Once and Future
2012-04-23 21:29:15
I see we are coming up on Tier 4 diesel engines. I see in the auto parts store something called "diesel exhaust fluid". Apparently all exhaust from these engines will be passed through some fluid bath. This is getting too intricate for my liking.
So I have a few questions:
1) Are they going to take even more additives out of diesel fuel again?
2) If so, at what point will my Jimmy self-destruct on this stuff? (I've been using additive, but it seems like so little to treat so much fuel.)
3) I don't want to buy any engine controlled by a computer that may go stupid on me at sea and shut down due to a failed sensor. Are engines still being sold that meet tier requirements without resorting to computers?
4) Is there an engine that tolerates the newer fuels better than a 2 cycle Jimmy, but is not computer controlled?
5) Should I buy a new one now before tier 4 is mandated, and before the price for good used engines of older technology is presumably driven up?
6) Should I run my old engine until it is used up then buy whatever the current tier is, confident my government has my best interests at heart?
Food for thought.
islands50
2012-04-23 22:13:37
Very good question with very little information available, if you check on the EPA web site, all they are talking about is the larger engines, 600KW and up, but to anwser your other question about the additive, in the trucking industry for the last few years, they have been using it, it is baiscly urine and water, along with a few other chemicals added. the idea is to raise the exhaust temps to over 1500 F. to burn off the particulate matter, and this happens in cycles. This diesel fluid is not run threw the engine, but is injected into the exhaust with fuel.
Cummins, Detroit, use this system, Cat no longer builds an engine for over the road use, also the newer engines do not like the lower engine rpm's, idle to about 1000 rpm give or take a few. I read somewhere if the engine is over 20 yrs old it is exempt, also if there is no retro-fit kit, it is expempt, but please do your own research.