[AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks

Thu Nov 17 21:13:50 PST 2016

While a big, powerful gas engine can pull a large load, the torque
characteristics of a diesel vs. gas makes the diesel much better for fully
loaded operation.  Having to get the RPMs up to get torque makes for a less
satisfying driving experience when loaded.  So yes, it can be done, but most
people who have tried both choose the diesel when pulling heavy loads is a
major consideration.

That is not to say "diesels are better than gas", too many other variables
involved for that.  Particularly now, with diesels changing so much (mostly
due to emissions rules.)  They are much more complicated than they used to
be, which brings in more potential for a bad experience, all else being
equal.  Isn't that one reason we're so drawn to older equipment?  Less
computers, safety interlocks, digital dashboards, and on and on.

I saw a review of a 1 year old Mahindra tractor on YouTube, and while much
of the iron in the machine was old IH castings, the parts that caused
problems were wiring, the "dashboard" panel, and lack of access to simple
things (like the battery, buried deep in front of the engine, where removal
of the entire hood seems necessary for access.)  Then again, while the owner
said it was quite frustrating, he didn't see any alternatives on the market
(40HP, I think) that made him wish he'd purchased another brand, either.

Since the EPA keeps moving the goalposts, the engineers have huge challenges
to keep providing us with vehicles.  Maybe some of that will slow down after
this last election, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Scott in Penfield NY
-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Mike M
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2016 5:38 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks

Not sure about that Dean, the new Dodge dually  with the 6.4 Hemi will pull
in the mid 16K range.

Mike M

On 11/17/2016 4:52 PM, Dean VP wrote:
> I purchased a New 2003 Ford F250 7.3 Liter Diesel and now have 180,000 
> plus miles on it. 10 of the 13 years I pulled a 38' Montana 3400RL 5th 
> wheel with it over 4,000 miles a year in mountains. Only trouble I've 
> had with it other than normal wear items is the Alternator which died 
> in the 1st year.  A gas engine would not have been able to handle the 
> 13,000 lb 5th wheel.  Averaged over 12 MPG pulling the 5th wheel.  
> Could get 20 mpg on open highway if I stayed under 60 MPH.  MY only regret
was that I bought a F250 rather than a
> F350.   I purchased the F250 because it had more towing capacity(equipment
> trailer) than the F350. Didn't consider we would be buying a 5th wheel 
> 3 years later.  The F350 has more payload capacity which id=s the key 
> spec for 5th wheels.  Added air bags to improve the effective payload on
the F250.
> The only difference between a 2003 F250 Camper Special and F350 SRW  
> was an extra leaf in the rear springs. Same engine, transmission, rear 
> axle, brakes, etc.  Would buy a F350 SWR over a F350 Dually.
>
>
> Dean VP
> Snohomish, WA 98290
>
> It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of David Bruce
> Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2016 2:08 PM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group 
> <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks
>
> I determined years ago that my needs were better suited for a gas engine.
>
> Using a new email address in hopes I can reach the list.
>
> David
>
> NW NC
>
>
> On 11/17/2016 3:13 PM, Herb Metz wrote:
>> Good point Grant; don't remember that issue being mentioned in 
>> previous comparisons. Will admit that I don't always seriously 
>> analyze such comparisons.  I will note that I was initially upset 
>> when I found out a couple years ago that my favorite (Dodge Dakota) 
>> pickup did have diesel optional; in Africa. Herb(GA)
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Grant Brians
>> Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2016 2:30 PM
>> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
>> Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks
>>
>> I made the choice last year to buy two Gasoline vehicles (E350 box 
>> truck and Ford Transit) rather than the Diesel versions of each. 
>> Based on the fuel consumption and lower price per gallon of Gasoline 
>> versus Diesel, I made the right choice for us. I must also say that 
>> the E350 will have exceeded 70,000 miles in the year and the Transit 
>> is about
> 37,000 miles!
>> What I do not know is how many miles each will go ultimately, but it 
>> appears that all of the calculations will work out better. A factor 
>> that is killing me that would still be a problem with Diesel is that 
>> the tires last a fraction as long as they used to on all of our vehicles.
>> Tire life has decreased immensely since the 80s....
>>                Grant Brians - Hollister,California vegetable, herb, 
>> edible flower, fruit and nut and seed farmer
>>
>> On 11/16/2016 1:16 PM, charlie hill wrote:
>>> Gil,  I'm late coming to this conversation but I'll tell you what I 
>>> read in a farm magazine many years ago.  The article said if you 
>>> don't drive a truck (pickup or medium duty) at least 50,000 miles a 
>>> year you can't justify the expense of purchase and maintenance on 
>>> the
> diesel.
>>> That was probably 25 years ago and I'm sure the economics have 
>>> changed over time but it's still a point worth considering.
>>>
>>> Charlie
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: vschwartz1 at comcast.net
>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 9:43 PM
>>> To: Antique
>>> Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil
>>>
>>> I want to thank everyone who has commented on this thread. It has 
>>> been a most interesting subject and all comments have been very 
>>> enlightening. At my age I have only thought about buying a diesel 
>>> engine pickup and this subject of conversation has helped make up my 
>>> mind. It seems as though buying a diesel engine is like buying 
>>> trouble unless you really need it for work, I don't. Initial cost of 
>>> a diesel never came into the conversation but I know something about 
>>> the initial cost and normal maintenance costs after the warranty 
>>> expires. I think I'll just drive my 04 Hemi a while longer. It has 
>>> done very well and the overhead on it is miniscule.
>>> Thanks to everyone for their comments and information.
>>> Gil
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