PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - When did YOU learn the virtues of a diesel engine?

aklim · #30 12-23-2006, 01:22 AM

I guess the bottom line is what you want it for. Diesels last longer than gas engines. However, you pay more up front. Diesel is not as flammable as gas. However, when you spill diesel, it won't evaporate away and leave a smell. Diesels don't have spark plugs but have glow plugs. (606 engines have problems with them among other models when the plug breaks off in the head). Cold starting is harder for diesels too. Sometimes you have to plug it in when the temp gets low. Diesel engines can use homebrew fuel. What you save at the pump may be poured back into the brewing of the fuel. What is your time and effort worth?

Bottom line is this. From the above examples, you can see that there are always trade offs. There is NO FREE LUNCH. My Powerstroke will out tow whatever my Suburban will. However, the Suburban feels more lively. So, if it is a street driven vehicle with little or no heavy towing up steep grades, I'd get the 5.3L gas Suburban. However, I have 8500# or more to tow up steep grades when I vacation or whatever, so I need a turbodiesel. Diesel does have more energy per unit than gas.

Question you need to ask is what you want the vehicle to do.