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PAULIH300
02-18-2006 14:29:43
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Re: O.T. block heater in reply to Bill Geer, 02-18-2006 11:26:07
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Being a diesel,there are a number of problems that arise that owners of gasoline powered vehicles rarely or never have to worry about.First of all,diesel fuel starts thickening at 32 degress above zero.If fuel isnt treated with additives (conditioner)it will further thicken and jell as the temperature drops.Instead of ignition starting,diesels use compression (over 20:1 ratios) to fire off their fuel/air mix,this wont work when the engine is stone cold so glow plugs are used to heat the combustion chamber.These are controlled by a "controller" and use relays and switches/sensors to activate the circuit.The glow plugs are resistance heaters,much like your Mr Coffee hot plate.These can overheat and burn out.Water heaters tend to lessen dependance on the glow plugs,but a lot of times they are merely band-aids for an improperly running engine that needs attention in the first place.Diesels because of the high compression,use far heavier starters than gas engines,and thusly use far more current.Usually they utilize 2 batteries for the high current as opposed to one in gas models.These starters live a hard life,as do the batteries,and 1 bad battery or a tired,slow cranking starter can lead to a no-start condition.
Diesels cost more to buy,require more attention from owners,and their parts are more expensive than comparable gas engines.They however make more torque,can last longer,and their internals are rather sturdy.Take the good with the bad,understand that its not your usual "forget about it" slant-6 gas job,learn how diesels work (or dont work),and you might not ever have a diesel related problem down the line....
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