Why Do Diesel Engines Last Longer Than Gasoline?

Diesel engines are an impressive show of engineering capability. They are regarded as some of the most reliable and durable mechanical creations. So naturally, they are used by some of the largest and most innovative motorized vehicles in the world.

But what makes a diesel engine so much better than its gasoline?

To understand this we would need to understand some basics of an engine and how both the engines work. Both engines are based on a four-stroke cycle. As the name suggests the four-stroke engines have four cycles to complete the combustion and exhaust cycle. The four steps are known as intake, compression, combustion and exhaust.

First, the piston moves down, this is when the intake valve opens and a mixture of fuel and air enters the cylinder. This is known as intake stroke. Then the piston moves upwards causing the mixture to compress. Hence, it is called compression stroke. Then the combustion happens, this is where there is a difference between a petrol and diesel engine. And finally, the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves back up forcing the exhaust gases out of the exhaust valve and into the exhaust pipe.

So, why do diesel engines last longer than petrol engines?

1. THE DESIGN OF A DIESEL ENGINE

There are other key design differences of the diesel engine that contribute to its longevity, they include:

Gear-driven design – The gear-driven design of most diesel engines means you won’t have to worry about timing belt failures. This also helps save money on expensive maintenance since there is no need to replace the timing belt either.

Piston cooling jet – In Diesel Engines, piston cooling jets spray engine oil on the bottom of your pistons. This engine oil spray helps prevent premature wear by keeping pistons properly lubricated which reduces friction and keeping the pistons cool.

No Spark Plugs – Diesel engines compression motors deliver a slower burn of fuel. This slower burn creates less stress and more torque which is inherent to diesel engine efficiency.

2. DIESEL FUEL

The reason why diesel engine lasts longer than gasoline engines is because diesel is light oil. The diesel burns in the engine and simultaneously lubricate the engine parts. This causes the engine components to move more smoothly and last longer. When compared, gasoline is a detergent and it washes away the oil from engine components that dry the engine. Because of this, the gasoline engine’s parts wear quickly.

Gasoline also burns much quicker than diesel fuel. Less shock to the rotating assembly occurs because of the slower laminar speed of the flame during combustion in diesel engines which aids further in their durability.

3. LOWER RPMS

The third key to diesel longevity is operating efficiency. Diesel engines run at lower revolutions per minute (RPMs) and achieve higher levels of torque relative to a gas engine. Being able to operate at lower revolutions to achieve the same power means less wear on your pistons, rings, cylinder walls, bearings, valves, and guides which aids in lengthening the life of your engine. Diesel engines are typically left running when not in operation for short periods in time. Since a large percentage of wear occurs at startup, the constant cycling of turning the engine on and off saves in wear over that of a gasoline engine. It also reduces the heat cycles and keeps operating temperatures constant.

Diesel engine maintenance is imperative to engine life

While diesel engines were built to last, like all valuable things you will want to take care of your investment with regular maintenance.

Diesel owners can take simple but effective preventive measures, with the use of fuel and oil additives for their oil and fuel mixtures. With lubricity being a high standard in diesel operation, additives help balance out the fuel mixtures providing more lubricity in the ultra-low sulfur fuel. Motor oils designed to the higher demands of the diesel workhorse last longer and have less viscosity breakdown as well as enhanced heat transfer. High-quality engine coolant helps keep the overall operating temperatures lower to reduce added friction from heat expansion.

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