[AT] Canola to diesel

[George Willer]

Mike,

Maybe I was a bit hasty... maybe it's only the auto engines I'm quite
familiar with that aren't true diesels.  They are NOT compression ignition,
a requirement for diesel, as I understand the term.  They have a throttle
plate that restricts the intake severely at low speeds, resulting in
compression ratios far below those required for true diesel operation...
possibly less than 3:1 at idle.  This throttle plate is not to be confused
with the safety plate working like a check valve to prevent the engine from
running backward. 

They require glow plugs for starting and a heated ball pin (acting like a
constant glow plug) for continued running.  A broken ball pin will make the
cylinder unable to fire.  The injectors feed into a pre-chamber containing
both the glow plug and the heated ball pin.  The combustion begins there and
is forced through an orfice into the main combustion chamber.

It's understandable that many Mercedes owners aren't aware of the odd
ignition system since it's unlikely many even consider working on them.  Of
the eight I've owned 6 have been "diesels" and I've completely rebuilt most
of them.

George Willer

> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com [mailto:at-
> bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Mike Sloane
> Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2007 12:50 PM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: Re: [AT] Canola to diesel
> 
> Mercedes aren't true diesels? You have to explain that one, George!
> Mercedes Benz (aka Daimler Benz) probably makes more diesel engines
> (car, trucks, marine, industrial, etc.) than any other single
> manufacturer in the world, and if they aren't "true" diesels, it will be
> a surprise to a LOT of owners/operators. :-)
> 
> Mike
> 
> George Willer wrote:
> > Mercedes has different ideas about diesel fuel... possibly because they
> > aren't true diesels some other concoctions are suggested.  They even
> endorse
> > adding a significant amount of gasoline to the diesel in cold weather to
> > improve starting.
> >
> > George Willer
> 
> --
> Mike Sloane
> Allamuchy NJ
> <mikesloane at verizon.net>
> Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
> Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>
> 
> It's hard to argue against cynics - they always sound smarter
> than optimists because they have so much evidence on their side.
> -- Molly Ivins 1944-2007
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