Pop goes the diesel: the new and improved diesel engine is now cleaning up its act and getting ready to take the auto world by storm

Entrepreneur,  Dec, 2002  by Jill Amadio

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SAY FAREWELL TO FOUL-smelling, noisy diesel engines. Technology is refining these engines into quieter, more powerful and more efficient motors than ever.

The engines, named for Rudolf Diesel who developed the idea in 1892, are the biggest topic in powertrains today because of their fuel economy. One main difference between a gasoline and a diesel engine is that the latter doesn't have a carburetor, a distributor or spark plugs. Instead, it uses "glow plug" wires that ignite the fuel to start the engine.

The new diesels boost performance, and emissions are lower, although it won't be until 2006 or 2007 that they will be significantly cleaner. Some truck manufacturers, such as Dodge, Ford, GM and Isuzu, who have long recognized the potential of diesels, are preparing to take the technology even further with a flurry of future models. Ford's diesel-powered Econoline van has been one of the best-kept secrets on the market, and Ford's latest generation of diesels will be introduced in its 2003 vans in January

Isuzu will soon launch Axiom and Rodeo SUVs equipped with optional small four-cylinder diesel engines, and Dodge is supplying a redesigned Cummins turbo diesel in its 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks. This I-6 5.9-liter engine has 30 to 40 percent fewer parts than typical VS diesels, and an average major overhaul interval of 350,000 miles, cutting down on maintenance costs.

Ford's new 6.0-liter Power Stroke VS diesel in its F-Series trucks, on sale in January 2003, is cleaner and more powerful than the 7.3-liter it replaces, providing 20 percent fewer emissions, and a 10 percent increase in fuel economy Ford teams the new diesel with a "tow-haul" mode transmission (a pushbutton feature also in GM's Savana and Express vans) that automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes torque, helping to increase a driver's feeling of control when towing large loads on steep grades. In 2004, Ford's commercial truck lineup will include the F-650 and F-750 Super Duty models with three different diesel choices. At GM, the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel is available in full-sized pickups.

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