PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Anyone ever thought of doing away with the precombustion chambers on a 5cyl 126 diese

rwthomas1 · #28 04-03-2004, 03:58 PM

psfred,
I agree that low efficiency and waste are a bad thing. I also think that MB builds great diesel engines. I can't agree however that US light truck diesels are inferior or low power as you suggest. The US diesels are all multivalve, direct injected, common rail, intercooled, computer controlled, etc. I don't see how they are in any way lacking in technology. They may still be long stroke but I think that is by design. The work truck/towing/RV crowd is not going to be happy with an engine buzzing away at 3500rpm on the highway no matter how much power it makes. My truck, an admittedly questionable motor, the torque peak occurs at 1900rpm. It makes towing/hauling much easier. Regarding the inefficiency I don't see how you can say this. They all deliver about 20mpg running empty and 14-15mpg towing moderate loads. Obviously they can't compete with a new MB CDI at 40mpg but thats not a fair comparison given they weigh 2-3times more, are about as aerodynamic as a barn and have much higher rolling resistance due to the nature of the tires, running gear etc. Regarding the supposed low power, again I believe it is the manufacturers policy not the technology. Some of the Dodge crowd was making enough power to twist the frame enough to pop the windshields out of the cabs. Ford and Dodge have had problems with auto transmissions not withstanding the power. I think they are afraid of the warranty problems if they turn up the power. How else can you explain the easy 100hp/150ft/lb gains with just a simple chip change on these engines? If they were so low tech and at their limit why is it so easy to get more power out of them? Why is it that even when chipped, etc. the mpg's stay the same or improve? Why is it also that chipping or other moderate modifications that increase powers so drastically not seem to affect longevity? Hmmm, could it be they ARE actually pretty good engines? RT