Diesel Lasts Longer then Gas Engines

More power, simple design, fuel-efficient and very robust engines.  Diesel engines require less maintenance. While Diesel is generally more expensive the reduced down time and longer life more then make up for it.

There are many technical reasons why to chose diesel over gasoline however the point of this document is to help identify some important things necessary to truly benefit from diesel and insure your generator continues to run long after its equivalent gasoline generator has died.

Diesel engines operate at twice the compression ratio of gasoline engines; create greater internal pressures and heat. Components are made to closer tolerances, therefore are more easily damaged by dirt, corrosion improper fuel and lubricants. The key to getting extended life out of a diesel engine is its fuel and oil.

Diesel injectors are expensive precision parts that handle fuel pressures as high as 137,900 kPa. Using correct diesel fuel is essential because it not only runs the engine, but also lubricates and cools the fuel pump, injectors and spray tip.

Dripping or leaking injectors can cause rough engine operation, destructive unbalanced cylinder temperatures, crankcase oil dilution and incomplete combustion. Because of diesel fuel’s acid content, combustion byproducts are more corrosive. Greater diesel heat also converts combustion by products to varnish inside the engine more rapidly.

Dirt and water bypassing fuel filters can badly score fuel pump and injectors, requiring replacement. Rust can cause sticking in pump pressure regulator valves. Water in fuel can also cause hard starting, uneven running and frequent stalling.

Because diesel engines breathe more air per hour than gasoline engines, air leaks through cracks, loose connections or holes in flexible hoses can cause serious and expensive engine damage. Clogged air filters reduce power.

Diesel engines make more use of oil as a coolant because of greater heat and pressure. For example, the oil cools piston undersides. Improperly or inadequately filtered oil can cause scoring and damaging of engine parts. Inadequate circulation of oil and coolant can cause engine overheating and thermal distortion.

Poor quality fuel can cause hard starting, incomplete combustion with varnish buildup, smoky exhaust, and plugged fuel filters in cold weather.

Don’t let the above scare you, there is a far greater list for the problems you can and often will encounter with a gasoline engine. Remember most of this is for information purposes and to help you get the maximum life out of a diesel generator.