I know diesels smoke more than gas engines even when running perfectly, but sometimes I've gotta wonder... How much would we smoke if we actually had to conform to some sort of emissions guidelines?

I mean, a diesel engine will operate under incredibly poor circumstances, but that doesn't mean its being clean, and might mean that it is being incredibly dirty. We often quote the good emissions ratings of diesels, but how many of us have actually had our 20 year old beaters tested? If gas engines didn't have emissions testing requirements, how many of THEM would smoke all the time too?

Just an open question... My 300TD barely smokes at all, it'll puff a little if I slam on the gas from a stop, and it makes a little 'haze' during a cold start, but thats it. I'd like to think thats because it runs like a top, instead of just managing to get it started each day.

peace,
sam

__________________
"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)