top of your lungs. This is excusable due to the fact that twenty years ago
diesels were extremely loud and unreliable. Luckily for us, technology has come to the rescue in the form of reliability. Diesel cars are now commonly seen running with over 250,000 miles of use. Though gasoline engines can hang in there for quite a long time themselves, getting to the quarter million point, with proper maintenance, is unlikely.

Life expectancy is definitely a plus when comparing diesel and gas cars. What about maintenance? Well, diesel engines don't use an ignition so you have no tune-up costs or worries. They use glow plugs rather than spark plugs which generally need to be changed every two years or so plus or minus a few months depending on the vehicle. As far as oil changes, they work the same as gas engines---change the oil every 3,000 miles and you'll be fine. Fuel and air filters should be changed regularly as needed, of course.

Now, the all important numbers. If we start with upfront costs, the diesel seems more expensive, and a comparison of the same make and model car yields a cost difference of about three
thousand dollars between the diesel and gasoline versions. But is diesel really more expensive? Let's examine the question.

Diesel fuel is almost always cheaper than unleaded gas, and how much cheaper varies of course with rising and falling gas prices. But The cost savings do not stop at the pump; they continue as you drive down the road and by this we are talking fuel economy. The diesel is the king of this domain. With some
diesels getting over 70 mpg, this is by far the best bang for the buck.

So the diesel wins in fuel economy and maintenance. But are there disadvantages to diesel? Well, diesel engines aren't perfect. They can be a little noisier than gas engines, though this small amount of noise usually fades at cruising speed. They also lack a bit in acceleration compared to gas engines.

However, despite these small shortcomings, diesels are certainly becoming more user friendly and more economical and each day more and more people are choosing to go this route. It's even quite possible that one day the majority of our motor vehicles will be diesel powered. However, until then you have the information needed to consider whether or not the diesel will be a contender for your next vehicle purchase.

The author of this article is Tim Moore, who publishes a website on Fibromyalgia which features a section on Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Moore

Diesel vs. Unleaded: The Truth About Fuel Economy

2008-07-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Ahh, you remember it, don't you? Sitting in the back of your family's station wagon as a kid, your father pulls up to the gas pump and a station attendant-an occupation about as extinct as the dinosaurs-came running out with a rag in his hand, leaned into the driver's window and said... "Diesel or unleaded?"

Those days are long gone. And I'm not just referring to the attendant. Nowadays, at least in the U.S., you can expect to find three things at a gas pump: self-serve, pay first, and unleaded gasoline only.

Misconceptions about diesel fuel being "dirtier" than unleaded gas several years ago ultimately led to diesel's obsolescence in the more environmentally progressive United States. Car companies began to manufacture cars that, for the most part, ran on traditional gasoline.

In response, however, steps were taken to improve the cleanliness of diesel and now major car companies have begun to sell diesel-powered vehicles to consumers once again.

In the past, especially in the United States, diesel fuel was considerably dirtier than unleaded gasoline. Vehicles in the United States also tended to be built for traditional gasoline, with the exception of large trucks, buses, and semis. In recent years, however, steps have been taken to improve the cleanliness of diesel fuel through regulation, and many companies have begun selling popular consumer cars that run on diesel fuel.

One such company is Isuzu Motors, known for its popular 5-passenger Ascender SUV, and two models of high-performing pick up trucks (the i-290 and i-370). Isuzu's diesel engines have won a laundry list of awards in past years including "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend Magazine, "Executive Diesel Car of the Year 2002" by Diesel Car Magazine (a publication in the U.K.), "Germany's best small and compact car of the Year 2001" by Mot Magazine (published in Germany), as well as having been named multiple times by Ward's Communications of the U.S. as one of the "10 Best Engines." In addition, Isuzu vehicles were voted the top medium-duty truck brand six times in seven years by truck dealers. Impressive, but not fully convinced that diesel's better? Keep reading...

Diesel fuel actually burns more efficiently than gasoline, thus having a better fuel economy-about 30% more efficient on average. Why?

Diesel is denser than its unleaded competitor. Proponents of gasoline are quick to point out that diesel engines produce more greenhouse emissions, which is true, emissions with diesel are about 15% higher than those of traditional unleaded gas due to higher volumetric energy density. However, the increased fuel efficiency more than offsets the higher percentage, so in the long run, diesels produce less emissions- 15% more per gallon used, but a trip in the good ole family car will use 30% less fuel to get to wherever you're going.

Granted, this wasn't the case with Dad's old wagon. Back then, before the anti-diesel crusade, diesel engines were creating more emissions because they simply weren't efficient. Now, with the modern diesel engine achieving a 20- 40% better fuel economy, it's time to give diesel a second look.

But that's not the only exciting news about diesel. Originally, the diesel engine was created as a way to run vehicles using vegetable oils. While farmers originally couldn't compete with big oil companies, with gas prices soaring, there's been a renewed interest in alternative fuel sources-and food-based diesel fuels can be produced quickly, cheaply, and with the abundance of products grown in our very own country. These "hybrid diesels" also known as "biodiesel" are compatible with existing diesel engines and can also be made from waste oils gathered from restaurants or homes-an alternative that serves several ecological benefits at the same time.

Diesel vs. Regular Gasoline: Which Is Better For The Environment?

2008-07-15T03:00:00.001-07:00

With the implementation of alternative fuel sources on the minds of many, diesel is now under the microscope more than ever. Although diesel-powered vehicles have been around for a long time, gasoline is still the primary fuel source for most North American vehicles. Why has diesel not been used as a fuel source in more vehicles? Which is better for the environment? These are questions that are being asked more frequently as the search for alternative fuels is weighing heavily on more people's minds.

Gasoline vs. Diesel

It turns out that gasoline is more volatile than diesel, not because of what its base consists of, but because of the additives it contains. In addition, vehicles that use diesel tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce less greenhouse gasses. In that respect, diesel is more environmentally friendly. Diesel actually produces 15% more in greenhouse gasses than gasoline when compared by the litre rather than the gallon. Yet it is through the 20-40% improvement in fuel economy over gasoline that offsets the higher emissions per litre. In actuality, the carbon dioxide emissions are considerably less than gasoline, but diesel does contain 2,778 grams of carbon per gallon, whereas gasoline contains 2,421 grams per gallon. But, again, it is the fuel economy of diesel that accounts for the smaller rate of carbon emissions.

Then again, diesel fuel contains larger quantities of sulfur. The United States has what is considered to be the dirtiest diesel, but as of June 1, 2010 this is going to be different. U.S. diesel fuel has a lower measure of ignition quality. This means that when it is cold outside, ignition performance is poor and can result in higher emissions. This is why you see truck drivers idling their trucks all night long in cold weather rather than risk a troublesome start in the mornings.

But, the sulfur in the diesel that is emitted during cold ignitions and long engine idling is still harmful to the environment because the sulfurs prevent the control of diesel particulate emissions through diesel particulate filters. This is changing, though, since new advanced technologies such as nitrogen oxide absorbers are being developed to reduce these emissions.

As for gasoline, it is the non-aliphatic hydrocarbons as well as carcinogenic additives that avoid engine-knocking that threaten the public's health and the environment. This exposure happens in the case of gasoline leaks and then, of course, there are the carbon emissions we hear a lot about. Leaks occur when trucks begin leaking the gasoline they are carrying, storage containers are not stored properly, and from motor vehicle leakage. The harmful additives in gasoline can get into groundwater and contaminate public water supplies.

However, Dieselization is becoming a more common use of diesel as a fuel in motor vehicles, although it is determined that both diesel and gasoline have harmful effects on the environment. When we look at the carbon emissions of both, we find that diesel will emit more per gallon (or litre), but when you look at how much you have to fill the fuel tank with diesel versus how much you have to fill with gasoline, you will find that the percentage of emissions is offset for diesel, which can be friendlier on the pocketbook. On the other hand, sulfur is emitted by diesel and diesel does not perform as well in cold weather as gasoline, so until 2010 when diesel is cleaned up, gasoline may be slightly more environmentally friendly than diesel in respect to the emissions from automobiles. As for ground contamination, diesel has an edge over gasoline in keeping our world clean.

Are Natural Gas Vehicles Safe?

2008-06-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Natural gas is an environmentally clean, plentiful, low-cost, domestically-produced fuel for motor vehicles. But is it a safe fuel? Any automobile fuel can be dangerous if handled improperly. Fuels contain energy which must be released by burning. Gasoline is a potentially dangerous fuel, but, over time, we have learned to use it safely. The same is true of natural gas. Natural gas safely generates our electricity, heats our homes and cooks our meals. But, like gasoline, natural gas must be understood and respected to be used safely.

Natural gas is a naturally occurring fuel which requires very little processing before use. Chemically it normally consists of over 90% methane with smaller amounts of ethane, propane, butane, carbon dioxide and other trace gases. The high methane content gives natural gas its high octane rating (120-130) and clean-burning characteristics, allowing high engine efficiency and low emissions. As with all vehicle fuels, natural gas can be used safely if simple, common sense procedures are followed. In fact, natural gas has safety advantages compared to gasoline and diesel: it is non-toxic, and has no potential for ground or water contamination in the event of a fuel release. An odorant is added to provide a distinctive and intentionally disagreeable smell which is easy to recognize.

The odor is detectable at one-fifth of the gas’ lower flammability limit. Natural gas vehicles have an excellent safety record for two primary reasons: the properties of the fuel itself and the integrity of the natural gas vehicle and its fuel delivery system. Natural gas has a very limited range of flammability – it will not burn in concentrations below about five percent or above about 15% when mixed with air. Gasoline and diesel burn at much lower concentrations and ignite at lower temperatures. Although it takes very little energy to ignite a flammable mixture of air and natural gas, gasoline, or diesel, natural gas burns at a somewhat lower temperature.

~~View Details: http://www.energybusinessreports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1201~~~

From the gas field to the vehicle’s engine, natural gas requires very little processing to make it suitable for use as a fuel. Gasoline and diesel must be processed from crude oil in large and complex oil refineries. After water vapor, sulfur and heavy hydrocarbons are removed, natural gas flows by pipeline (the safest way to transport energy) directly to the fueling station where it is compressed for use. Alternatively it may be liquefied at cryogenic temperatures on site or at a central facility and delivered by truck. Gasoline and diesel are delivered to fueling stations by tank trucks over the highway. At a compressed natural gas fueling station the gas is compressed before being provided to vehicles at 3000 to 3600 pounds per square inch (psi). Stations can deliver a “fast fill” to vehicles in minutes or, using a “slow fill” strategy, in a few hours to overnight.

Although the use of high storage pressures might appear dangerous, compression, storage and fueling of natural gas vehicles meet stringent industry and government safety standards. Natural gas powered vehicles are designed and built to be safe both in normal operation and in crashes. New natural gas vehicles are subjected to the same crash tests as other vehicles. Natural gas vehicle fuel systems must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 303 and 304. Natural gas cylinders are much thicker and stronger than gasoline or diesel tanks. Industry standards require them to withstand 11,250 fill cycles, and endure far beyond normal environmental and service damage risks.

Although there are approximately 85,000 natural gas vehicles now operating in the United States, there has not been a fuel tank rupture in over two years. In Italy, with over 300,000 NGVs in operation, there was only one fuel tank rupture during the last three years.

In conclusion, technical data, appropriate safety regulations and years of experience show natural gas vehicles to be as safe as, or safer than, conventionally fueled vehicles.

Save your Diesel Dollars and Prolong The Life of Your Diesel Truck

2008-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

With the growing costs of gasoline and diesel fuel around the world, people are going to great lengths to find means of prolonging the life of their limited fuel dollars.

One method that has been proven to be effective in stretching the fuel buck is the process of using additives that are known to make automobiles run more efficiently, which in turn, reduces the consumption of gas. At today’s prices believe me we all want better mileage from the diesel fuel we put into our vehicles.

From a consumer’s perspective better fuel mileage is more money in the bank. But the benefits of FuelBoost Diesel Additive go far beyond simply stretching the dollars that go into the fuel tank of your automobiles, or for that matter, fuel that comes from traditional pumps. Additives also works with alternative fuels that are used by those who not only wish to save money but also wish to contribute in efforts to minimize their personal impact on global warming.

As far as the possible equipment that allows for use of an additive the possibilities are wide indeed. Diesel engines are a prime candidate for an additive with the powered down formulas of todays diesel fuel blends.

When you think of all the diesel engines that are on the market these days you should realize that this means that diesel additives are an excellent choice for busses, cars, trucks, boats, tractors, and farm equipment that rely on diesel fuel.

The many reasons why using a reliable safe diesel additive are many and include things such as: eliminating the sludge and debris that may be gumming up the works causing loss of power and lower gas mileage, lowering emissions that lead to pollution and a larger personal footprint when it comes to global warming, fewer repairs over the lifetime of the vehicle that uses FuelBoost regularly as opposed to fuel with no additive.

You should also notice much lower maintenance needs such as new fuel filters and the like because the fuel is running cleaner. Little things like this save much more money over time than you may realize over the fuel savings alone.

If you are like most Americans you have done your part to make sure that you are lowering the consumption of diesel you go through in an average drive. Things such as adjusting air pressure, turning off the air conditioner, and avoiding stop and start traffic whenever possible go a long way towards saving you money.

These things save pennies, which add up fast. FuelBoost however saves nickels and dimes, which add up much more quickly in the long run.

Take your dollars back and place them in your pockets rather than those of greedy oil companies by using fuel additives such as FuelBoost Diesel Additive to get the most value for your diesel dollars.
If you travel a great deal or use your vehicles, tractors, or farm equipment daily for work you might be absolutely amazed at how cost effective this additive makes the fuel buying process when compared to purchasing diesel fuel without the helpful benefits of a premium additive.

I hope that gives you some ideas where an additive would become proactive in your maintenance program. I have also given some links below where you may find some solid track record products.

Gale Banks - A Legend Among Gas And Diesel Truck Enthusiasts

2008-06-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Gale Banks is a gearhead, die-hard enthusiast, and a leader in the automotive community. With over 50 years of experience working on gasoline and diesel engines, he is a valuable resource for anyone looking to extract more power out of their car or truck engine. He is best known for his Banks Monster Exhaust systems and the Banks Bullet power programmer. These parts are made for a large variety of vehicles and are custom made to work seamlessly with the car or truck, requiring no modification for installation.

It was Jay Leno, the late night talk show host and world renowned car enthusiast, who had the original idea to put a 1,790 cubic inch V-12 engine from a Korean-war era M47 Patton tank into a car. It was a marriage of Frankenstein proportions, but it wasn't crazy enough for Mr. Leno. Many people would ask, isn't 810 horsepower enough for a street car? Jay Leno didn't seem to think so and felt that twin-turbo charging the engine would deliver the level of insanity he was seeking. For this reason, Jay contracted Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering for his personal advice and expertise in producing his one-off Tank Car. After much research, trail and error, and fabrication, Gale was able to create one of the most ludicrous machines ever made by man. To sum up the modifications made to the M47 Tank engine, Banks added to the mix an entirely new exhaust system, a revised intake manifold, twin turbochargers, and a built from the ground up fuel system to make this V-12 monster push out more than 1600 horses and over 3000 foot-pounds of torque! Due to the excessive wheel spin and to make the car more street-able, the car was tuned down to around 1200 horsepower. Needless to say, Jay Leno is overly pleased with the results of his absolutely mad concoction. He is also proud to comment that not only has Gale significantly improved the power output, but also the fuel economy!

Project Sidewinder is another one of Gale Banks side ventures into diesel performance. Project Sidewinder is the fastest diesel pickup truck in the world, pushing out quarter-mile times as low as 12.16 seconds at 115 miles per hour! To produce the 735 hp and 1300 lb-ft of torque, Banks had to make several modifications to the stock system. Some of the major additions include ram air ducting, an improved cooling system, new fuel rails and fuel pump, extensively modified cylinder heads, and a Holset Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT).

The VGT is a particularly important choice for getting quick quarter-mile times as it allows the turbocharger to maximize boost created for any given RPM range. It does this by changing the angle of incidence of the turbines to minimize turbo lag and backpressure. This in turn minimizes the time it takes to spool the turbo and maximizes boost across the RPM band. Variable Geometry Turbines are a relatively new advancement in turbocharger technology and are proving to give many the extra edge in performance they need to win races and take home the prize. In fact, VGT is one of the latest technologies that Porsche has incorporated into their 911 Turbo to help keep it in the forefront of the ultra competitive battle for the top supercar.

Diesel Vehicle Offerings Poised To Expand

2008-05-31T00:18:00.000-07:00

Diesel powered vehicles have never been popular in the US, despite previous attempts to promote this technology by leading manufacturers. Indeed, many motorists recall GM’s failed bid to market diesel engines during the late 1970s to mid 1980s as a big reason to stay away from diesels. As you may recall, GM had to recall and replace the engines as they were plagued with crankshaft bearing problems. Many motorists cited other problems too including, blown head gaskets, warped heads, and bad fuel injectors. A well publicized class action suit against GM shut down the company’s diesel program and resulted in GM replacing thousands of diesel engines with gasoline engines. Despite the earlier problems, many automakers are now poised to offer diesel engines as engineering changes have made diesels much more reliable and environmentally friendly. Let’s take a look at the diesel engines powering current and future vehicles traversing America’s highways.

Mercedes Diesels – With five diesel models offered, Mercedes is leading the way. Its 3.2L 24-valve inline-6 diesel engine powers the E320, resulting in fuel savings of up to 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Dodge Trucks – Cummins has been producing turbo diesels for Dodge Ram trucks for years. The current 610 model offers best in class horsepower, excellent torque, and terrific towing capacity.

Jeep Liberty – Using Mercedes technology, the Jeep Liberty common-rail diesel powering some models helps to boost torque by 45% and bump up fuel mileage by about one third. The Liberty diesel has been a strong seller for the Jeep brand.

Volkswagen – Mentioning “diesel” and omitting “Volkswagen” would be a travesty. Indeed, the German automaker is one of the largest producers of diesel engines in the world. For the U.S. market, a 1.9L four cylinder powers the cars while a humongous ten cylinder diesel can be found in the Touareg, the automaker’s luxury SUV.

Honda – New to the game, Honda is promising that diesel versions of several of its cars will be made available by 2009. Along with its hybrid emphasis, Honda is pushing diesels to bolster its already well earned “green” image.

BMW, Range Rover, Ford, GM, and Chrysler all offer diesels although with the first two they are only sold in Europe. Ford taps Navistar for its big diesels while GM uses Duramax, a joint venture between it and Isuzu.

Smaller diesels have yet to grab hold, but that may all change. Talk of smaller, lighter diesels built for American cars have been circulating for years with joint ventures involving Isuzu, Honda, VW, and Mercedes mentioned as possibilities.

Demand for diesels is increasing as fuel prices continue to surge. Auto registration records are indicating that diesel purchases have doubled in the past five years alone. With cleaner technology in place and all of the kinks worked out, consumers can be expected to demand diesels in greater numbers. This is good news for those who are concerned about America’s over dependence on foreign oil.

Gas & Diesel Prices Are On a Constant Rise - What Can We Do About It?

2008-05-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

You can hear it from among any corner of circle nowadays, the rising cost of fuel is one of the most discussed topics anywhere. Not only are fuel prices getting higher but basically anything that is consumable is going up with it. It is impacting almost anything that has to be transported by truck (and what doesn't?) from a bag of flour to a box of baby diapers. Grocery has gone up 10 to 35 percent within the past year. Rising gas prices are hurting us all.

The prices keep climbing & diesel seems to be even more expensive than gasoline these days. Diesel was always cheaper to refine than gasoline but now the so called experts are claiming that it is more expensive to refine. Diesel also allows for better mileage than gasoline. Go figure.

Inflation is definitely rising & the price of diesel is the main reason for it. It is creating a domino effect throughout the world; Trucking companies have to pay more so they naturally have to charge more to stay in business. Manufacturers & shipping companies have to pick up the bill & then end up charging the retail chains more. The retailers end up having to jack up our all of their prices & guess who picks up the tab in the end? Well you, me & maybe even Dupree has to. Consumers are always at the low end of the totem pole.

Can we do anything about all of these price hikes you may be wandering?

No, not really.

You can't do anything about the rising costs but you can do the following 2 things:

1. Cut back on your consumption.

Or

2. Increase your income.

Let's face it folks. All we can do is complain about it. We can complain to our friends, family & even the government. That is like preaching to the choir. I recommend saving your energy fighting this issue because there is really no point. You will have to either downsize your spending & economize or somehow increase your income. Here are some examples in economizing:

1. Trade in your nice big gas guzzling but beautiful SUV for a Hyundai.

2. Buy less grocery or other consumable items.

3. Car pool.

4. Rent out your basement.

This is basically cutting back on all the costs of keeping your current lifestyle & settling for less than what you deserve.

I know this doesn't sound very nice but hey everyone is doing it, why shouldn't you?

I would much rather follow Robert Kiyosaki's advice in his recent book "Why We Want You To Be Rich" that he co wrote with Donald Trump. The main message in this book was if you can't beat them then join them. If you can not do anything about inflation & have to choose between being rich or poor, then choose to be rich.

There are always different methods to increase your income. You can always put in some more overtime at work or even get an additional part-time job. While these methods can help increase your active income, I don't think that was their intention for you when they released that book. Here are some methods for increasing your income:

1. Passive or Residual Income. This is where you can make income from real estate rental property or limited partnership etc. This type of income doesn't require extra man hours (labouring) on your part but will provide you with an additional income stream. This is leverage.

2. Portfolio Income. This is additional income that you earn from investing, trading, stocks & bonds etc.

It will take money to make money. Yes you will have to spend a little more to make more or accept having to work longer hours at work for less family or leisure time.

The rising costs of fuel is definitely taking its toll on most consumers these days but not for everyone. Many will find new possibilities for themselves. One person will see this situation as a problem while another will be forced to become creative & see an idea or solution. The emphasis is placed highly on creativity.

Remember that in every dark cloud there is a silver lining.

This situation will have an impact on you whether you choose to believe it or not. The real question is what are you going to do about it?

Welcome to Network Opportunities. This Business Model is geared towards the Entrepreneurial Minded Individual who seeks to Replace & Increase Their Income from home.

There are many people who are truly living a life BEYOND Limits right now with this Opportunity. There are people from both white & blue collar backgrounds here. We have EX: Doctors, Police Officers, Truckers, Franchise Owners, Corporate Executives, Real Estate Agents, Computer Techs, Mechanics, Butchers, Cooks, Waiters, Car Salesmen, Retail Workers, Hotel Managers......The list goes on & on.

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The Future of the Diesel Fueling Industry

2008-05-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

In the past twenty years, diesel engines have the connotations of pollution, heavy machinery, and uncomfortably loud noises. This image that many people have is beginning to take a turn for the change as several automakers are reinventing the diesel engine with remarkable results. Nearly 25 years ago, General Motors unveiled diesel powered Chevrolet Caprices and a few Oldsmobile models. These cars soon became the center of attention as the diesel engines were shaky, unreliable, and a total nightmare for the consumer. General Motors backed itself into a corner and paid a hefty amount to outfit the vehicles sold with new gasoline engines. Ever since the 'diesel disaster' as some automotive enthusiasts have come to call it, diesel engines have taken a back seat to many consumers' minds. General Motors failure in the 80s combined with increasing efforts to clean up the air and minimize pollution while maximizing engine efficiency pushed the diesel engine back years, but at the same time allowed it to be reinvented and instituted in an entire new way.

European car makers were among the largest importers of diesel engine cars and remain so today. Mercedes and Volkswagen were the largest of the importers and the success they have been experiencing has not gone unseen. There was a large dip in the number of these cars over a decade ago, but the diesel is reemerging as an efficient, cost-effective, and super reliable means of powering any car and not just a truck. Diesel engines have been implemented in sports cars, luxury vehicles, and even small cars such as Honda Civics and Chevrolet's Geo.

Chrysler has been trying diesel engines within its Jeep division and has seen great results, along with Ford who has been dabbling into pushing diesels into the smaller caliber vehicles such as the Taurus and Focus. What makes the new diesel engine system so attractive is the combination of a much improved fuel mileage, higher torque output, and an extremely reliable engine. Also, with the cost of diesel fuel often being cheaper than regular unleaded, it would cost less to fill up. As mentioned earlier, diesel engines are much more reliable than most gasoline engines. However a well taken care of diesel engine will often run for hundreds of thousands of miles longer than a gasoline engine.

Within five or ten years, the number of vehicles using diesel engines will likely jump a great deal and dominate a good portion of the automotive market. Asian automakers including Isuzu, Toyota, and Nissan are upping their investments in the North American auto industry, and the overseas car industry has been experimenting and implementing diesel engines longer than the United States. As the number of these imported cars increase, so will the likelihood of these automobiles running on diesel fuel.

A Look At Gas Trucks Versus Diesel Trucks

2008-05-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

If you plan to use your truck like a car, desiring quick, quiet acceleration and rarely ever haul a heavy load and don't plan to it for a long time,you may want a gasoline engine. Gas engines run smoother, fuel is easier to find, and gas engines
start easier in cold weather.

If you plan to use your truck for towing, value good fuel economy and plan to put plenty of miles on it, you may want a diesel. The price to buy a diesel truck is really high, although they can offer you a lot in return.

Below, you'll find the leading vehicle manufacturers
and what they offer you.

Dodge

The 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are the newest 3/4 and 1 ton trucks on the road. Back in 2002, the Ram didn't have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L. Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform and they delivered on that promise.

The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8 that's not only the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP but also revives the well known and historical Hemi name.

Ford

Ford helped push the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today when it introduced it's international engineered power stroke diesel back in 1994. Before 1994, these diesels were poorly built and no match for the big gasoline engines.

From 1994 to 2002, over 70% of super duty Fords were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel engine. This engine helped to put Ford among the leaders in diesel trucks, as they had more than they needed to dominate the market.

Chevrolet/GMC

The GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD both come standard with GM's 6.0L gas engine V-8. This engine is ideal for 3/4 ton trucks where towing isn't a concern. The upgrades start with the 8.1L gas V-8 that's based on Chevrolet's venerable big block engine.

Over the years, diesel trucks have proven to be effecient with mileage, great for towing, and easy on maintenance. Unlike gas engines, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, which means you won't need to get them tuned up near as much as gasoline engines.

For those who like to haul heavy loads on a frequent basis, diesel is the way to go. You can get quite a few miles per gallon, and diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles or more before the engine needs to be rebuit,making them a purchase that is more than worth your money.

Diesel vs Regular Gasoline - Which is Better for the Environment?

2008-05-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Diesel Hybrid Car - The Benefits of Driving One

2008-05-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

With the soaring cost of gasoline nowadays, more and more people are opting for diesel-powered cars. If you're one of those drivers who appreciate a diesel engine over a standard gasoline engine, then perhaps a diesel hybrid car may just be your ticket. Diesel is becoming one of the more popular options for hybrid cars because of its lower cost and greater efficiency, thus making it extremely durable and usable for all types of transportation. A diesel hybrid car can change the way you do everything in your car, from how fast you drive, and to how much mileage you can get out your tank. Charge up that battery in your car and let fly in your brand-new and oh so cool, futuristic transportation mode.

The battery of a diesel hybrid car is designed to cover speeds blows certain point. Anything above that point the fuel part of the engine kicks in. it's a good idea for you to looking to the factory specifications before you determine the drivability of the car. Depending on your driving habits, the overall efficiency of the hybrid may become a problematic piece of the puzzle, thus making the question of whether to buy a hybrid or not a tough one to answer. Just make sure that you have all the correct information before making that purchase. Make sure it makes economical sense before you spend your money on that hybrid.

Finding Your Style

Everybody has their own tastes what it comes to cars. Finding a car to suit your own personal style is not that difficult. The first thing for most people is the color. Ordering your car direct from the factory is a sure fire way of getting exactly what you want in terms of exterior color as well as interior color. You can also order exactly what you want in terms of options. Some people want the full package, with everything powered. And then some people just want the basics. Some people are happy with what the dealership has on the car lot.

Starting with the basics of color, you can work your way up from there and really customize that diesel hybrid car of yours. Especially with men, getting bigger tires and fancier rims would be a big turn on. Yanking out the factory stereo and putting in a high-powered stereo system would be another option. Things like these can truly customize your new car and as a result, make your driving experience that much more pleasurable.

Diesel vs Regular Gasoline - Which is Better for the Environment?

2008-05-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Gasoline vs. Diesel

It turns out that gasoline is more volatile than diesel, not because of what its base consists of, but because of the additives it contains. In addition, vehicles that use diesel tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce less greenhouse gases. In that respect, diesel is more environmentally friendly. Diesel actually produces 15% more in greenhouse gases than gasoline when compared by the litre rather than the gallon. Yet it is through the 20-40% improvement in fuel economy over gasoline that offsets the higher emissions per litre. In actuality, the carbon dioxide emissions are considerably less than gasoline, but diesel does contain 2,778 grams of carbon per gallon, whereas gasoline contains 2,421 grams per gallon. But, again, it is the fuel economy of diesel that accounts for the smaller rate of carbon emissions.

Then again, diesel fuel contains larger quantities of sulfur. The United States has what is considered to be the dirtiest diesel, but as of June 1, 2010 this is going to be different. U.S. diesel fuel has a lower measure of ignition quality. This means that when it is cold outside, ignition performance is poor and can result in higher emissions. This is why you see truck drivers idling their trucks all night long in cold weather rather than risk a troublesome start in the mornings.

But, the sulfur in the diesel that is emitted during cold ignitions and long engine idling is still harmful to the environment because the sulfurs prevent the control of diesel particulate emissions through diesel particulate filters. This is changing, though, since new advanced technologies such as nitrogen oxide absorbers are being developed to reduce these emissions.

As for gasoline, it is the non-aliphatic hydrocarbons as well as carcinogenic additives that avoid engine-knocking that threaten the public's health and the environment. This exposure happens in the case of gasoline leaks and then, of course, there are the carbon emissions we hear a lot about. Leaks occur when trucks begin leaking the gasoline they are carrying, storage containers are not stored properly, and from motor vehicle leakage. The harmful additives in gasoline can get into groundwater and contaminate public water supplies.

However, Dieselization is becoming a more common use of diesel as a fuel in motor vehicles, although it is determined that both diesel and gasoline have harmful effects on the environment. When we look at the carbon emissions of both, we find that diesel will emit more per gallon (or litre), but when you look at how much you have to fill the fuel tank with diesel versus how much you have to fill with gasoline, you will find that the percentage of emissions is offset for diesel, which can be friendlier on the pocketbook. On the other hand, sulfur is emitted by diesel and diesel does not perform as well in cold weather as gasoline, so until 2010 when diesel is cleaned up, gasoline may be slightly more environmentally friendly than diesel in respect to the emissions from automobiles. As for ground contamination, diesel has an edge over gasoline in keeping our world clean.

Fleet fuel cards are applicable for both gasoline and diesel engines. It's important take the environment into consideration when choosing a vehicle.

Gas Versus Diesel - RV's

2008-05-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

This article discusses an age old question and one I get asked a lot, should I buy gas or diesel? This question has fueled many a heated debates too. Sometimes this question involves a truck that will be used to tow a trailer, and other times it involves what type of motorhome to purchase. A universal response you could expect to hear to this question goes something like this: Diesels cost more. Don’t buy a diesel unless you plan to put a bunch of miles on it and keep it for a long time. That’s the only way you can justify the extra cost of a diesel.

Several years ago there was some truth to this somewhat typical response. But things are changing, especially when you’re talking about motorhomes. Today, the cost of some gasoline powered motorhomes is about the same as many of the entry level diesel motorhomes available on the market. This higher cost is mainly due to advancements in gasoline RV chassis’ design; with greater Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) to accommodate coach designs with 3 and 4 slideouts. And don’t forget to factor in the new technology in gasoline engine and transmission design over the past several years.

The old response, of diesels costing more, does hold true with some of the specialized diesel chassis manufacturers, but it’s not just the engine that accounts for these higher prices. You are moving to a much higher plateau across the board. For the most part gasoline RV chassis’ are heavy duty truck chassis’ modified for Recreation Vehicle use, whereas many diesel chassis’ are a bus chassis. These bus chassis’ have even greater GVWR’s, air brakes, air ride suspension systems, larger transmissions, rear mounted diesel engines and more. They handle better, ride better and cost more. I always say you get what you pay for.

Other than the cost factor between gas and diesel motorhomes, what are we really talking about when it comes down to gas versus diesel? Say for example in a truck you want to use to pull a trailer. This is where we need to factor in the engine itself. This is also where torque and horsepower come into the equation.

Explaining torque and horsepower can get extremely technical, and we want to keep this simple and easy to understand. With that said, torque is basically the force or energy required to move something. Torque is the measurement of force, and force is measured in reference to a twisting or rotating shaft. In English terms torque is measured in pounds-feet, but is more commonly referred to as foot-pounds. So in keeping it simple let’s just say that torque can be thought of as the amount of turning force it takes to move one pound of weight the distance of one foot.

Torque can be multiplied through gear ratios. You have probably heard that the higher the real axle gear ratio is the better the truck will tow. The axle ratio is the number of times the driveshaft must rotate to turn the rear wheels one time. If you have a 3.73:1 axle ratio the drive shaft turns 3.73 times for each full turn of the axle. So in a sense torque really equals towing capacity.

Horsepower on the other hand is torque X RPM’s. Torque is how much work is being done, and horsepower is how fast you get the actual work done. What’s interesting is an engine rated at 350 horsepower only produces that horsepower at a rated peak power RPM. This RPM range, for a gasoline engine, is often between 5,000 and 6,000 RPM’s. When an engine is idling the horsepower is significantly lower, and as the RPM’s raise so does the horsepower. When you are towing a trailer the engine speed is more likely to be in the low to mid 2,000 RPM range, which means you probably have slightly more than half of the rated horsepower. Horsepower is measured by a dynamometer. A dynamometer puts a load on the engine and measures the amount of power the engine produces against the load at various speeds. In reality it is measuring torque in pound-feet and converting it to horsepower. Even at the rated peak power RPM you won’t really get the rated horsepower because a percentage is lost through auxiliary equipment on the engine and the process of getting it back to the wheels.

In a diesel engine the horsepower peaks at a lower RPM, and there is more torque at a lower RPM compared to a gasoline engine. This results in a diesel engine having much more power at a lower RPM, around the RPM range you will be towing at. This higher torque and higher horsepower at a lower RPM equates to better towing.

There are many other factors involved in the question of gas versus diesel that you will need to consider. What are the maintenance costs involved, cost difference between fuel types, fuel economy, your budget, and the resale value? Whether it’s for a tow vehicle or a motorhome, take your time and make a well informed decision when comparing gas to diesel.

If the question is which truck will tow more or which motorhome has more torque the diesel will win hands down, but I honestly have no complaints with our gas powered motorhome either. Especially when considering the price.

Q&A

Question: Why does a diesel engine have more torque?

Mark Says: Much of the reason is in the way the engine is designed. Internal combustion engines use spark from a spark plug to ignite fuel in the combustion chamber of a gasoline engine and the high heat from compression to ignite the fuel in a diesel engine. It’s more difficult to burn diesel fuel so diesel engines have higher compression ratios resulting in more heat to ignite the fuel and more power.

Question: I have always heard that a diesel engine is much louder than a gas engine, is this true?

Mark Says: If you asked me that several years ago the answer would have been yes, but newer diesel engines are actually very quiet.

Question: You said in the article a diesel motorhome rides better, why is that?

Mark Says: Most gas motorhome chassis’ use leaf spring suspension systems. With this suspension system you will experience things like “body roll” and “pitch.” whenever pressure is exerted against one side of the motorhome. It can be caused by a gust of wind, a shift in weight while cornering, or a passing truck. The effects of sway on a motorhome are increased because of the height and mass of the motorhome. A diesel chassis uses an air ride suspension system. These systems keep the chassis adjusted to the proper ride height at all times by adding and releasing air as required. And the way the system is designed eliminates the pitch and roll affect you get from leaf spring suspensions, resulting in a smoother riding motorhome.

Diesel Engines: Tap the Advantage!

2008-05-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let’s take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.

Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel’s 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline.

Diesel engines have the following advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

Diesels use air compression to create combustion versus the air/fuel mixture required by gasoline powered cars. This attribute means that diesel engines do not require spark plugs and thus do not have to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a higher fuel density than gasoline resulting in fuel economy increases of 20-30% over comparable gasoline powered models.

Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain as they have less parts vs. a gasoline engine. The lifespan of a diesel engine is also significantly longer.

If it is torque you need, particularly for pulling a boat, camper, or equipment, than a diesel engine has the advantage. A diesel engine is definitely slower especially when starting from a dead stop, but when climbing hills or going over bridges, your diesel powered vehicle can definitely handle the challenge.

So, why aren’t more vehicles built in North America diesel powered? A few reasons including:

Stricter emissions control standards. Diesel engines pollute more, so not many manufacturers have improved upon the technology to produce an engine that is environmentally friendly. However, several upcoming engines from VW and others may change all of that.

Not enough power. Yes, a common complaint, even with turbo diesels, is that the engines are not powerful enough. North American drivers are accustomed to getting on the highway with a minimum amount of effort. With a diesel engine, it can take as much as twice as long to get up to full speed.

Fortunately, several aftermarket product developers are helping motorists squeeze out more power from their diesel engines. Performance programmers, made for specific diesel engines, are helping motorists see a nice spike in horsepower as well as increases in torque. The beauty of some of these aftermarket parts is that they don’t harm fuel economy. In fact, some claim to help improve it.

Yes, the number of diesel powered passenger vehicles presently on North American highways is presently very small; however with newer, cleaner and stronger engines on the way, you may soon find yourself opting for a diesel powered vehicle too.

Why Should You Choose A Diesel Engine For Your Truck

2008-05-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

Often times, people decide to purchase a large truck to haul very heavy loads. If that is not your intention, and you'd like to purchase a truck to drive more like a car (with quick, quiet acceleration), you may want a gasoline engine.

There are three main benefits to this:

Gas engines run smoother
Fuel is easier to find
Gas engines start easier in cold weather

If, however, your intent is to use your truck for towing, you may want to consider a diesel engine.

The three main benefits to this are:

Good fuel economy
High mileage
Better for towing

Now, the price of a diesel truck is very high, but it very well may be worth it. They have many benefits, and could very well save you a good deal of money in the end. Benefits vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can compare these benefits below:

Ford

In 1994, Ford introduced its international engineered power stroke diesel. This pushed the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today. Before this, the big one inch gasoline engines made these poorly built diesels barely considerable. Over 70% of super duty Fords were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel engine from 1994-2002. Because of this engine, Ford became one of the leaders in diesel trucks.

Dodge

In 2002, Ram didn't have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L, so Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform, and they definitely followed through on their promise: the 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heave Duty trucks are the newest ¾ and 1 ton trucks on the road.

The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8, which revives the well-known, historical Hemi name, as it is the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP.

Chevrolet/GMC:

Coming standard with GM's 6.0L gas engine V-8 are the GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD. The engine is ideal for ¾ ton trucks where towing isn't a concern. Based on Chevrolet's venerable big block engine are the upgrades that start with the 8.1 gas V-8.

Diesel trucks have proven to be:

Efficient with mileage
Great for towing
Easy on maintenance

Also, you won't need to get them tuned up nearly as much as gasoline engines, because-unlike gasoline engines-diesel engines do not have spark plugs.

If you need or want to haul heavy loads frequently, you should probably stick with diesel, since you can get better mileage (diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles more). Because of all these reasons, although diesel trucks tend to cost more, they will end up being well worth the money in the long run.

Diesel Versus Gasoline: Why a Diesel Powered Car Might be Your Better Choice

2008-05-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

The word "Diesel" should no longer make you picture semi-trucks, or loud, clunky broken down cars. Diesel over the past twenty years has changed by leaps and bounds and has become more popular now than ever.

If you rode around in a diesel vehicle in the 80's, you are probably screaming "gasoline is better" at the top of your lungs. This is excusable due to the fact that twenty years ago diesels were extremely loud and unreliable. Luckily for us, technology has come to the rescue in the form of reliability. Diesel cars are now commonly seen running with over 250,000 miles of use. Though gasoline engines can hang in there for quite a long time themselves, getting to the quarter million point, with proper maintenance, is unlikely.

Life expectancy is definitely a plus when comparing diesel and gas cars. What about maintenance? Well, diesel engines don't use an ignition so you have no tune-up costs or worries. They use glow plugs rather than spark plugs which generally need to be changed every two years or so plus or minus a few months depending on the vehicle. As far as oil changes, they work the same as gas engines---change the oil every 3,000 miles and you'll be fine. Fuel and air filters should be changed regularly as needed, of course.

Now, the all important numbers. If we start with upfront costs, the diesel seems more expensive, and a comparison of the same make and model car yields a cost difference of about three thousand dollars between the diesel and gasoline versions. But is diesel really more expensive? Let's examine the question.

Diesel fuel is almost always cheaper than unleaded gas, and how much cheaper varies of course with rising and falling gas prices. But The cost savings do not stop at the pump; they continue as you drive down the road and by this we are talking fuel economy. The diesel is the king of this domain. With some diesels getting over 70 mpg, this is by far the best bang for the buck.

So the diesel wins in fuel economy and maintenance. But are there disadvantages to diesel? Well, diesel engines aren't perfect. They can be a little noisier than gas engines, though this small amount of noise usually fades at cruising speed. They also lack a bit in acceleration compared to gas engines.

However, despite these small shortcomings, diesels are certainly becoming more user friendly and more economical and each day more and more people are choosing to go this route. It's even quite possible that one day the majority of our motor vehicles will be diesel powered. However, until then you have the information needed to consider whether or not the diesel will be a contender for your next vehicle purchase.

Diesel vs Regular Gasoline - Which is Better for the Environment?

2008-05-06T00:10:00.001-07:00

Gas Versus Diesel

2008-05-05T00:27:00.001-07:00

Buying a car is not as easy as listing down your specifications and having a car magically appear in front of you. Often times, you have to sacrifice some features in order to have other features. Remember, not everything can be found in one car. You have to study the features of each and prioritize the features that you cannot really do without. After all, you cannot have everything you want, unless of course, you have it custom-made.

When buying a car, one of the considerations that you have to look into is the fuel that you will be putting into the tank. There are two types of fuel that is being used nowadays, the diesel and the gas. To help you decide, here is a rundown of their characteristics, presented in a comparison format that you will find easy to read.

Safety

Diesels are actually safer than gasoline in terms of explosion. Gas tends to ignite but gasoline explosions are not as frequent as people want you to believe. In fact, gas explosions are actually quite rare. The last one happened some thirty years ago and no repeat incident has been seen so far. Statistics also state that it is more likely for persons to incur injuries in a plane accident than in a gasoline explosion.

Diesel on the other hand is not explosive by nature especiallu now that water-cooled turbochargers have been invented to prevent overheating.

In terms of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas is also more dangerous. Compared to gas engines, diesel-run engines produce less carbon monoxide. Rather it produces sulfur dioxide which although may cause nausea is not as life-threatening.

Price

Hands down, gas is more expensive than diesel in the world market. This is why it is much more economical to use diesel on your car because you can save a lot in terms of fuel cost. Costs balance out when maintenance costs come in the picture. This is because it is much more expensive to maintain an engine or car that run in diesel than in gas. Parts for diesel engines are more expensive and the rate for the mechanics that fix them are even higher.

In buying your car, make sure that you take this into consideration. If you do not plan to use your car for a very long time, it is better to stick to diesel but if you plan in keeping your car for decades, it is better to stick to the gas-type. Sticking to gas is also an option if you are the type who do not often use your car.

Long life

Diesel they say live longer than gas engines but when you count the number of times that you have to change a part, the costs that you incur is actually the same. Diesel engines seem to live longer because they are more maintained than gas engines. You really have to find the time to maintain your car and to really take good care of the engine. This is because diesel engines are more susceptible to corrosion.

Environment

One of the things why engines that run in diesel is being phased out is the fact that it is harmful to the environment. Unlike gas engines, which do not emit any smoke, diesel does, thick black smoke that are very harmful to the environment.

General Information On Diesel Engines

2008-05-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Diesel engines offer the lowest specific fuel usage
of any other large internal combustion engine. The
fact remains, two-stroke diesels with high pressure
forced induction, particularly turbo charging, make
up a large percentage of the largest diesel engines.

Throughout North America, diesel engines are generally
used in larger trucks, where the low stress, high
efficiency cycle will lead to a much longer engine
life and lower costs to operate. These advantages
also help to make the diesel engine ideal for use in
the heavy haul industry.

Cars however, continue to use gasoline, primarily
due to the consumer desire for a wider range of
RPM. In Europe, the use of diesel engines with cars
is far more common.

Even though diesel engines are more efficient when
throttled down, they aren't suitable for most types
of aircraft. The higher compression ratios of the
diesel cycle demand a much stronger block, head,
and almost all moving parts in general. These
stronger parts add a lot of weight, or a lot of
expense, especially if lighter alloys are being used.

The Otto cycle engines are much cheaper to build for
these reasons, although they have long been overtaken
by the turbine engines. For the same displacement
of the engine, Otto cycles will produce more actual
power than a Diesel cycle can, because the fuel
will burn at a much faster rate, allowing more power
strokes per minute than a standard diesel can offer.

What this means, is that less fuel has to be carried.
Additionally, commercial aircraft is normally run
at preset limits, so that Otto cycle engines used
in aircraft don't suffer anywhere near the efficiency
penalties that land vehicles do. Heavy equipment,
such as those used in mining and construction,
almost always uses diesel engines.

Diesel engines are also used with submarines. In
these types of submarines, the diesel engine is run
when the submarine is on the surface, which charges
the batteries that power the submarine once it is
submerged.

All across the world, diesel engines serve many
different purposes. They are used with almost all
types of heavy machinery, and other vehicles. Gas
isn't the way to go with heavy machinery, as the
engines simply can't withstand the beating.

Diesel has been popular for many years with machinery
and submarines, simply because the engines can
last for years and years. Although they won't offer
as much speed as gasoline, the torque and power is
still there.

Gas VS Diesel Boats

2008-05-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

As you may know, diesel engines aren't something
you should take lightly. There are good reasons
why the rush to put them in cars back in the 70s
flopped. Diesel isn't the ideal power source for
all applications.

Engine speed

Diesel engines gained the reputation for long
service life early on in the history of the
engines, mainly from engines that were used in
commercial operations. These were big, very
slow to turn engines that were usually in the
600 - 1,000 RPM range.

The long service life of the diesel engine isn't
really a myth when used in the proper application.
It's only a myth in pleasure craft, where the
engines are operated in-frequently at high and
low speeds, normally under very heavy loads and
adverse conditions.

Fuel consumption

If you plan to engage on some serious long range
travel, especially if fuel stops aren't available,
then fuel consumption will become an issue.
Diesel engines will normally burn 1/3 to 1/2 the
amount of fuel as their gas equals. Considering
the cost of the engines versus the amount of
fuel you'll burn during the time you own the
boat, fuel savings isn't really important.

Dilemma

Most questions of choice arise for boats that
are in the 28 to 34 foot range where either type
of engine is available with adequate horsepower.
Gas engines do have the advantage that they are
cheap to buy and also cheap to repair.

Diesel boats are just the opposite, as for the
price of one you could buy three gas engines.
For the price of a smaller in-line 6 cylinder
diesel, you can buy two gas engines.

Therefore, cost wise, unless you really need
diesel power, diesels aren't very practical.
The advantage to diesel comes only at the
point where the extra torque is needed because
a gasoline engine would simply be under too
much strain to have an adequate amount of
service life.

If you have a choice of gas versus diesel,
your first concern should be to determine
whether or not you can really afford to own a
diesel, as the initial price is only part of
the cost.

If you simply can't afford to write a big check
for routine maintenance, then you will probably
be better off going with gas. On the other hand,
if you have a lot of money, diesel would be
your best bet. Diesel engines are great to
have, although they cost a lot of money to
up keep and they generally aren't the way to go
for those on a budget.

Gas Versus Diesel

2008-05-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

Cost

Due to the high compression ratios and resulting
high cylinder pressure in diesel engines, they
must be built to withstand a lot more punishment
than gas engines. The parts that are spruced up
include a thicker block and cylinder heads,
pistons, crankshaft, and valves, which can be
very costly indeed.

When it comes to the price, gas wins this one by
far. Diesel costs a lot more to own than gas,
which is one of the main reasons why people tend
to choose gas over diesel.

Fuel cost

Diesel fuel is easier to refine, taking less
time to get from raw petroleum to final product
from gas, giving it a lower price than that of
gas. On the other hand, within the United States,
diesel is priced the same or just a bit below
regular unleaded gas.

Noise and vibration

Despite many improvements in noise isolation and
engine noise technology in trucks over the last 10
years, diesels are still much louder and shake
more than gasoline powered vehicles. At idle, the
clatter and shake of diesel vehicles are clearly
noticeable, while it can be hard to tell if the
gas engine is even running.

Cold weather

If you've tried to start a diesel engine on a
cold day, you know that gas is by far easier to
start. Diesels don't have spark plugs like gas engines
do, as the fuel is ignited once it's injected into
the cylinder that is already under pressure.
When it gets cold, the air isn't hot enough to
ignite the diesel fuel.

Maintenance

Maintenance on a diesel vehicle is more expensive,
thanks to many things including the larger volume
of oil in the engine and the fact that fuel filters
and water separators must be serviced more often
than gas vehicles. Gasoline engines have a bigger
advantage due to extended service periods on spark
plugs, engine oil, and even antifreeze.

Making that final choice between gas and diesel comes
down to what you'll do with your vehicle and where
you live. If you use your vehicle for quick, fast
acceleration and rarely ever haul heavy loads, and
don't plan to keep your vehicle past 100,000 miles,
you may want to consider buying a gasoline vehicle.

Gas runs smoother, fuel is easier to find, and
they are easier to start in cold weather. On the
other hand, if you plan to tow, value good fuel
economy and plan on racking up a lot of miles, then
you'll want to buy a diesel.

Price is also an important consideration, as diesel
vehicles can be a bit more expensive than gas. If
you aren't worried about price, then diesel may be
your best bet. For trucks, diesel is by far the
superior choice for those who like to haul heavy
loads on a frequent basis.

Gas Trucks Versus Diesel Trucks

2008-05-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

If you plan to use your truck like a car, desiring
quick, quiet acceleration and rarely ever haul a
heavy load and don't plan to it for a long time,
you may want a gasoline engine. Gas engines run
smoother, fuel is easier to find, and gas
engines start easier in cold weather.

If you plan to use your truck for towing, value
good fuel economy and plan to put plenty of miles
on it, you may want a diesel. The price to buy
a diesel truck is really high, although they can
offer you a lot in return.

Below, you'll find the leading vehicle manufacturers
and what they offer you.

Dodge
The 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are
the newest 3/4 and 1 ton trucks on the road. Back
in 2002, the Ram didn't have enough power with
the 245 HP 9.5L. Dodge promised more powerful
engines for the 2500/3500 platform and they
delivered on that promise.

The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8
that's not only the most powerful engine of the
group at 345 HP but also revives the well known
and historical Hemi name.

Ford
Ford helped push the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck
market to where it is today when it introduced
it's international engineered power stroke
diesel back in 1994. Before 1994, these diesels
were poorly built and no match for the big
inch gasoline engines.

From 1994 to 2002, over 70% of super duty Fords
were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel
engine. This engine helped to put Ford among
the leaders in diesel trucks, as they had more
than they needed to dominate the market.

Chevrolet/GMC
The GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra
HD both come standard with GM's 6.0L gas engine
V-8. This engine is ideal for 3/4 ton trucks
where towing isn't a concern. The upgrades
start with the 8.1L gas V-8 that's based on
Chevrolet's venerable big block engine.

Over the years, diesel trucks have proven to be
effecient with mileage, great for towing, and
easy on maintenance. Unlike gas engines, diesel
engines do not have spark plugs, which means
you won't need to get them tuned up near as
much as gasoline engines.

For those who like to haul heavy loads on a
frequent basis, diesel is the way to go. You
can get quite a few miles per gallon, and
diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles or
more before the engine needs to be rebuit,
making them a purchase that is more than worth
your money.

Gas Tractor Versus Diesel Tractor

2008-05-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

There are many different reasons as to why a diesel
compact tractor is superior to a gasoline garden
tractor.

First of all, the diesel engine doesn't have the
parts that normally wear out or give problems. There
are no spark plugs, rotors, points, or distributor
caps like the garden tractor. There is no carburetor
either, that will gum up and be hard to start after
being stored for a long period of time. Diesel engines
can be stored for long periods of time and still start
right up.

Secondly, diesel engines in most tractors are water
cooled. This will allow the engine to run at a more
consistent and cooler temperature, which will extend
the life of the engine. The typical properly
maintained diesel engine can run thousands of hours
without breaking a sweat - and without having to be
rebuilt.

Diesel engines will also make more power. Even though
gasoline tractors may be a little quicker to start
with, they can't begin to match the power and raw
torque that diesel engines offer.

Another reason why diesel tractors are better than
gas is the available attachments. Most gasoline
tractors are equipped with a belly mower and don't
normally have a three point hitch. This will severely
limit the type of implements that you can use and
also limit the tractors expandability.

Most blades and scoop implements won't work with a
gasoline tractor. The drive train will also limit
the type of implement you can use with a garden
tractor. The typical gasoline garden tractor is
belt driven, while a belt drive won't pull as much
load as a diesel powered tractor. You would probably
not be able to use a box blade or tiller either
with the average gasoline powered tractor.

Gas Saving Tips

2008-05-01T06:12:00.001-07:00

Are you tired of the continuing rise in gasoline price?
If you are, you're not alone. In this article, you'll
find a few excellent tips designed to help you save
a bit of your hard earned money.

First, its always best to purchase your gas either
first thing in the morning or late at night. The
reason for this is because gas is denser at a cold
temperature, so you'll basically be getting more for
your money.

Secondly, check your local gas prices to find the
best price available. You can check your local gas
prices online as well, which will prevent you from
wasting gas while driving around to look for the
best price.

By keeping your car well maintained, you can help
improve fuel consumption. By simply tuning your car,
you can decrease your fuel consumption by up to 20
percent. Also, you should keep your tires properly
inflated and aligned. Tires that are under inflated
will cause fuel consumption to increase by 6 percent.
You should also make sure that you change your oil
and air filters on a regular basis as well.

Other tips to keep in mind are to drive by staying
in the posted speed limits, as the faster you drive
you will use more fuel. Whenever possible you should
use overdrive, as this will help fuel and also
improve the wear on your engine. You can also
combine your errands by making a list of things that
you have to do, as the more you cold start your
engine, the more fuel you'll be using.

By taking the time to do these tips, you'll be
amazed at just how much fuel you can save. Gas
prices are becoming ridiculous these days, which
is why you want to do your part to converse little
drop that you can.

Gasoline Engines

2008-05-01T06:11:00.002-07:00

Gas engines are known as internal combustion engines
and are divided into two general classes, specifically
two cycle and four cycle engines. A cycle of an
engine represents one stroke of the piston or one
half revolution of the crank shaft, as a complete
revolution represents two cycles. With a two cycle
engine, the power impulse occurs at each revolution,
while with four cycle engines it occurs at every
other revolution, hence the terms two and four cycle
engines.

Both classes have their own specific advantages and
uses. For autombiles, the four cycle engines is
most used. For motor boats on the other hand, the
two cycle engine is most often used.

The horse power of gas engines is designated as HP
and also brake test HP. The IHP is the theoretical
HP, which is found by figuring different formulas,
in which the diameter of the bore, length of the
stroke in inches, and number of revolutions per
minute form the basis for calculation. The results
are found by the use of such formulas.

The BTHP on the other hand, is the power the engine
actually develops in service, and is considerably
less than the IHP. Keep in mind, this depends upon
the degree of the mechanical perfection attained in
the construction of the same. If both the compression
and construction are good, the engine may actually
reach 80 - 88% of the intended IHP.

With gasoline engines, high HP and high RPM ranges
are what makes them popular. Gas engines have always
been more popular than diesel vehicles, for the simple
fact that they can achieve more speed. If speed
is what you are after, gasoline vehicles are what
you should be looking for. Although they may lack
in torque and raw power, they make up for it with
speed and tuning options.

Gasoline Credit Cards

2008-05-01T06:11:00.001-07:00

With gasoline getting more and more expensive, you've
probably found yourself wondering what you can do.
Even with the rising costs of gas and fuel, you
still need it to go places. No matter how you look
at it, you are at the mercy of these prices.

If you own two credit cards, changes are that you
will use one of them to pay for your gas. Gas credit
cards are now starting to shine. There are many
individuals who are planning to apply for a gas
card. Most cards are either issued by a leading
credit card company or by a major retailing gas
station.

Along with that, there are some of the gas credit
cards that give you a great deal like having
discounts on gases such as unleaded, premium, and
others. Gas credit cards also give you an
assurance to have more approved gas bonus.

If the credit card is approved, the owner of the
card will not only save money on gas, but he'll
also get an extra allowance for car equipment and
accessories. Gas cards can also help you save
a bundle on repairs as well.

Keep in mind that there are some things to consider
when you apply for a gas card. When you plan to
apply for a card, the conditions should always be
known. The benefits of the gas credit cards
available should also be studied and researched
in order to compare rates, features, and
benefits.

As the popularity of gas credit cards continue to
increase, so will the offers. Gas cards also
offer a positive effect for gasoline retailers as
well. The customer will also earn additional
incentives as well. If you plan to stick with
one brand of gas, this card can generate some of
the best rewards.

When looking for the best type of gasoline credit
card, the most important thing to do is review
the terms and conditions. The present status
of the card should also be reviewed in order to
avoid a bad credit record.

There are also several gas credit cards that will
give you extra rewards and point systems. What
this means, is that the card holder can earn
cash back on certain purchases. The more points
you get, the bigger product you can receive.

The ideal purpose of applying for gas credit cards
is to help eliminate the gas expenses. The
credit card should help you to have a deal with
gas expenses. Low interest premium cards can be
the best if you can maintain the proper balance.

The best thing about gasoline credit cards is the
fact that you don't have to pay for them now and
you can just pay later. Just don't forget to pay
the bill, as you could end up getting a bad credit
rating.

Gas Diesel Hybrid War

2008-05-01T02:01:00.000-07:00

These days, gasoline prices may be crimping your
your household budget. You may like to reduce
the U.S. dollars that flow to the Middle East for
oil, or perhaps you are motivated by your concern
for the environment, or even the nagging reality
that oil is a depleting resource that shouldn't
be wasted.

Fuel economy

To put it into prospective, the fuel economy are
the numbers posted on the window sticker of a new
vehicle. Studies have shown that the average
driver only receives 75 percent or so of the
mileage figures that are on the sticker.

You can use these numbers to determine the best
type of vehicle for your purchase. The numbers
will let you know how many MPG your vehicle will
get, so you can compare vehicles and then go
from there.

Hybrid pricing

The gas electric hybrid vehicles are normally
priced higher than non hybrid counterparts,
anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to
several thousand dollars.

Hybrids can get a lot of miles per gallon,
some averaging around 45 - 55. This is great
for those who want to save money on gas, as
hybrids can go many miles on a full tank of
fuel and they come with extended warranties
as well.

Diesel efficiency

Diesel powered vehicles are yet another fuel
efficient option. Diesels are known for getting
extra mileage from every gallon of fuel. They
offer much better torque than many gasoline
engines. The price differential they have
over gasoline engines are usually much smaller
than that of the hybrid.

With plenty of options available, you're sure
to find what you need to help conserve fuel.
Before you make a purchase, always remember
to shop around and find what's best for you

Diesel Versus Spark Engine Ignition

2008-05-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

As you may already be aware of, diesel engines are
more efficient than gasoline engines of the same
power, resulting in much lower fuel usage. For an
efficient turbo diesel, the average is 40% more miles
per gallon. The higher compression ratio with
diesel engines help to raise efficiency, but diesel
fuel also contains around 15% more energy per unit
volume than gas.

Diesel engines that are naturally aspirated are far
more massive than gasoline engines of the same power
for two reasons. First, it takes a larger capacity
diesel engine than a gas engine to produce the same
amount of power. Essentially, this is because the
diesel can't operate as quickly. The rev limit is
slower, because getting the correct fuel to air ratio
into a diesel engine fast enough is more difficult
than a gas engine. The second reason is due to the
fact that a diesel engine needs to be stronger to
withstand the higher combustion pressure needed for
ignition.

Diesel engines also produce very little carbon
monoxide as they burn the fuel in excess air except
at full loading capacity, where a full quantity of
fuel is injected per cycle. They can however,
produce a black soot from the exhaust, which consists
of unburned carbon compounds.

Often times, this is caused by worn injectors, 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 quite low
in their speed range which provides smoother control
over heavy loads when starting from rest, crucially
allowing the engine to be given higher loads at low
speeds than a gas engine.

The lack of an electrical ignition system in diesel
engines improves the reliability. The high durability
of diesel engines is also due to the overbuilt
nature as well as the combustion cycle, which will
create a less violent change in pressure when
compared to a gasoline type spark ignition engine.
Diesel fuel is also a better lubricant than gasoline,
so it is less harmful to the oil film on piston
rings and cylinder bores - making it routine for
diesel engines to go 250,000 miles or more without
having to be rebuilt.

For several reasons, diesel proves to be better than
spark engine ignition. Diesel engines last a lot
longer, they offer more torque, and they are also
more reliable. They are also more expensive as well,
although you get what you pay for. If you have
never owned a diesel vehicle, you owe it to yourself
to see everything they offer you - and you'll find
yourself a very satisfied customer.

Diesel Versus Gasoline

2008-05-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

A diesel engine will go much farther on a gallon
of fuel that the standard gasoline engine
because of their designs, and due to the higher
energy density of a gallon of diesel fuel. But,
it also takes a bit more oil to manufacture a
gallon of diesel than a gallon of gas, with
the production and refining processes for
diesel producing more gases that trap heat.

Therefore, when you consider the relative merits
of diesel and gas cars, try knocking the MPG
estimates for the diesel car down by 20 percent.
A diesel vehicle 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 hazards
and air pollutants. Current diesel engines are
more polluting per each mile they are driven
than gas engines.

Using biodiesel on the other hand, will improve
this situation. If biodiesel is available in
your area, you'll still need to examine
whether a diesel is the right vehicle for you.

When you consider the facts, you have to ask
yourself which models you can afford, what is
the MPG, will engine be succifient for you,
and the number of passengers the vehicle will
accommodate. Then, given your budget, you can
go from there.

There are numerous gas and diesel vehicles
available, all you have to do is decide which
one is right for you. If you research carefully,
you'll have the perfect vehicle for your entire
family.

Diesel Vehicles

2008-04-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

As you probably already know, diesel engines get
better fuel economy than gas, simply because they
don't need to burn as much fuel as gasoline engines
to get the same amount of power. Diesel engines
are built heavier than gas engines, to help sustain
the added stress of the much higher compression
ratios.

Diesel engines don't have an ignition system either,
so you'll never have to tune them up. The exhaust
systems will last longer as well, as the exhaust
on a diesel isn't as corrosive as an exhaust on a
gasoline engine.

With diesel engines, it isn't unusual to see them
with 400,000 or even 500,000 miles. There are some
out there that have even went beyond 600,000 miles!

When it comes to maintenance, 3,000 mile oil changes
are a must. Diesel fuel isn't as refined as gas,
so the oil will get dirtier faster. You should
also replace the air and fuel filters at least
once a year.

If you live in a colder climate, you'll need to
switch to a winter blend of fuel to prevent fuel
gelling. There are several additives that you can
put in the fuel as well, to help prevent your fuel
from getting gel.

It's also recommended that you replace the glow
plugs every two 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
gas vehicles, diesel engines are built for the
long haul, and will last you for miles and miles
if you take care of them.

Diesel Passenger Vehicles

2008-04-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Both diesel cars and light trucks are receiving a
lot of attention in the United States as a near
term strategy to achieve fuel economy and climate
change goals.

The renewed interest in diesel as of late stems
from its potential to improve passenger vehicle
fuel economy. The best diesel passenger vehicles
of today are more efficient on fuel than their
gas counterparts, helping to reduce carbon
emissions by 30 percent or more.

There are some auto makers that are talking about
re-introducing diesel into light duty markets as
a solution for reducing global warming pollution
from both cars and trucks. Another important
reason is that the higher efficiency of diesels
will provide a quick fix for manufacturers who
are struggling to meet federal fuel economy
standards for light trucks.

Even if the efficiency benefits of diesel do
yield real world improvements on the economy, the
potential climate change benefits are modest.

Even though diesel achieves more miles per gallon
than gasoline, many are concerned about the
impact that diesel passenger vehicles have on
the economy. From time to time, the combustion
in the engine can cause black emissions to spit
from the exhaust, which is actually very bad
for the economy.

While gas is actually the worst, diesel is taking
strides to improve engines and the impact on
the economy. Diesel is getting more and more
popular these days, as gas prices continue to
rise and rise.

Although diesel engines can have an impact on
the economy, they are the way to go for those
looking to conserve mileage. Diesel vehicles
cost more than gas vehicles, although they will
offer you more than you can expect. If you are
looking for a quality ride, diesel is the way
to go.

Diesel Or Not

2008-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Diesel is often looked at as being smelly, noisy, and
many think the only place for it is in a tractor. The
truth to diesel vehicles is that they are slow, noisy,
smelly, although they are cheaper to run than gas.

Diesel engines aren't as powerful as gas engines, as
gas engines produce more horsepower than that of a
diesel engine. Diesel vehicles however, offer more
torque than gas. Therefore, it is a very thin line as
to which one is better.

When it comes to power, diesel is the more expensive
of the two. Diesel powered vehicles are normally more
expensive to buy than gas, and the parts are a lot
more expensive than gas vehicles. The diesel however,
is more reliable due to it being less complicated
internally and heavier to build, therefore it normally
lasts longer than gas engines.

Economy is always a factor as well, as will fuel
prices being what they are. Now days, it costs a
small fortune to fill up a gasoline vehicle, especially
the bigger engines. When it comes to fuel, diesel
is generally less expensive. You can fill up a diesel
vehicle for less of a price, and the fuel will
normally go longer than gas will.

Appearance is also important. Diesel is generally
loud, with the exhaust emitting black smoke when the
vehicle is throttled. You can normally tell when a
diesel pulls off by the black smoke it leaves behind.
Keep in mind, this isn't a problem with the engine,
just means that the fuel is dirtier.

Tuning is also important. Gas engines are more
tunable than diesel, as you can get better power
increases from gas than you can with diesel. The
major thing diesel owners tend to go for is turbo,
as it is one sure way to match gasoline in terms
of power.

A turbo charged diesel can and will match a standard
gasoline engine for power, if not slightly better it
a bit. This is why most diesel cars come turbo
charged, as its a way to keep up with the modern
diesel engines of today.

When it comes to making the choice, you really have
to choose what is best for you and your needs. If
you want power with plenty of tuning options, then
gasoline engines are what you want. On the other
hand, if you want power and torque, then a diesel
vehicle is what you want.

The choices are entirely up to you, as there are
certainly plenty to choose from. Always check out
the vehicle you are interested in, and find out
if it will match your needs. Before you know it,
you'll have a diesel or gas vehicle that will perform
well beyond your expectations.

Diesel Fuel Quality

2008-04-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

The designs of diesel engines striving to increase
performance have made a lot of advancements in engine
fuel delivery to the combustion chamber. The diesel
engines of today are much quieter, smoother, and
also more powerful. The quality of diesel fuel on
the other hand has not advanced at the same rate as
the improvements of engines.

As soon as it is produced, diesel fuel begins to
deteriorate. Less than 30 days of refining, all
diesel fuel, regardless of the brand, goes through a
natural process called oxidation. This process forms
varnishes and gums in the fuel by causing the
molecules of the fuel to lengthen and start bonding
together.

Now, these components will drop to the bottom of the
fuel tank and form diesel sludge. The fuel will
begin to turn very dark in color, smell bad, and
cause the engine to smoke. The engine starts to
smoke as some of these clusters are small enough to
pass through the engine filtration and on to the
combustion chamber.

As the clusters begin to increase in size, only a
small amount of the molecules will get burned, as
the rest will go out the exhaust as unburned fuel
and smoke.

Its estimated that eight out of every ten diesel
engine failures are directly related to poor quality
and contaminated fuel. The build up of contamination
in the fuel systems and storage tanks can clog
filters, thereby causing the engine to shut down,
and damage to the engine to occur.

The number one reason for bad fuel is due to the
increasing popularity of diesel power and the
accompanying increased demand for more diesel fuel.
Long ago, diesel fuel remained in the refinery
storage tanks long enough to naturally seperate and
begin to settle, allowing the clean fuel to be
drawn apart. Now, with the demand getting higher
than ever, the fuel is never stationary long enough
to settle, and the suspended water and solids are
passed on to the person buying the fuel - you.

The changes in refinery techniques is also a
problem. In order to get more products, diesel
fuel is being refined for more marginal portions of
the crude barrel. This results in a lower grade
product that is thicker and also contains a lot
more contamination.

As time continues to pass and technology gets better
and better, one can only hope that the quality of
diesel fuel improves. As it stands now, the quality
isn't good at all. If you run diesel fuel, all
you can basically hope for is that the fuel you
are getting isn't contaminated.

Diesel Engines Forgotten Treasures

2008-04-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Diesel Engines And Well Known Gas

2008-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

In passenger cars, the diesel engine has never really
caught on. During the middle to late 70s, diesel
engines in passenger cars did notice a surge in
sales due to the OPEC oil embargo, although that is
the only real significant penetration that diesel
engines have made in the market.

Although diesel engines are more efficient, there
are eight historical problems that may have held
them back.
1. Due to the higher compression ratios,
diesel engines tend be heavier than the equivalent
gasoline engine.
2. Diesel vehicles and diesel engines tend to
be more expensive than gas.
3. Because of their weight and compression
ratio, diesel engines tend to have lower RPM ranges
than gas engines. This gives diesel engines more
torque rather than higher horsepower, and this tends
to make diesel vehicles slower in terms of acceleration.
4. Diesel engines have to be fuel injected,
and in the past fuel injection was very expensive
and less reliable.
5. Diesel engines tend to produce 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 and tend to vibrate quite a bit.
8. Diesel fuel is less available than gas.

Although one or two of these disadvantages would be
acceptable, a group of them is a big turn away for
many people.

Even though the list above are reasons in the past
as to why diesel never really took off, you can
expect these reasons to get corrected and improved
in the future, meaning that you will see more and
more diesel vehicles on the road.

Diesel And Gas Prices

2008-04-30T10:15:00.001-07:00

Over the years, the prices of both gas and diesel
have experienced some drastic changes. Many years
ago, the price of gas was around a dollar or a
little more, nothing like it is today. Back then,
gas wasn't high in price although the demand for
vehicles wasn't what it is today either.

As the demand for vehicles grew, the demand for
fuel grew as well. Other actions and events have
played into the equation as well, resulting in
the rising costs of fuel. Fuel is something we
all need to run our vehicles, as we wouldn't be
able to go anywhere without it.

As you may know, a majority of the gas we get at
local gas stations comes from overseas, primarily
the Middle East. Therefore, we have to pay taxes
and such on the gas we use, which pays for the
gas as well as the shipping. If we got our gas
from within the United States, one can't help
but wonder whether or not the prices would indeed
be lower.

Diesel on the other hand, has always managed
to keep a price lower than gas. Diesel comes
from within the United States, so the prices are
of course going to be lower. The only problem
associated with diesel fuel is locating it, as
many gas stations don't sell it.

When it comes to the choice between the two,
diesel fuel is obviously cheaper to buy. Gas is
in supply more, which means that you can find
it almost anywhere. If you own a gasoline
vehicle, you obviously don't want to put diesel
in it. If you own a diesel vehicle, then you
of course wouldn't want to put gas in it either.

Advantages Of Diesel Engines

2008-04-30T09:53:00.001-07:00

If you've owned a diesel powered vehicle in the
past or if you own one now, you no doubt appreciate
the qualities this engine provides you with. More
torque, better fuel economy, and easier maintenance
are but a few of the attributes of owning diesel
powered vehicles.

However, there are some motorists that still
complain about the engine's weak power, especially
when accelerating from a full stop. What you
may not be aware of is the fact that a diesel
engine can be tweaked to give more power without
harming the fuel economy.

Diesel engines use air compression to create
combustion versus the fuel/air mixture that is
required by gas engines. This attribute means
that diesel engines don't require spark plugs
and therefore don't need to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a much high fuel density than
gas, which results in fuel economy increases
of 20 - 30% over gasoline powered vehicles.

Diesel engines are also cheaper to maintain as
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 stop, although when you
climb hills or go over bridges, the diesel
engine is surely up to the task.

With trucks, diesel is normally the leader
over gas engines in terms of performance and
miles per gallon. Diesel trucks will get
more miles than gas trucks, and the price for
diesel is a bit cheaper than gas these days.
And with gas prices on the rise, diesel will
continue to dominate for a long time to come.