Are Diesel Engines More Energy Efficient?
You may be driving a vehicle with a diesel engine for a number of reasons, such as their reliability, perceived ease of maintenance, or even simple nostalgia. There is another reason why these automobiles remain popular: they are between 20% and 40% more energy efficient than a similar gasoline run vehicle. It is worth investigating diesel fuel injectors, as there are some common pitfalls to avoid when fixing a diesel vehicle.
First, determine what type of engine is under your car’s hood. For example, say you have a Cummins engine. Cummins injectors that are cracked can be diagnosed with relative ease. Simply check for a wisp of smoke from the Cummins fuel injector while the car idles. If you see a wisp, the diesel fuel injectors are externally cracked.
Diesel fuel injectors can be sidelined by two types of deposit buildup: external and internal. Excessive buildup can actually cause the fuel injection system to fail. The buildup happens when the engine does not burn off all of the fuel during the process of combustion.
Gasoline is actually about 20% to 30% less energy rich than diesel fuel. Because of this, diesel fuel injectors are more likely to have a problem with excessive internal buildup. Keeping an eye on the injectors may pay off in the long run.
There are a few indicators that your diesel fuel injectors are experiencing excessive buildup if you tested for external cracks already. These may be a reduction in the vehicle’s normal fuel economy; a rougher than normal idle; a lessening of power during acceleration; or smoke coming from under the hood. These signs in particular are caused because the buildup gets to such a state that the airflow throughout the engine is effected. A reduced or interrupted air flow can mess with optimal combustion.
A diesel vehicle is surprisingly a good choice if you want good fuel economy and care about driving a “green” vehicle. But those benefits are only true when that vehicle is in tip-top condition. Do yourself a favor and keep an eye on these warning signs. If you do, your diesel engine should serve you well for the long haul.