Why Diesel?

Feb 17

Mercedes S-Class Bluetec for 2012.

Jan 7

2012 VW Passat TDI

Dec 26

VW TDI Intercooler Ice Up

This post comes from a personal area as this happened to me this past week. I’ve owned quite a few diesel powered vehicles but my 2010 VW Jetta SportWagen has been the most efficient. Powered by VW’s 2.0L clean diesel motor the bast 14,500 miles have averaged out at respectable 42mpg (including break-in and city driving).

It seems like me, and a hand full of others on TDIclub.com have experienced either frozen intercoolers or hydrolock. The current assumption is that the aggressive EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system settings are allowing too much moisture into the induction system. There it pools up in the intercooler and either freezes in cold weather or allows the motor to suck up the water. If enough water enters a cylinder, and the cylinder is unable to compress – the motor effectively explodes. Death by hydrolock.

Lucky for me, my intercooler just froze up. It seems like many of us in the ‘snow belt’ northern states are awaiting a permanent fix from VW for this problem that happens under specific weather conditions.

Jul 18

What is clean about diesel?

Diesel vehicles produced since 2007 require ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) to run properly. Previously the US had LSD (Low Sulfur Diesel) which ran at 500 ppm Sulfur. ULSD saw a substantial reduction, down to 15 ppm Sulfur. This 97% reduction in the soot generating sulfur is what makes this fuel cleaner.

Vehicles that require ULSD also are equipped with other controls to further reduce emissions. A particulate filter catches carbon from the exhaust and regenerates itself in a cycle. During this regeneration cycle the filter gets extremely hot and burns these carbon particulates. This is controlled by the vehicle’s computer and done under certain circumstances.

Other vehicles may contain a urea-injection system which sprays a fluid in the exhaust to chemically reduce NOx. These systems are commonly found on European diesel SUVs and are referred to as “AdBlue”.

Jul 7

Why Diesel?

The big question I hear is “why diesel?”. Let me create the setting for you. We are in the United States where diesel is thought of as dirty, expensive, and troublesome. Now the year is 2010 and people still think diesel is a dinosaur and hybrid and electricity is the future of transportation.

This morning I arrived to work averaging 54.3 MPG on my 30+ mile commute. I drive a station wagon that comfortably sits four adultsand has plenty of room for hauling. As you may have already guessed, I don’t drive a hybrid. It’s a VW Jetta SportWagen with a TDI motor. TDI stands for “Turbo Direct Injection”. The same technology that has won the 24 hours of Le Mans every year since 2006 (Peugeot’s HDi is very similar and won in 2009).

I wanted to create a site that focuses on the efficiency of diesel vehicles, all vehicles – not just german cars. I owned a Duramax powered 6.6L heavy duty GM truck. It was great and got up to 20 MPG, something a gas powered truck could only do flying off a cliff. Manufacturing batteries for hybrid and electric cars do not help the environment, and do not provide a sustainable path to fix our energy problems. Stay tuned for more diesel related news and information.