New Diesel Regulations?
 

I heard on the radio that the Bush administration was initiating a program to re-evaluate the EPA regulations on diesels. They mentioned fuel economy and new technologies and are trying to make it easier for diesel manufacturers. Anybody else hear this?

Haven't heard that one in particular, but I'll bet is has some basis in what is found on the EPA's website.

An excerpt from said website: "Significant lead time is provided in the rule for the introduction of new cleaner fuel into the marketplace. Engine manufacturers will have flexibility to meet the new standards through a phase-in approach between 2007 and 2010. The fuel provision will go into effect in June 2006 and will be phased-in through 2009. The program also includes various flexible approaches, including additional time for some refiners and special provisions for small refiners."

This and more fun about new diesel regs from: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel.htm

The bottom line for owners of "older" diesel vehicles: Pick a fuel additive with a lubricity enhancer and get used to using it each time you refuel. Preferably one that is friendly to the environment NOT a couple ounces of motor oil as some here would suggest. Larry B., feel free to put flames here ;-)

______________
'84 300SD
'96 GMC 6.5L diesel Suburban

Whatever you think.

Popular science March 2002 issue has an interesting article on the future of diesel engines in the USA.

New technology applied to diesel engines to meet new EPA
guidelines promises to boost the SUV market by allowing these vehicles to have diesel engines that eat less fuel than the gas engine.
California has more stringent rules regarding particulates
in the exhaust.
Adding urea (pet pee) to the catayltic converter
promises to burn the soot to tolerable levels.

This is all fine and good, but I wonder if there is going to be a
'witch hunt' or 'Spanish inquisition' going after our 'old'
diesels in an effort to get them off the road?

Anybody know if these new rules will require 'older'
diesel passenger cars to retrofit cats etc??
I know in California, older commercial vehicles will be forced to do this in the near future.

reading the EPA website is a bit daunting right now.

Several weeks ago I was erroniously reported to the
Calif. dept of motor vehicle emmissions watch dogs.
It cited that a fellow driver claimed my (diesel) car was spewing alot of smoke at some location at a specified date.
There was a provision to respond in case the driver was not at that location at such date.
I was not, but I read the letter that cited Calif. law as
prohibiting a car from smoking over 10 seconds. Fines and
such are possible penalties if the car is not fixed, assuminhg the
complaint is valid.

Diesel cars smoke off and on at various times depending
on variables. Not necessarily all the time.

Anyway, any ideas on thye future of older diesel passenger cars and department of motor vehicles?????

I sure as heck ain't putting any stupid "Diesel Cat" on my 300D


I'll fight the tree huggers if they try to make me start fiddling with my car. They can go do that in California, but here in Texas I'm sure they are going to have a little more of a problem (in other words I'm not the only one who will defend my diesel's right to breathe).

of course if the most I have to do is dump in a bottle of Power and Service then I don't really mind as long as the fuel has more cetane then the stuff they sell now.

badges, what badges, I don't need no stink'in badges
 

My sentiments exactly !

Still, I wonder what's in the cooker with the federalies?:confused: