Diesel engines are long lasting and reliable, but sometimes you just want to add a bit of zip to your pickup. There are a wide variety of technological gizmos on the market that claim to boost your engine performance, but it is important to know what you are getting into before you start spending your hard-earned cash. Here are three things to consider before deciding to buy a Diesel Performance module for your vehicle.
With advances in computer technology and exhaust systems getting cleaner and cleaner, the basic formula for making power with a diesel engine has not changed. More air and fuel, with proper tuning, equals more power. That is why the Diesel industry is booming and why there are so many options for diesel truck owners to upgrade their vehicles.
A diesel engine is a compression-ignition engine that uses a high heat and pressure to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The combustion is driven by the internal force of the piston, producing a sudden increase in torque and a rapid rise in engine speed. This rapid acceleration is due to the higher compression ratio of the diesel engine, resulting in quicker throttle response and a narrower range of torque where the engine produces maximum power.
Unlike gasoline engines, which depend on the throttle to control power, diesel engines are controlled by regulating the amount of fuel fed into the cylinders and adjusting the ignition timing. Due to their lower flammability, diesels do not have spark plugs, and the combustion cycle relies on internal friction. As a result, diesel engines tend to have short camshaft duration with minimal overlap and a very limited valve lift.
The diesel engine is a highly efficient and economical power source because it can run at lower speeds and produce a greater amount of torque than a gas-powered engine. Moreover, it can run on both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. However, it is not as environmentally friendly as gasoline engines because the emissions from a diesel engine are significantly higher than those of a petrol-powered car.
The main goal of the research was to investigate the effect of two factors simultaneously on the diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions. The first factor is the EGR effect, and the second is preheating of biodiesel. The experiment was conducted on a light and compact up-to-date engine that equips city cars and urban vehicles. Testing was performed in the complete engine operative field with no modification of the system hardware, the injection strategy and settings were kept unchanged to account for the fuel properties. The results showed that fuelling the engine with ULSD and diesel+ caused a significant decrease in engine available torque, whereas fuelling with a ten percent blend of the same two kinds of coal-based biodiesel improved engine available torque with no noticeable change in exhaust emissions.
In addition, the lubricating oil temperature and pressure were monitored during the test, which showed that the EGR system had a positive influence on reducing vibration of the crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. Consequently, the EGR system can help to avoid excessive vibration and prolong the service life of diesel engines.