There's a reason the big rigs on the road run on diesel, and it isn't just fuel economy. A diesel engine has more towing capacity than its gas-powered counterparts. Why is the difference so great? Diesel engines produce more torque, and torque translates directly into motive power. A few factors enter into why diesel engine parts produce so much torque compared to their gas-fueled counterparts.
A gasoline-powered engine has a short stroke; that is, the distance the piston has to travel is relatively short, which is why some gas-fueled engines can run at such high RPM rates. Some racing vehicles reach 15,000 RPM, for example. In a diesel fuel injection system, pistons travel a longer distance and have a longer stroke. The average heavy-duty diesel truck engine rarely reaches above 2,000 RPM because of that long stroke. Light-duty trucks might red-line at 3,000 to 3,500 RPM, but they sacrifice some towing capacity.
A long stroke is like a long lever: It has more lifting capacity, offsetting the crankshaft by a greater distance and giving it more leverage to translate into power. Ford Powerstroke engines get their name from this principle, but GMC/Chevy Duramax engines and Dodge Cummins diesels are likewise long-stroke engines.
Although it isn't the only reason why hard-working trucks run on diesel, economy is also a factor. Gallon for gallon, diesel fuel is between 10 and 25 percent more efficient than gasoline, depending on the fuel blend and the vehicle using it. Over the course of years, those saved pennies turn into dollars, especially for engines that work hard hauling heavy loads.
Torque won't let your diesel truck win any land speed records, but it's essential for getting work done. Powerful diesel engines can haul horse trailers, work equipment, boats and camping equipment with ease. Farm equipment largely runs on diesel for the same reason, and with agricultural diesel repair, some equipment can run smoothly for years or even decades. For pulling stumps, hauling gear or just getting your truck over rough terrain, diesel offers more power because of its longer stroke.
Power comes at a price for diesel engines. The precision tuning and narrow engineering tolerances of engine parts mean owners need to keep to a tighter maintenance schedule. Hard-working trucks need more attention than vehicles that stay on city streets. Your diesel engine repair and maintenance center can help you set the best schedule for your truck's age, work level, make and model.
Master Diesel technician Gage Burlingame at Boise, Idaho's Gem State Diesel suggests doing your homework. €Gas versus diesel is really a matter of how the rig is going to be used. A rig towing a flat valley load won't require as much torque as a rig that is destined for the hills of Salmon or Riggins. When you start figuring the load capacity for the engine, the comparisons between gas and diesel really separate. Diesel is just more efficient for the big pulls€.
Whatever your preference, asking questions of a qualified diesel technician is a good start to get an idea of maintenance costs and towing capacity. Asking a new truck dealer probably won't yield the same unbiased information.
A gasoline-powered engine has a short stroke; that is, the distance the piston has to travel is relatively short, which is why some gas-fueled engines can run at such high RPM rates. Some racing vehicles reach 15,000 RPM, for example. In a diesel fuel injection system, pistons travel a longer distance and have a longer stroke. The average heavy-duty diesel truck engine rarely reaches above 2,000 RPM because of that long stroke. Light-duty trucks might red-line at 3,000 to 3,500 RPM, but they sacrifice some towing capacity.
A long stroke is like a long lever: It has more lifting capacity, offsetting the crankshaft by a greater distance and giving it more leverage to translate into power. Ford Powerstroke engines get their name from this principle, but GMC/Chevy Duramax engines and Dodge Cummins diesels are likewise long-stroke engines.
Although it isn't the only reason why hard-working trucks run on diesel, economy is also a factor. Gallon for gallon, diesel fuel is between 10 and 25 percent more efficient than gasoline, depending on the fuel blend and the vehicle using it. Over the course of years, those saved pennies turn into dollars, especially for engines that work hard hauling heavy loads.
Torque won't let your diesel truck win any land speed records, but it's essential for getting work done. Powerful diesel engines can haul horse trailers, work equipment, boats and camping equipment with ease. Farm equipment largely runs on diesel for the same reason, and with agricultural diesel repair, some equipment can run smoothly for years or even decades. For pulling stumps, hauling gear or just getting your truck over rough terrain, diesel offers more power because of its longer stroke.
Power comes at a price for diesel engines. The precision tuning and narrow engineering tolerances of engine parts mean owners need to keep to a tighter maintenance schedule. Hard-working trucks need more attention than vehicles that stay on city streets. Your diesel engine repair and maintenance center can help you set the best schedule for your truck's age, work level, make and model.
Master Diesel technician Gage Burlingame at Boise, Idaho's Gem State Diesel suggests doing your homework. €Gas versus diesel is really a matter of how the rig is going to be used. A rig towing a flat valley load won't require as much torque as a rig that is destined for the hills of Salmon or Riggins. When you start figuring the load capacity for the engine, the comparisons between gas and diesel really separate. Diesel is just more efficient for the big pulls€.
Whatever your preference, asking questions of a qualified diesel technician is a good start to get an idea of maintenance costs and towing capacity. Asking a new truck dealer probably won't yield the same unbiased information.